Category: Homeowners
Home / Carports /
Nov
04

Tired of Scraping Snow Off Your Car? Get a Carport

Get a Carport and Never Scrape Your Car Again

No one likes the chores that come along with winter. Shoveling snow and scraping ice off your car in the morning is probably not the way you want to start your day. Fortunately, there’s a way to improve the value of your home and avoid these hated winter chore.

The reason you have to scrape ice off your car is that water in the air condenses and freezes on the car overnight. If the car is protected from the outside air, however, this isn’t an issue. That’s why a carport is a great addition to your home.

Weather Safety

A carport can keep your car safe from the harsh elements. In summer, that means harmful summer rays that can fade your paint and thunderstorms can’t reach your car. And of course, in winter, the cover of the carport will keep snow and ice from piling up on your car.  By putting your car in a protected space, the likelihood of rust is reduced dramatically. That can not only save you thousands of dollars in potential repair bills, but also increase the resale value of your car should you ever decided to trade it in.

More Storage

By having a covered and protected area of your home that can be used for storage, you will be able to preserve and protect tools and equipment. Large items, such as lawn mowers and ATVs, can be stored underneath the carport safely throughout the winter in a much more secure area than your backyard.

It’s also possible to add a built-in workbench or specialized storage area for tools. This area can be in a separate, enclosed space apart from the rest of the carport, or as an open area inside the carport itself. Many people choose to include a covered and fully-enclosed shed into their carport design, while some of the most complicated designs include small rooms with power and water.

Carports Protect Your Car from Harsh Weather

Increase Property Value

Adding a carport to your property is an easy way to add value to your home. If your home doesn’t have a garage, the car port can offer you a covered, protected area to keep your car, bikes and other vehicles. If you ever sell your home, this will boost the appeal of your home, as homeowners are always looking for a safe place to park and store their things.

Protect Against Thieves

This protected area is also a great way to preserve the value of your car. Parking your car outdoors every night now only leaves it open to potential crime and vandalism. You may also qualify for a discount on your auto insurance by leaving your car in a secure area at night.

If you’re interested in adding a carport to your home, contact Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement.

Oct
21

Protect Your Home from Winter's Wrath With These Simple Chores

Protect Your Home From Winter's Wrath

As fall starts to settle in, it’s hard not to think about the fact that winter is just around the corner. But now that the weather is cooling off, it’s time to start preparing your house for the winter. This means that you need to concentrate on how your house holds in heat and how it will stand up against winter’s snow and ice.

Conduct an Energy Audit

Start by taking a look at how well your house is holding in heat. For many families in Ohio, household heating bills are a major part of the winter budget. The better insulated your home is, the more likely it is that you can keep your energy costs down. While there are plenty of ways to check for air leaks on your own, the most efficient way to do it is to get a home energy audit.

A home energy audit is performed by a professional who will scan your home using infrared cameras and other tools to check for leaks. These audits can also identify other issues, such as outdated appliances or light fixtures that are using too much energy. Because so many households spend the majority of their energy budget on heating and cooling costs, however, these audits focus a lot of attention on the condition of doors, windows and insulation.

With a home energy audit it’s possible to determine the exact locations where heat is escaping from your home. Once you know where these locations are, you can take steps to correct the problem. Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement is capable of making many of the repairs that are suggested by a home energy audit. These include replacing doors and windows, improving weather-stripping and, most importantly, replacing and/or installing insulation in the attic.

Make Sure Your Insulation is Intact

Maintain Your Attic Insulation

Even without a home energy audit, every home owner needs to take time during the autumn to inspect the insulation in their attic and other areas of their home. The heat and stresses on a house during the summer can cause insulation to wear out and become corroded. If you spot any holes or tears in the insulation, it needs to be replaced. Damaged insulation not only allows heat to escape, it also eliminates a barrier between the elements and the structure of a home, leading to maintenance issues later on.

At Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement, we use Owens Corning Blown-In PINK Fiberglas, which installs much faster than traditional attic insulation. It also exhibits superior resistance to heat flow, ensuring superb insulating power that will reduce your energy consumption, saving you money and making your home more eco-friendly.

If you need home repairs or insulation installed before winter hits, give us a call. Your home will be better prepared to deal with the harsh winter cold, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing your home is set and that you’re saving money on your energy bills.

 

Oct
07

It's Time to Start Fall Home Maintenance Projects

Home Maintenance Projects For Fall

Each autumn, homeowners throughout the U.S. face the same seasonal maintenance chores, which, when completed, help ensure a comfortable, worry-free winter. The following are some of the major tasks homeowners should perform as the leaves turn color.

The Outside

Start by cleaning your gutters and downspouts. Check drainage areas for leaves and other debris that might be blocking the flow. If you notice a lot of blockages, now is the time to consider installing gutter guards to make your next round of cleaning easier.

Check your roof or hire a licensed roofer to do so. If shingles are cracked or curling, it’s time to replace them. In some cases, damage might be so severe that you’ll need to replace the entire roof.

While you are outside, take a close look at exterior plumbing. To prevent outdoor pipes from bursting with the first freeze, turn off the valves and run the water until the pipes are completely drained. Wrap heating tape around pipes that run along outside walls as a backup measure.

Take a walk along paved pathways and your entryway and look for any spots that need to be patched to avoid people falling when the area is covered in snow.

Wash your lawn and patio furniture and then store it inside for the fall and winter. This keeps paint from peeling and cushions from fading and cracking.

Change Your HVAC Unit's Air Filters

The Inside

Examine the insulation in your attic to make sure it is properly installed with the vapor barrier facing down. If it is reversed, with the vapor barrier facing the roof, the material will likely attract and trap moisture.

Change all your home’s HVAC filters and clean air filters in clothes dryers and stove vents. Taking this step will improve your chances of getting through the winter without developing sinusitis or upper airway infections as a result of breathing in dust when the heat is on regularly. Hire a professional HVAC contractor to test your home’s heating output and carbon monoxide levels and make any needed adjustments.

Check interior plumbing, repairing or hiring plumbers to repair any leaks before colder temperatures arrive. Drain your hot water heater to make sure rust is not building up inside. If it is, now is the time to replace the appliance.

Inspect your windows, making sure the caulking around window frames is in good shape. If your windows need to be replaced, it is better to do it now rather than wait until the weather becomes inhospitable.

Find all the home improvement materials and products you need at Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement. Our inventory includes patio covers and enclosures, windows, vinyl siding and trim, shutters, roofing and more.

Sep
23

Everything You Need to Know to Make Gutter-Cleaning Simple

How to Make Gutter Cleaning Simple

Don’t wait until the end of autumn to clean your gutters. Save time and aggravation by tackling the job now at the beginning of the season.

Avoiding Problems Later

Once gutters become clogged, the excess water that pours down the sides of your home, instead of into the downspout as it should, begins to penetrate the walls and ceilings. This water can leave stained water marks along your outer walls and begin to rot the wood behind your home’s siding. In some cases, gutter overflow can reach basements where, if allowed to freeze, it can crack the foundation.

Another problem with clogged gutters is that the leaves and other debris that collect in them absorb water, which puts unnecessary stress on the gutters and the brackets from which they hang.  Plus, constant trapped water tends to rust metal gutters. When gutters fall off the house, they usually need to be replaced, which is unexpected expense for most homeowners.

From a human health perspective, clogged gutters can harbor various disease-causing bacteria as well as promote mold and mildew to form along a home’s walls.

Clogged Gutters Could Lead to Water Marks On Your Walls

Timing Your Gutter Maintenance

Most experts agree that gutters should be cleaned twice per year, usually in the fall and spring. This leaves gutters free of debris and better able to handle winter precipitation. An exception to this guideline is when a homeowner lives in an area with pine trees, which shed frequently and bear needles year-round. In this case, the recommendation is three times per year.

It is relatively simple to clean gutters, requiring little more than a ladder, trowel and bucket. However, if you are nervous about climbing a ladder, don’t have time for the project or would just prefer to avoid the hassle, there are many professional gutter cleaners available for hire who can usually accomplish the task relatively quickly.

When to Replace Your Gutters

As you clean your gutters, examine their general condition. If they are rusty or bent out of shape, it’s time to replace them with gutters made of aluminum or other rust-proof materials. Although you should plan to pay more to replace gutters than to hire someone to clean them, bear in mind that many gutters come with 20-year warranties, which makes the initial investment worth the cost. Experts say well-maintained gutters can last as long as 30 years, protecting your home on various levels the entire time.

Find all the home improvement materials and products you need at Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement. Our inventory includes gutters and downspouts, patio covers and enclosures, windows, shutters and more.

Follow us on Facebook

Sep
07

Common Problems When You Try a DIY Deck

Common Problems When You Try a DIY Deck

Many homeowners think that a new deck is the perfect outdoor project. Not only is it quick and easy to put up without any professional help, having a new deck can bring an immense amount of fun and happiness to any gathering. However, there are a number of common problems that people often run into when it comes to building a deck by themselves. The following are just a few of them:

1. Not Knowing the Local Building Codes

In their excitement of building a deck, some homeowners do not do their due diligence by learning about the local building codes that apply to this type of construction. In fact, many localities now require a building permit before any ground is broken on a construction project. A professional construction company such as Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement knows what the local building codes are as they pertain to certain areas. In addition, the permitting part of the building process is taken care of by the construction company.

2. Faulty Design

Every homeowner knows where the ideal location of their deck would be, but is it the best place to build one? Is there a clearance issue when it comes to head space, foliage or other areas of the home that must be considered? At Dayton Home Improvement a free in-home consultation is offered in which a company representative and the homeowner go over any desires and issues that might arise due to its location and design.

Watch Out for Faulty Design with a DIY Deck

3. Incomplete Materials List

It is one thing to think of a deck design. It is quite another to be able to fashion a materials list. This is especially true if the homeowner is inexperienced in building and estimating materials.

4. Complications Often Arise

Many people understandably want their deck to be attached to their home for a look of continuity. This also provides a great deal of security when it comes to inclement weather. Attaching a deck to a home in a safe manner, however, takes a set of specialized tools as well as a great deal of knowledge. Most homeowners find themselves without either of these, making it nearly impossible to do the job right.

5. Choosing the Wrong Fasteners

Some homeowners simply want a straight-forward deck with few bells and whistles. For this type of job, it often does not matter if the fasteners are hidden or not. For a top-of-the line deck, however, having the fasteners hidden often adds to the streamlined and professional look that the homeowner was trying to accomplish.

Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement has been building high-quality decks for the Dayton, Ohio area for a number of years. Give us a call today to setup a free in-home consultation and leave the building to us.

Apr
14

Prep for Spring: Inspect for Pipe Freeze Damage

Water is vital to life and susceptible to freezing and thawing as the seasons change. This happens naturally outdoors; however, water freezing in your home’s pipes can lead to lots of problems: water loss, flooding, property damage, rot, mold and the need for costly home improvement projects. Unfortunately, water damage from pipes that freeze and burst is one of the most frequent claims that homeowners make on their insurance policies.

Hazards of Frozen Pipes

While pipes that freeze and burst are a worst-case scenario, even frozen pipes that don’t burst can be a problem. They are weakened and compromised and could cause problems later in the year. As winter gives way to spring, this is the perfect time to inspect for signs that your pipes have frozen at some point during the long winter.

Frozen pipes that don’t burst still have compromised integrity; they are more prone to leaking, and if they freeze again next winter, they will be more prone to bursting. Burst water pipes can lead to a flooded home and/or basement. Flooding can compromise the integrity of the home and lead to drywall damage, wood rot, foundation cracking and hazardous mold and mildew.

Be Proactive This Spring 

In addition to making sure your home’s roof and siding are in good shape, take the time this spring to inspect its pipes for signs of freeze damage. Some of the signs include bowing and bulging at any point in the pipe, especially at joints or seams. While some signs of frozen pipes will be visually obvious, others will be more subtle and harder to detect.

One way to check for freeze damage is by running your exterior faucets; turn on the faucet quickly and immediately place your fingers over the opening; if you are able to halt the water flow with just this action, this is a sign that your pipes may have been frozen and compromised.

Any signs of a frozen pipe should be addressed as soon as possible. In most cases, replacing the damaged length of pipe and/or joint will restore integrity to your plumbing. An experienced plumber can identify and address frozen pipe issues for you.


How to Spot a Damaged Pipe

Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve

This is also a good time to remind your spouse and older children where the water main valve is for your home. In the event a pipe bursts or leaks at any time of year, shutting off the water flow as soon as possible can help save you thousands of dollars in water damage to your home.

The main water valve should be inspected and tested regularly, especially in older homes. Older gate-style valves can be prone to sticking, especially in colder conditions, so make sure yours is in working order by turning it at least twice per year. You might also consider having it replaced with a more modern, reliable ball-style valve when your home improvement budget allows.

If you suspect you might have frozen pipe damage, contact Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement for fast, friendly service.

Mar
31

Seven Spring Maintenance Tips

After a long, cold winter, you are more than likely thrilled to see the snow melting and the temperature warming up. As spring inches closer, it is important to remember that you are not the only one who took a beating from the harsh winter weather. From falling gutters and cracked sidewalks to faded patios, your home goes through it all. It is important to not only take care of yourself but to also take care of your home once the snow melts away and spring is well underway. Here are seven tips to home improvement and spring maintenance.

1. Update Your Patio

This is one feature of your home that can take a beating from harsh winds and deep snow. Every spring, you should look into repairing and upgrading the parts of the patio that might not be in the best state. Consider putting in stained, molded or painted concrete, outdoor lighting or water features. You should even consider enclosing your patio, which will make it a great spot during the spring and summer and will also help protect the patio itself in the colder months.

2. Check the Gutters

If you get a lot of snow in your area, gutters can become weighed down over the winter. This is the big reason that gutters may start to leak or even fall during the winter season. When it begins to warm up, make sure that you immediately check your gutters for cracks, leaks and falling pieces. Also ensure that the downspout is free of debris such as leaves and trash.

3. Fill In Low Areas

Spring rain can cause flooding, so you should fill in holes and low areas near the foundation of your home. This will help protect against foundation damage and flooding in your house. This will also ward off insects from nesting near the foundation of your home.

1. Clean Gutters 2. Fill Low Spots 3. Check Shingles

4. Examine Shingles

Look and see if any shingles have fallen from your roof or if your roof has any significant damage. Winter winds, bitter cold and snow can crack shingles or loosen them from the roof. Specifically, check around chimneys, skylights and vents for serious damage.

5. Check the Chimney

If your home has a chimney, it is just as important to check it as it is to check your roof. With masonry chimneys, check the joints between the brick or stone to see if any are cracked or have fallen out or if there are plants such as moss or vines growing between them. All of these things are signs of water being absorbed by the chimney. This means you will need to reseal the areas between the bricks or stones.

6. Look Around the Basement

The basement is extremely prone to both insects and water damage. Pay special attention to your concrete walls. Look for cracks that start from the floor and spread all the way up the walls; this is a good indicator of moisture.

7. Clean the Grill

If your grill has remained completely idle during the winter months, it is important to inspect it once the weather warms up. Check the burners and jets for clogs, make sure the connections for the gas are not damaged or broken, and check your propane tank. If you have a charcoal grill make sure it is clean and rid it of soot and leftover grease.

All of these tasks can be difficult for you to do on your home, especially if there are other home improvement projects on your agenda. This is where Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement comes in handy. We can inspect you roof, basement, and chimney and fix what needs to be repaired for an affordable price and with no hassle.

 

Jan
27

Tips to Upgrade Outdoor Lighting with Energy Efficient Bulbs

If you are interested in upgrading the exterior lighting of your home, then you are making a very smart decision. Upgrading your lighting is important for many different reasons, and it can have many benefits. Adequate lighting can keep you safer by warding off possible criminals, as light can be a deterrent. In addition, if you opt for “green” lighting, then you can save substantially on your energy costs. So how do you go about upgrading? Here are some pointers:

Choosing the right bulbs

When upgrading your lighting, it is important to choose the right bulbs for maximum energy efficiency. Which bulbs are the most energy efficient? LED bulbs are a smart, popular choice for a reason. They are free of mercury, they last significantly longer than traditional bulbs, and they are resistant to damage. Here are some energy-efficient bulbs that you might want to look for:

  • GE Crystal Clear Halogen Bulb: This bulb can be dimmed and will last 1,000-1,500 hours.

  • Philips Energy Saver Mini Twister: This bulb is attractive and has received the Good Housekeeping seal of approval for maximum energy efficiency.

  • Philips Ambient LED: This bulb has also received the Good Housekeeping seal of approval and claims it could possibly last more than 20 years!

If you’re not sure where to purchase your bulbs, then the helpful and knowledgeable staff at Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement can refer you to the best sources. With several years of experience providing customers with top-notch customer service, and with service and installation available, Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement can answer your questions and assist you with beautifying your home.

Don’t forget the fixtures

When upgrading your lighting, you want to be sure to include the fixtures in your project. Whether you spend time outdoors at night or you simply want to improve the appearance of your home, light fixtures can create a beautiful, elegant look. Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement can assist with the installation of your fixtures as well as many other aspects of making your home more attractive.

So if you have decided to upgrade the exterior lighting of your home, hopefully this guide will help you to make the best choices. By choosing the most energy-efficient bulbs as well as the most attractive fixtures, your upgrade project can be a true success. Not only will you save money on energy costs, but the right fixtures can improve the appearance of your home in a dramatic way.  

 

Jan
20

4 Ways to Make Your Home Greener

If you're currently mulling over home upgrade possibilities, you should consider going green. Green home improvement projects will not only keep utility costs down, but also they will make your home more attractive to potential buyers when the time comes to put it on the market. Consider the following ways to cut energy costs and improve you home's livability quotient.

Replace Your Roof

If it's time to replace your roof, using certain materials can keep energy costs down substantially. If you live in a region that enjoys a warm climate, roofing material that reflects sunlight will help keep your home interior cool during the hot season. On the other hand, cold climate dwellers can help their homes stay cozy by using roofing materials in dark colors that absorb interior heat.

Xeriscape Your Landscaping

Xeriscaping simply means choosing landscaping plants and materials that have a low environmental impact, particularly when it comes to water usage. You are probably already aware that municipal water bills have gone up substantially in most parts of the country during recent years. The days of cultivating high maintenance lawns is over for most homeowners. Native plants, rock gardens, and easy-care ground covers are rapidly replacing the traditional American lawn.

Install a Tankless Water Heater

Hot water costs account for roughly one-third of the household utility costs of the average American household. Having a tankless water heater installed can cut these costs dramatically because tankless water heaters heat water as it is used rather than keep it hot constantly in a large tank. Although tankless water heaters are somewhat expensive, you will probably recover the costs in lower utility bills, and you may be able to get a tax break if you purchase a water heater that qualifies under the federal government's Energy Star program.

Have an Energy Audit

Having your public utility company perform an energy audit on your home will identify its weak spots and point to the best ways that you can save on energy costs. Keep in mind that although there are many excellent ways to implement green home improvement strategies, there are no one-size-fits-all solutions for saving on energy costs because every household is different. For instance, a tankless water heater may not be the best investment for a senior citizen who lives alone, but it will definitely help large families to keep energy costs down.

 

 

 

Dec
23

4 Excellent Ways to Add Value to Your Home

Owning your own home is a great goal to accomplish.  And if you’re looking for ways to add even more value to it, take comfort in knowing there are many home improvement options for you to take advantage of.  Best of all, you can carry out one improvement at a time, which is perfect if you’re on a budget.  

Patio Enclosure

Patio enclosures are perfect for a variety of reasons.  They can be used as rec rooms, home offices, fitness rooms, and much more.  The exact cost of adding on an enclosed patio will, of course, be based on the materials used, contractor expenses, and the size of the patio.  On average, though, homeowners spend anywhere between $9,660 to $15,027 when adding on a patio enclosure.  While this might seem a bit pricey, it’s important to note that the value of a home will significantly increase with this addition. 

Roof Replacement

Another excellent way to add value to your home is by replacing the roof.  There is an assortment of roofing materials to choose from, but it will depend on the structure of your house as well as climate factors that determine the best type to use.  Here at Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement, we can help you pick out the best roofing material for your home.  The average roof replacement costs about $12,000; however, higher-end materials and larger homes can cost $25,000+.  

Sun-room Addition

This home improvement option is quite similar to an enclosed patio, but there are a few differences to consider.  Sun-rooms are usually enclosed within three walls that are almost completely made of windows.  This allows for optimal sunlight to enter into the room, and at nighttime, you’ll be provided with impeccable views of your outside landscape, including the stars.  

Hardware Replacements

From replacing the faucets in your bathroom to the knobs on your kitchen cabinets, this extremely cost-efficient home improvement can add several hundred to thousands of dollars to your home’s value.  Best of all, hardware replacement is often a task that you can perform yourself. 

The Takeaway

You don’t have to empty your bank account to add value to your home.  With quality services from an experienced contractor, you can be well on your way to boosting your home’s amenities and value at the same time. 

CALL | 937-435-2000
FaceBookgoogle plusLinkedinYouTube
© 2020 Dayton Home Improvement Center, Inc. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy