Concrete and Masonry
Thompson’s WaterSeal Exterior Multi-Surface Cleaner
Best New Products, Concrete and Masonry, Decks and Patios, Painting & Finishing, Repairs and Installation, Video by Jodi Marks
Thompson’s Exterior Multi-Surface Cleaner with oxy-foaming action is formulated to remove dirt, mildew, and other stains from a variety of outside surfaces including wood and composite decks, concrete, masonry, and even some fabrics. Watch this video to find out more. Watch this video.
(694) Room with a View, Part 1
Carpentry, Concrete and Masonry, Doors and Windows, Featured, Today's Homeowner by Danny Lipford
This house on the Alabama Gulf Coast has a beautiful view of Mobile Bay, but the homeowners’ haven’t been able to enjoy it since Hurricane Katrina destroyed their deck in 2005. To remedy the problem, we’re adding a 500-square-foot addition—along with two porches, a deck, and a swimming pool. Read more to see how it was done. Read in full.
White Efflorescence Stains on Retaining Walls
Ask Julie, Concrete and Masonry, Lawn and Garden, Repairs and Installation by Julie Day
Steve asks, “I built a retaining wall out of stackable blocks last year, and they are turning white and chalky-looking. Can you help?”
Those powdery white stains on your blocks are likely caused by efflorescence. As concrete cures, the moisture slowly migrates to the surface of the block bringing dissolved salts and minerals with it. Read in full.
Applying Stucco to the Exterior of a House
Concrete and Masonry, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
Before the stucco can be applied to the exterior of a house, cement board is cut to fit and attached to the walls with screws. Trim pieces around doors and windows are cut from foam blocks with fiberglass mesh embedded in the stucco to give added strength. Watch this video.
How to Build a Stackable Block Retaining Wall
Concrete and Masonry, DIY Projects, Featured, Landscaping & Design, Lawn and Garden, Repairs and Installation by Julie Day
Retaining walls can be a great way to help with erosion and create a beautiful, usable garden space. Thanks to interlocking, stackable blocks, the project can be completed in a weekend. Building a retaining wall is a lot of work, but it’s something most homeowners can handle, as long as you’re able to do some heavy lifting and are willing to get dirty. Here’s what you need to know to build your own stackable block retaining wall. Read in full.
Sidewalk Damaged by Tree Roots
Ask Julie, Concrete and Masonry, Lawn and Garden, Trees & Shrubs by Julie Day
Gloria asks, “I have a tree root that is growing under my concrete sidewalk and raising it up. What can I do?”
You could work around it by replacing your sidewalk with adjustable or movable pavers that can accommodate the growing roots. However, to solve the problem and keep your concrete sidewalk, you’ll need to cut the tree roots and then repair the sidewalk. Read in full.
How to Pour a Concrete Driveway
Concrete and Masonry, Video by Danny Lipford
While expensive, concrete drives are durable and can be given a number of surface textures. To prevent cracking, reinforcement wire is embedded in the concrete, and expansion joints placed at regular intervals. Watch this video.
How to Install a Gravel Driveway
Concrete and Masonry, Video by Danny Lipford
The key to a gravel drive is to make sure you have a good base of well compacted material before applying 4”- 5” of rock or limestone. Edging the drive with plastic, wood, or brick will keep grass from encroaching on the drive and prevent the gravel from spilling over into the lawn. Watch this video.
How to Install an Asphalt Driveway
Concrete and Masonry, Video by Danny Lipford
Though labor intensive, an asphalt drive goes down much faster than concrete, making it much less expensive to install than concrete. Before installing a new asphalt drive, be sure it has a good clay base and is properly graded and compacted so it will drain well. Watch this video.
How to Repair and Seal an Asphalt Driveway
Concrete and Masonry, DIY Projects, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
Asphalt driveways can develop cracks and deteriorate over time. To keep your driveway in good shape, it’s important to clean, repair, and seal it every few years. Here’s how to do it. Watch this video.








