Exterior Home Maintenance - 6 Tips to Fix Weather Damages

 

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Maintaining the exterior of your home is crucial, not just for aesthetic value but for structural integrity, especially in a place like Pittsburgh. Known for its challenging climate, Pittsburgh experiences a diverse range of weather conditions, from heavy snowfalls and icy winters to wet springs and sweltering summers. Each season brings unique challenges that can wear down your home’s defenses. Regular maintenance is essential to prevent long-term damage and to ensure that your home remains a safe and comfortable haven against the weather's harsh elements.

1. Addressing Roof Damage

In Pittsburgh, the roof endures extreme conditions that can lead to significant damage over time. Winter storms can cause shingles to break or become loose, while ice dams can create moisture problems that compromise the roof’s structure. It's important to regularly inspect your roof for signs of damage and address these issues promptly to prevent minor problems from becoming major ones.

When roof damage goes beyond simple repairs, it may be time to consider a replacement. For such significant undertakings, consulting with roof replacement experts in Pittsburgh is advisable. These professionals specialize in handling the complexities of roof repair and replacement in the region, understanding the specific needs that arise from local weather patterns. Their expertise can guide you in making the best decisions for your home, ensuring that your new roof is well-suited to withstand future weather challenges.

Looking up the keyword Pittsburgh Roof Replacement experts near me on any search engine will prove helpful in hiring reliable roofers. 

2. Siding Repairs and Upgrades

Siding not only enhances the visual appeal of your home but also protects its structural integrity by shielding it from the elements. In Pittsburgh, where the weather can be particularly harsh, the siding needs to be robust enough to withstand constant exposure to moisture, wind, and temperature fluctuations. Regular inspections can help identify problems such as cracks, warping, or mold growth, which are signs that your siding may need repair or replacement to continue protecting your home effectively.

Choosing the right materials is crucial when repairing or upgrading your siding. Materials like vinyl and fiber cement are popular for their durability and ability to withstand Pittsburgh’s wet climate. Additionally, modern siding materials can offer improved insulation properties, which help maintain your home's temperature and reduce energy costs. Upgrading your siding is not only a maintenance task but an investment in your home’s longevity and energy efficiency.

3. Gutter System Maintenance

Gutters are essential in controlling water runoff from your roof, ensuring it is properly diverted from your home's foundation and landscaping areas. This function is crucial to preventing water-related damage that can compromise the structural integrity of your home. Effective gutter maintenance is especially important in Pittsburgh, given the frequent rain and melting snow. Clogged or damaged gutters can lead to water overflow, which can damage the foundation, erode the landscaping, and lead to water intrusion in basements.

It's advisable to clean your gutters at least twice a year—before the heavy rains in spring and again in fall to clear out leaves and debris. If your gutters are sagging, pulling away from the house, or showing signs of rust and wear, it may be time to call in professionals for repairs or replacement. Ensuring that your gutter system is functioning correctly can prevent a host of expensive and complex problems down the line, safeguarding your home against water damage effectively.

4. Window and Door Sealing

The seals around windows and doors are crucial for keeping out unwanted air and moisture, particularly in Pittsburgh's fluctuating climate. Ineffective sealing not only allows the cold or heat to penetrate your home but also significantly impacts your energy bills by making your heating and cooling systems work harder. Checking these seals regularly for gaps or wear and replacing them as needed is a straightforward yet effective way to enhance your home's energy efficiency.

For those experiencing drafts even after new seals are installed, upgrading to double-pane windows can provide an additional layer of insulation, which is especially beneficial in areas like Pittsburgh. Here, winters can be brutally cold, and summers uncomfortably warm. Double-pane windows help maintain a consistent indoor temperature, reducing the strain on your heating and cooling systems and ultimately saving on energy costs.

5. Landscaping to Protect Your Home

Effective landscaping goes beyond beautification; it can also play a strategic role in protecting your home from weather-related damage. In Pittsburgh, planting trees and shrubs in specific areas can help block harsh winds and stabilize temperatures around your home. Additionally, these plants can assist in managing water runoff, which is crucial during heavy rainfalls, reducing the risk of soil erosion and water damage to your foundation.

Choosing native plants that are well-suited to the local climate can further enhance the protective benefits of your landscaping. These species are more likely to thrive, requiring less maintenance and offering better resilience against local weather extremes. Positioning these plants thoughtfully around your property not only enhances curb appeal but also provides a natural barrier against the elements, helping to safeguard your home year-round.

6. Seasonal Clean-up and Inspections

Regular inspections and clean-up tasks are vital for maintaining your home's exterior integrity. In Pittsburgh, with its range of seasonal weather changes, conducting these checks at least twice a year can prevent many potential problems. Before the onset of winter and again before summer, take the time to inspect your home thoroughly. Look for any signs of wear and tear that might have occurred during the previous seasons and address them promptly.

Engaging professionals for these inspections can be particularly beneficial. They bring an expert eye to the process, often catching issues that you might overlook. Professional clean-ups can also ensure that all aspects of your home's exterior, from gutters to roofs to basements, are prepared to handle the upcoming weather conditions. This proactive approach not only keeps your home looking its best but also prevents minor issues from escalating into major repairs.

Conclusion

Maintaining the exterior of your home in Pittsburgh requires attention to detail and an understanding of how local weather can impact different structures and materials. By following these six tips—addressing roof damage, managing siding repairs, maintaining gutter systems, sealing windows and doors, employing strategic landscaping, and conducting regular seasonal inspections—you can ensure that your home not only looks great but is also well-protected against the elements.

Peanut Butter Pear Bird Suet Cakes

We always have so many beautiful birds in our yard, especially in the spring! I wanted to offer them a homemade treat to welcome them back. I decided to try my hand at making suet cakes. I couldn't believe how easy this recipe was to make that I know you are going to want to make it at home too.

You only need a few ingredients to make homemade bird suet cakes. You might have most of these things at home. If you aren't sure where to buy lard, check your baking aisle at the grocery store. 

Ingredients:

1 pound of lard

1 pound of bird seed

2 cups of peanut butter, crunchy

1 can of pears

Raisins if desired

Helpful kitchen tools:

Parchment paper

Large casserole dish

Directions:

Prepare a large casserole dish by covering it with parchment paper. You might want to overlap 2 large pieces to cover completely and contain the liquid for easy clean up.

Pour half of the bird seed into the casserole dish.

Add a box or two of raisins.

In a saucepan melt the lard, peanut butter and pears together over medium heat.

As the peanut butter and lard begin to liquify, smash the pears with a spoon.

When the mixture is completely melted pour it over the bird seed.

Sprinkle remaining bird seed over the mixture.

Place in the freezer if possible, or in the fridge. 

Allow the mixture to harden and then lift the parchment paper out of the casserole dish.

Use a sharp knife to cut the suet down into cakes that will fit your suet feeder.

Store in the freezer in a ziploc bag until ready to feed.

Birds will love this mix and are sure to flock to your feeder!

This recipe is budget friendly and so easy. You can feed the birds all month with just a few dollars.

Store these suet cakes in the freezer for future feeding. You can also add in other nuts, fruits and seeds. If you know what kind of birds visit your yard you can look up their favorite foods.

You can find other great recipes here:

3 Ingredient Biscuits

Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies

 Golden Graham Cookies (Crumbl Copycat)

Cream Cheese Sugar Cookie Bars

Fun and Creative Kids Activity: Stamping Bunches of Grapes Process Art

 Looking for a fun and creative kids activity that is both educational and festive? Look no further than stamping bunches of grapes with pencil erasers and wine corks! This activity is perfect for kids of all ages, and it can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors.

We love to paint with all kinds of things! From wine corks, to dried flower heads, and everything in between. This easy painting project is perfect for kids of all ages. Little ones will love working on a few bunches or grapes, while tweens and teens can create more elaborate works of art.

What is Process Art for Kids

Process art for kids is a type of art where the focus is on the process of creating the art, rather than the finished product. This type of art is often open-ended and allows kids to be creative and expressive. There are many different types of process art that kids can do, such as:

• Painting
• Drawing
• Collage
• Sculpture
• Performance art
• Installation art

Process art is a great way for kids to explore their creativity and to learn about different art materials and techniques. It can also help them to develop their fine motor skills and their problem-solving skills.

Here are some tips for doing process art with kids:

• Provide a variety of art materials and let kids explore them.
• Don't be afraid to get messy!
• Encourage kids to be creative and expressive.
• Don't judge their art.
• Celebrate their creativity.

Process art can be a lot of fun for kids. It's a great way for them to express themselves and to learn about art. So get creative and let your kids explore the world of process art!

Supplies:

• Purple Paint
• Green Paint
• A paper plate
• A pencil eraser
• A wine cork
• White paper

Begin by stamping one purple dot, then on the next row, stamp two. Repeat thru 4 to 5 rows of grapes.

Repeat until your paper has plenty of purple bunches of grapes. 

Now grab your wine cork and dip into the green paint.

Fill the blank space in between grapes with green dots for leaves. When you are finished your paper should look like this.

So pretty! Let this dry and display it somewhere in the house. You could stick it on the fridge, but this turns out so cute you might want to frame it.

This is a perfect spring or summer craft for kids of all ages. It is easy, and needs no special supplies. I know you will have fun with this process art project.

Find more fun kids craft ideas here:

Pineapple process art

Cork and Button Apple Trees

Here are some process art for kids ideas:

• Painting with natural materials: Gather some natural materials, such as leaves, flowers, twigs, and grass. Dip the materials in paint and then stamp them onto paper.
• Collage: Collect a variety of materials, such as magazines, newspapers, fabric, and yarn. Cut out shapes from the materials and then glue them onto paper to create a collage.
• Sculpting with playdough: Playdough is a great material for sculpting. Kids can use their imaginations to create anything they want, such as animals, people, or objects.
• Performance art: Performance art is a type of art that is performed in front of an audience. Kids can create their own performance art pieces, such as dances, songs, or plays.
• Installation art: Installation art is a type of art that is installed in a specific space. Kids can create their own installation art pieces, such as sculptures, paintings, or photographs.

These are just a few ideas for process art for kids. There are many other possibilities, so get creative and let your kids explore their imaginations!

Fantastic Flower Crafts for Spring

Bloom Where You're Planted: Unleash Your Creativity with Flower Crafts!

Flowers bring color, joy, and a touch of nature's beauty into our lives. But their magic extends far beyond the vase! Today, we're celebrating the art of flower crafts, a vibrant world where creativity blossoms alongside blooming details.

Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just starting your artistic journey, flower crafts offer something for everyone. From simple projects perfect for little hands to intricate designs that challenge experienced makers, the possibilities are endless.

We love crafting flowers. Here are a few of my favorite projects from over the years.

3d Tulips

Ten Cute Tulip Projects

Play Doh Cactus

Sock Roses

Here are just a few reasons to embrace the world of flower crafts:

• Unleash your inner artist: Flower crafts are a beautiful canvas for expressing your creativity. Experiment with different colors, textures, and materials to bring your unique vision to life.
• Embrace mindfulness: Crafting can be a wonderful way to unwind and de-stress. The repetitive motions and focus required in many flower crafts can be a form of meditation, allowing you to find peace and tranquility in the creative process.
• Spread the joy of handmade: Handmade gifts hold a special place in our hearts. Whether you're crafting a vibrant bouquet for a loved one or decorating your home with blooming creations, flower crafts are a thoughtful and heartfelt way to share your creativity with others.
• Upcycle and repurpose: Give new life to everyday objects! From using leftover fabric scraps to crafting with recycled materials like cardboard tubes, flower crafts encourage resourcefulness and sustainability practices.
• Bond with loved ones: Crafting is a wonderful activity to share with friends and family. Get together for a crafting session, teach younger generations the joys of handmade creations, and create lasting memories together.

So, gather your supplies, let your imagination bloom, and dive into the world of flower crafts! With a little creativity and these timeless projects, you can bring a touch of floral flair to your life and the lives of those around you.

Ready to get started? Explore these links, from some of my favorite bloggers for a vast array of flower craft tutorials, or simply grab your favorite crafting materials and let your creativity bloom!

 Paper Roses by Crafting Jeannie

Flower Garden Sensory Bin by Sweet Silly Sara

Tissue Paper and Twig Flowers by Barley and Birch

Paper Plate Sunflowers by The Printables Fairy

Felt Roses by Two Kids and a Coupon

Button Flower Pins by Artsy Fartsy Mama

Fingerprint Flower Pots by Crafts by Amanda

Pressed Wildflower Bookmarks by An Off Grid Life

Water Bottle Flowers by Kid Friendly Things to Do

Paper and Seed Sunflowers by Easy Crafts for Kids

3d Pop Up Flower Cards by Mommy Made That

Paper Sunflowers by The Inspiration Edit 

Handprint Flowers by Little Ladoo

Flower Handprint Card by Simple Everyday Mom 

Pressed Flower Suncatchers by In the Playroom

Cupcake Liner Flowers by A Little Pinch of Perfect

Tissue Paper Flowers by Mom Wife Busy Life 

Egg Carton Flowers by The Boondocks

Mini Flower Wreath by Sustain My Craft Habit

Favorite Easter Recipes

Spring has sprung, and with it comes the joy of Easter celebrations! Whether you're planning a grand family gathering or an intimate brunch, this collection of delightful recipes is sure to add a touch of magic to your Easter table.

From refreshing appetizers to flavorful main courses and light, springtime desserts, these dishes are perfect for creating a memorable feast that celebrates the season. Dive in, explore the flavors, and discover the perfect recipes to make your Easter gathering truly special.

Sweet Potato Easter Biscuits by Vegan Dollhouse

Easter Deviled Eggs by Delicious Table

Asparagus Puff Pastry Tart by Dancing Through the Rain

Mini Stuffed Pepper Carrots by Aleka’s Get Together

Pizza Giana Rustica by Xoxo Bella

Cheesy Zucchini Bake by Cooking With Mammac

Roasted Parm Green Beans by Saving Talents

Roasted Asparagus Cesar Salad by Salads for Lunch

Cheesy Carrot Casserole by Cooked by Julie

Salmon Wellington by Little Ferro Kitchen

Brown Sugar Glazed Spiral Ham by Three Olives Branch

Blancmange Filled Eggs by The Winged Fork

Easter Egg Macarons by Barley and Sage

Mini Egg Brownies by A Grill for All Seasons

I hope this collection of delightful recipes has inspired you to create a delicious and memorable Easter feast. From sweet treats to savory dishes, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So gather your loved ones, embrace the spirit of the season, and let the springtime celebration commence!

You might also like these healthier Easter treats