News
Before the First Freeze: Home Projects to Complete This Fall
Fall is the season of changing leaves, cooler evenings, and getting your home ready for what's ahead. Before freezing temperatures arrive, it's worth setting aside some time to tackle maintenance projects that can help protect your home and outdoor spaces throughout winter. Some tasks only take a few minutes, while others may turn into a weekend project. Either way, addressing potential trouble spots now is often easier than discovering them in the middle of winter. Use this checklist to get started. Inspect Windows and Doors Cold drafts around windows and doors can make your home less comfortable and may contribute...
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Deck and Fence Maintenance Before Winter: What to Inspect, Repair, and Protect
Decks and fences spend the entire year exposed to the elements. Summer sun, heavy rain, changing temperatures, and everyday wear can all take a toll on wood, fasteners, finishes, and structural components. Before winter brings colder temperatures, snow, and ice, fall is a great time to inspect these outdoor structures and take care of necessary maintenance. Whether you're a homeowner getting your property ready for winter or a contractor helping customers complete seasonal repairs, a little attention now can help prevent minor problems from becoming bigger projects later. Start With a Thorough Inspection Before reaching for your tools, take a...
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September Home Improvement Projects: Tools to Help You Finish Before Winter
September is a great time to tackle home improvement projects before colder temperatures arrive. With comfortable fall weather and winter still a few months away, homeowners can use this time to complete exterior repairs, freshen up outdoor spaces, and take care of maintenance that could become more difficult once the weather turns. For DIYers and contractors alike, having access to the right tools can make these seasonal projects more manageable and efficient. Here are a few projects to consider adding to your September to-do list. 1. Refresh Your Deck or Patio After a summer of use, decks and patios may...
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Sloan's Jr. Builders August 2026 - Tea Cup Bird Feeders
This past Saturday, we had the opportunity to host another Jr. Builders event here at Sloan Center. This month, Jr. Builders spent the afternoon assembling and decorating tea cup bird feeders. Each builder started with a tea cup and saucer and ended up with a beautiful feeder that is sure to make any bird's day! These tea cups and saucers were generously donated to us by Kristi Butcher at Re-find Estate Sales in Knoxville, TN. Learn more about Re-find estate sales here: https://re-findestatesales.com/. It is always a great day when we get to spend time with our Jr. Builders at...
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Understanding Exterior Wood Stains and Sealers: Choosing the Right Finish
Wood decks, fences, pergolas, siding, and outdoor furniture add warmth and character to any property, but they also face constant exposure to sunlight, rain, humidity, and changing temperatures. Without proper protection, wood can fade, crack, warp, or absorb moisture that leads to premature deterioration. Choosing the right exterior wood stain or sealer helps preserve both the appearance and durability of your outdoor projects. Understanding the different types of finishes available makes it easier to select the best product for your specific application. Why Protect Exterior Wood? Unlike indoor wood surfaces, exterior wood is exposed to the elements every day. Ultraviolet...