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Building a ground level deck is not as hard as it seems. Ground level decks will need concrete beams to take the place of wooden beams that would be installed in a deck built off the ground.

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Roof leaks can be found where roofs end and other materials start, such as chimneys, valleys, walls or plumbing vents. Cracks or slits in asphalt shingles or missing granules can also be the cause of leaks. Repair your shingles in cool weather when you find trouble spots.

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A trellis or arbor can make a big difference in your garden. Arbors or a garden trellis add visual joy and charm as garden structures. Seeing garden arbors and trellises covered with beautiful flowering vines or roses will make you want to enjoy them in your home garden as well.

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A picket fence creates a traditional look. When you build a picket fence, your obstacles will be zoning laws and specialized saws. Zoning laws tell you where and how you can build. You also need band, radial arm and miter box saws for decorative cuts. Install posts and horizontal beams before placing the 3/4-inch-thick pickets. The design is up to you! Discover some design ideas for picket fences.

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Concrete stains solve the problem of painting concrete to get a great color. Stained concrete can also be re-colored if it has started to fade from wear and tear. To keep the color even you must have a uniform colored concrete surface.

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Your wood deck can look like new. Oxygen bleach will safely clean your deck without harming surrounding plantings. Use a synthetic resin deck sealant to seal your deck. Put your feet up on a lounge chair and enjoy the next few years.

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While the cost of metal roofs is expensive, they make a great roof for a residential home. Metal roof material is fireproof, attractive and wind resistant. You can create a flat or shingled look. Make sure your roofer follows the metal roof installation instructions exactly.

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Decks don't have to be made of wood only. You can find many types of alternative decking material. Virgin vinyl, recycled plastic, plastic resin mixed with wood fibers and aluminum. Sealing many of these materials is not necessary. Read this column to see the pros and cons.

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There are four primary deicing salts for ice and snow removal. Sodium chloride (rock salt), calcium chloride, potassium chloride and magnesium chloride. Each has certain temperatures that it can work with. Magnesium chloride is less damaging to concrete, plants and trees.

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