Tools & Equipment
Miter Saws: Everything Homeowners Need to Know
A miter saw (also called a chop saw or drop saw) makes accurate angled crosscuts in wood, plastic, and aluminum. Compound, sliding, and dual-bevel sliding compound miter saws are the three main residential types. Quality 10 or 12 inch sliding compound miter saws cost $250-$650. They last 10-25 years … Read more
Windows & Doors
Double-Hung Windows: Everything Homeowners Need to Know
A double-hung window has two vertically sliding sashes (top and bottom) that both open, allowing ventilation from top or bottom and easy cleaning from inside on tilt-in models. Installed cost is $400-$1,500 per window for vinyl, $800-$2,500 for wood or fiberglass. Quality double-hung windows last 20 … Read more
Walls & Ceilings
Knockdown Texture: Everything Homeowners Need to Know
Knockdown texture is a popular drywall finish created by spraying joint compound onto a wall or ceiling and then flattening (knocking down) the high points with a wide knife while still wet. It hides minor imperfections, adds visual interest, and has dominated U.S. residential drywall finishes since … Read more
Insulation & Energy
Spray Foam Insulation Definition Home Improvement
Defining Spray Foam Insulation: What Homeowners Need to Know TL;DR: Spray foam insulation is a high-performance insulation material sprayed on-site that expands to seal gaps and provide superior thermal resistance. It offers R-value s of R-6 to R-7 per inch (closed-cell) or R-3.5 to R-4 per inch (open-cell), blocks air and moisture, and can re … Read more
