Home Exteriors
Everything you need to know to make the outside of your home better, more durable and more beautiful.
Review the entire Archive of Home Exteriors Articles here, or do a more in-depth search to find what you’re looking for.
How can I insulate the double-brick walls of my 100-year-old home?
How can I insulate the double-brick walls of my 100-year-old home? One contractor says he can drill holes in the…
How can I remove white pine sap from the 10-year-old cedar deck at the cottage?
How can I remove white pine sap from the 10-year-old cedar deck at the cottage? I’ve tried deck cleaner, scraping,…
Oiling Exterior Wood Easily and Effectively
Is your outdoor wood furniture or deck looking tired? Steve Maxwell explains how oiling your exterior wood is a low…
Q&A: Insulating a Hollow Block Wall
Q: Is it okay to add wall insulation to a hollow block wall by adding a loose-fill fiber product in the block…
How can I restore the lustre of a cedar strip canoe that’s covered in fiberglass?
How can I restore the lustre of a cedar strip canoe that’s covered in fiberglass? The surface is dull and…
SIPs Panels: A Better Way to Build with this Foam Board Product
Steve Maxwell is a fan of structural insulated panels due to the fact that they help ordinary people create strong,…
Insulation R Values: Not What They Seem
An in-depth look into R Values on insulation products from Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man.
Will the condensation underneath the vapour barrier in my basement go away after I install drywall?
How should I insulate a 10 x 14-foot basement space for a wine cellar I’m building? Three walls face soil…
Why You Can Trust Skylights
Read Steve’s explanation about why modern skylights offer a reliable, life-giving addition to most homes.
3M Blue Painters Tape – Masking Tape That Works
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, explains why he believes 3M’s ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape outshines all of the traditional masking tapes.
Creating Dry Storage Space Beneath a Deck
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, explains how one could waterproof the underside of a deck to create a dry storage…
Saniflo Plumbing Product Puts Toilets and Showers Anywhere
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, takes apart a Saniflo macerating toilet to see exactly how it works.
OPEN VERANDAHS: Old-Time Feature Adds More Than Traditional Charm
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, has 3 key tips for building a covered porch or verandah from the metal brackets…
5 Cool Home Features
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, shares five ways in which one can better keep their home cool in hot summer…
Lessons for Canadian Homeowners from the City of Canals
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, traveled to Venice and noticed vast differences in how we live in and manage homes.
Return of the Great Summer Deck Giveaway
Win Great Tools and Great Deck Stain The Great Summer Deck Giveaway is back for a second year, bigger and better…
Deck Finishing Realities
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, suggests exploring low maintenance options before building a deck and to really research your finishing…
Learn to Discern Light Bulb Quality
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, discusses the energy efficiency of LED vs incandescent light bulbs and questions why the latter…
Understanding Energy-Focused Building Codes
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, explains the EnerGuide home building energy efficiency ratings in place in Canada.
Picking Paint Colours Easily
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, raves about Dulux’s Inspirations, a tool that allows homeowners to match paint colours.
Understanding Your Insulation Options
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, lays out a variety of ways to improve your homes insulation.
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Everything you need to know to make the outside of your home better, more durable and more beautiful.