Pro Advice Page 3 - Pro Home Improvement

Checking Your Sprinkler System

Spring Maintenance - Average read time: 3 minutes

It seems like spring may never arrive here in Michigan, with the late snow and ice we’ve seen recently. But if we’re allowed to be optimistic for a minute, we need to remember the upcoming spring weather and maintenance that we need to do to prepare. One of the most common issues with spring weather…

What is the best way for locating a roof leak?

Ask a Contractor - Average read time: 2 minutes

There are watermarks forming on the ceiling of my mother’s house. Would this be because of a roof leak and if so, how can I figure out where it is?

Sarah L. – Ferndale, MI

Hey Sarah, Spring in Michigan means rain which means if you have any leaks in your roof, they will begin to make themselves known. The watermarks you notice appearing somewhere on your ceiling are a clear sign of a leak. However, because of insulation or other diversions, the source of the leak may be far away…

Quick Fix - Average read time: 2 minutes

Your windows let in beautiful views and sunlight, but they can also lead to leaking and draftiness if they aren’t caulked in properly. Caulk is used around the exterior joint between your windows and the exterior siding or brick to fill in the gap. If a gap were to remain, bugs, water, and wind could…

Checking Your Home’s Foundation

Spring Maintenance - Average read time: 3 minutes

Foundation problems are a big deal – they can lead to some of the most costly repairs you could ever make to your home. Potential buyers will surely steer clear of any house that has foundation problems, so what can you do to prevent issues with your foundation from arising and how can you check…

Repairing a Door With Stripped Hinges

Ask a Contractor - Average read time: 2 minutes

Hey Pro,

I recently had my kids swinging on the back door of my home, and they ripped the screws holding the door hinges up right out of the wood! Is there a way to remedy this without replacing the door frame?

Sharon Miller – Westland, MI

Sharon, Stripped hinge holes on door frames are a common occurrence. Especially when there are kids in the homes, I have two myself and I know they are not delicate when it comes to using handles. After years of stress, hinges can come right out of the wall! It can be frustrating, but it doesn’t…

Quick Fix - Average read time: 2 minutes

Springtime is coming! We are less than a month away from the first day of spring, and with it come all of the amazing smells of budding trees and flowers. Your sliding screen door or screen patio door is a great way to be able to enjoy the upcoming weather, but not if it has…

The Facts About Ice Dams

Roofing Maintenance - Average read time: 4 minutes

What Are Ice Dams? Ice dams are formed when heat from the inside of a home escapes into the attic and warms the roof decking during the winter. This heat, combined with heat from the sun, can melt snow on the roof. Melting snow on the upper roof and in the valleys then runs down…

7 Questions for your Insulation Contractor

Insulation Advice - Average read time: 3 minutes

Hiring the best insulation installer can provide a huge relief to your budget, your comfort and your peace of mind. Why? Because insulation installation is complicated, but if done right, can provide you with years of increased energy efficiency, savings and better comfort in your home. Most contractors will say they install insulation, but it’s…

Preparing to Insulate Your Attic

Insulation Advice - Average read time: 3 minutes

Rather than giving a specific “how-to”, we’ll just lay out the fundamentals. From there, you can apply these concepts in a manner that makes the most sense for your specific home.

The Pro Home Fall Guide to Gutters

Gutter Maintenance - Average read time: 2 minutes

If you are not prepared for the fall season in Michigan, your gutters could be in trouble. Gutters are a necessary part of making sure your home’s foundation stays as dry and stable as possible. They aren’t just for keeping rain off of your head. But gutters installed without excellent gutter guards can be a…