With unique and majestic forms that add character to the Northern California landscape, it’s no surprise that Bay Area residents love their oak trees. However, due to rising concerns about the health of indigenous oaks—particularly the recent epidemic of sudden oak death—many property owners have gone on the defensive and become more proactive about preventative maintenance. While this is certainly a positive trend, some people fail to realize that oak trees tend to require minimal maintenance, which means overdoing it can do more harm than good. Read more

Hoping to benefit from attributes like increased longevity and energy savings, many homeowners are making the switch from traditional water heaters to tankless models. For some, however, the costs of conversion and installation are prohibitively expensive, while for others the estimated financial returns of going tankless are too minimal to make it a viable option. In either case, a more cost-effective alternative is to maximize the life of your current water heater. Read more

Watch this video for some helpful tips about cleaning and maintaining carpet, rugs and floors. Read more

When it comes to window frames, wood is one of the most popular choices among homeowners. Functioning on both aesthetic and functional levels, wood enhances a home’s visual beauty while acting as an effective insulator. However, unlike other options like vinyl and fiberglass, wood window frames require ongoing maintenance to keep them looking beautiful and functioning properly.

Since wood is a natural substance, its porous quality renders it vulnerable to degradation from outdoor elements like UV rays and moisture. Untreated wood products that are exposed to excessive sunlight are subject to rapid deterioration, causing discoloration as well as cracks that enable moisture to enter, which often results in the proliferation of mold and other fungi. Read more

If installed properly, most roofs will last for decades without having to be replaced, but to extend the life of your roof and ensure it won’t break down prematurely, it’s still a good idea to adhere to a regular maintenance schedule. To maximize the efficiency of your roof, consider the following maintenance tips (if conditions make it unsafe to perform these maintenance procedures yourself, contact a professional):

Inspect. Thoroughly scan your roof for any signs of damage, warping or discoloration. Spray the roof with a hose and identify potential trouble spots by making a note of where water collects. Also, pay immediate attention to missing or damaged shingles, spots where there’s noticeable bubbling and places where the roof material is actually lifting. Read more

Washing your windows properly can be trickier than it sounds. Watch this video for some helpful tips. Read more

One reason vinyl fences are so popular is because they’re essentially maintenance-free after they’re installed. However, there are still simple steps you can take to ensure your vinyl fence maintains its appearance and efficiency for many years:

Clean the fence regularly. Mix a bit of non-abrasive household detergent with water, gently sponge away any grime and spray the fence down with a hose. Most greasy or oily stains can be easily wiped away with mineral spirits and a soft cloth.

Check the fence’s stability. No matter how securely your vinyl fence has been installed, sometimes freeze, thaw cycles and other natural forces can loosen its posts. It’s a good idea to periodically walk the fence line and make sure everything is still firm and straight. Read more