While most every home has and needs rain gutters, they too can catch flying embers and hold them at the base of the roof. Here, we've addressed that vulnerability by placing a fine wire mesh over the top of all gutters, preventing the collection of both embers and leaf liter. From this view, it is possible to see that the elevation of the ember-catching trees protects the elevated deck side of the home. Note that the golden seed heads seen here are from a hydrated, native Deer Grass, not invasive arson grasses like Feather, Fountain or Pampas. Photo: Lesly Hall Photography

The first step of fire defense involves addressing the home's structure, as most homes ignite when embers access the interior of the home or build on the home's dry, flammable materials. The owners have taken a few key steps to address their home's vulnerabilities. They have also engaged the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains to get a free assessment of the home's vulnerabilities as well as its "Zone 0," the first 5 feet around the home. Right now, a deep brick drive at the front of the home provides safe space for fire fighters to work should they need to defend the home.

BEFORE PHOTOS - The fences were rusted to the core as a result of sprinklers hitting them day after day and exposure to the elements. The rusted fences had become both unsightly and unsafe, as they were more vulnerable to being breached by intruders.

Due to its deteriorating condition, the asphalt roll roofing on this ADU required replacement before the Fall rains. Asphalt roll roofing generally lasts only 5-10 years, leading to ongoing maintenance challenges. The original 1×10 sheathing showed significant sagging in several spots, resulting in standing water not suitable for asphalt. Additionally, there was a complete absence of ventilation after improper installation of R-21 fiberglass insulation, leaving no air gap between the sheathing and insulation. A noticeable hump along the center of the roof indicated that the load-bearing wall had been supporting that section since construction, contributing to light sagging between the walls. The old roof was completely removed down to the joists, revealing a solid base for the new installation. The central hump was eliminated by shaving the high point along that line. 2×6 beams were ripped in half then nailed on top of the existing joists, creating a 1.5″ gap for insulation and providing strong attachment points for the OSB sheathing, which was secured with screws to prevent any potential issues with nail heads popping through over the roof’s expected lifespan of over 50 years. The EPDM membrane was then adhered using glue and contact cement along the edges of each sheet, with the ends folded over the roof edges and secured with termination bars. Drip edge flashing was added and taped to ensure a water-tight seal, and EPDM-safe caulking was applied over the seams for additional protection. Finally, all exposed wood was primed and painted. The new roof features a 60mil commercial-grade EPDM rubber membrane, offering a lifespan exceeding 50 years, in stark contrast to the 5-10 year lifespan of asphalt roll roofing. Using two sheets of EPDM for installation streamlined the process, resulting in one single seam across the entire roof, compared to the asphalt roll’s dimensions of 3 feet wide by 33 feet long, which created 8 vertical seams and 9 horizontal seams—significantly increasing the risk of leakage and failure. Wrapping the rubber over the edge of the roof effectively addressed concerns about water infiltration at the edges, an issue prevalent with the asphalt and drip edge interface. Another benefit to removing the splitting 1×10 decking and replacing it with OSB sheathing is the increase in structural integrity, moisture resistance, longevity and consistency. The project successfully transformed the ADU’s roof from a maintenance-prone asphalt roll system to a highly durable 60mil EPDM rubber membrane. By addressing critical structural issues, including sagging sheathing and inadequate ventilation, the team ensured that the new roof not only offers superior water resistance and longevity but also meets higher performance standards for insulation and durability. The replacement process eliminated common weak points, such as numerous seams and poor edge sealing, which were vulnerabilities in the old roofing system. The result is a streamlined, secure installation that provides peace of mind and long-term value, with a lifespan extending well beyond the original roof.

Pro-Tile & Marble, Inc. Tile Backsplash A tile backsplash is a tile wall design that is usually located in high-heat or high-moisture areas in your home, like a kitchen or bathroom. This functional and decorative accent protects vulnerable areas from moisture and staining. Call today 904-731-6471

This beautiful, optimally sustainable contemporary home sits on the steep slope of LA's storied Mandeville Canyon. Because flying embers pose the greatest fire danger to homes, we look first to the fire vulnerabilities of a home then create relevant protective elements in the landscape. Photo: Lesly Hall Photography

"Mesmerizing would be an understatement for this rug. This unique hand knotted original Persian rug will keep your eyes glued to the floor. With the cream as its primary color this stunning rug is a gem in itself. Product Features:- Construction: Handmade Technique: Hand knotted Persian Wool Shape: Rectangle Pile: 0.75 inches Pattern: Oriental Material: Persian Wool Weight: 19.63 lbs Origin of Manufacturing: India Recommended Use: Indoor Eco-Friendly: Yes Shipping: Free Shipping Handmade by skilled artisans enhancing in-depth color and product durability Oriental designed and weaved by hand knotted technique with higher knots per square inches. Soft wool yarn with pile height of 0.75 inches for underfoot comfort Designer area rugs perfect for Living Room, Bedroom, Study Room, Dinning Room, Foyer. Free shipping and quick order dispatch. With quality product we deliver quality services to customers. Weave:- Hand knotted rugs are among the connoisseurs’ and collectors’ favorites, as every knot of the rug is perfected by a skilled weaver’s hands, without any machine's intervention. The quality and cost of a hand knotted rug are determined by the number of knots per square inch, as some fine weaves can take up to a year to create a single master-piece rug. Rugs weaved through hand knotted technique can be designed very beautifully and its sturdiness will be alive for countless years. The price is a bit high but the quality of construction is appreciable. Material:- In the universe of rug-fabrics, wool is considered one of the finest, owing to the touch, feel & practical benefits of this natural wonder-fiber. Wool has many qualities that place it far ahead in the rug-making business – e.g. high durability, warmth, rich look & feel etc. Wool is a pre-eminent choice for a classy rug that can last you for decades. Pile:- The rug is quite thick which make its very sturdy and can bear high traffic without any wear and tear. Its long durability and less vulnerability of inner surface to dust is guaranteed by its high density weaving. Proper Set Up & Care:- The rug is weaved by the expert artisans with high density for its unmatched durability. It can be placed on high traffic areas with proper care. It can be installed over any kind of surface and creases can be removed just by rolling up the rug in reverse order. Floor Protection:- For floor protection, this rug can be used with pads that keep the safety of the floor intact. Be it the stone flooring, wooden or tile flooring, the rug pads will be the best for protection. Cleaning Methods:- It is advised to choose the vacuum cleaning option as the material is wool and the weaving is hand knotted. For any stain, the users can opt for professional dry cleaning method."

BEFORE PHOTOS - The fences were rusted to the core as a result of sprinklers hitting them day after day and exposure to the elements. The rusted fences had become both unsightly and unsafe, as they were more vulnerable to being breached by intruders.

CleanSpace vapor barrier is fully sealed into place to cut off moisture from the vulnerable wooden pieces of the foundation
Example of a garage design in Portland

A Sand Ceremony is a symbol of the union of two individuals, their unique strength, vulnerabilities, histories and families. This sand ceremony box, named Homok Sabbia, was a very special wedding gift for a Hungarian woman and her Italian fiancé. It represents the uniting of their origins, cultures and languages as they combined sand (Homok) from her home garden in Hungary and sand (Sabbia) from the seaside in Italy, during their wedding ceremony. The most beautiful and striking section of the heart wood was selected to create the box; an area with a grain structure that radiated up and out from the bottom, similar to a bouquet of vibrant flowers. The base was created with the natural edge of the walnut sap wood, or new growth, which has a different color and grain structure than the heart wood, the oldest growth. While cut from the same slap of Claro walnut, the two different sections, the base and the box, have their own unique beauty and striking features. The richness of the dark wood and intricate grain patterns were balanced with the addition of pure and striking white Carrara marble from Italy. The central marble heart was hand cut, sanded, polished and then secured in the heart shaped space that had been gently carved out of the glass front. A marble vein was inserted in the base and the narrow lid was also carved out of marble to harmoniously bring the whole piece together. When it arrived in Hungary, the bride to-be wrote us ““It’s sooooo beautiful! Perfect! I’m so happy, I like it more than I imagined!”

This back patio and pool deck in Omaha was exposed to the elements all summer, making it vulnerable to cracking and moisture damage during the upcoming winter months. Homeowners in Bellevue, Papillion, and Gretna often face similar challenges with unsealed concrete surfaces.

A Sand Ceremony is a symbol of the union of two individuals, their unique strength, vulnerabilities, histories and families. This sand ceremony box, named Homok Sabbia, was a very special wedding gift for a Hungarian woman and her Italian fiancé. It represents the uniting of their origins, cultures and languages as they combined sand (Homok) from her home garden in Hungary and sand (Sabbia) from the seaside in Italy, during their wedding ceremony. The most beautiful and striking section of the heart wood was selected to create the box; an area with a grain structure that radiated up and out from the bottom, similar to a bouquet of vibrant flowers. The base was created with the natural edge of the walnut sap wood, or new growth, which has a different color and grain structure than the heart wood, the oldest growth. While cut from the same slap of Claro walnut, the two different sections, the base and the box, have their own unique beauty and striking features. The richness of the dark wood and intricate grain patterns were balanced with the addition of pure and striking white Carrara marble from Italy. The central marble heart was hand cut, sanded, polished and then secured in the heart shaped space that had been gently carved out of the glass front. A marble vein was inserted in the base and the narrow lid was also carved out of marble to harmoniously bring the whole piece together. When it arrived in Hungary, the bride to-be wrote us ““It’s sooooo beautiful! Perfect! I’m so happy, I like it more than I imagined!”

Landmark PRO Roof Replacement – Dublin, OH Installed by Terra Firma Construction LLC Built to last. Designed to endure. This Dublin home received a full roofing upgrade using CertainTeed Landmark PRO shingles, chosen for their enhanced durability, bold dimensional look, and superior weather resistance. The homeowner selected the Weathered Wood — a timeless choice that complements the home’s natural tones and architectural style. ? Scope of Work: Complete tear-off of aging asphalt shingles Installation of CertainTeed’s Integrity Roof System®, including waterproof underlayment, starter strips, ridge vent, and hip/ridge caps Precision flashing around chimneys, valleys, and penetrations Ice & water shield applied in vulnerable zones Final walkthrough with the homeowner to ensure satisfaction and craftsmanship ?️ Why Landmark PRO? Thicker shingle design for added protection and curb appeal Max Def color technology for deeper, richer tones Lifetime limited warranty backed by CertainTeed Terra Firma workmanship guarantee for peace of mind This roof is built to handle Ohio’s toughest seasons — from lake-effect snow to summer heat — while elevating the home’s aesthetic and resale value.

This project is a perfect example of what homeowners in Cypress, Tomball, Champions, and Northwest Houston often face when exterior repairs are completed in stages instead of all at once. About ten years ago, part of this home was re‑sided with a James Hardie product that has since been discontinued. The left side of the house and the right side of the portico were never completed, leaving the exterior mismatched and vulnerable to long‑term moisture issues. Our team was brought in to replace those two walls with the closest possible Hardie‑style profile, blend the new siding with the older discontinued product, repair damaged trim on the front elevation, and repaint those areas along with the entire front façade. The goal was to restore curb appeal, protect the structure, and create a clean, cohesive look despite the mixed materials. Because the homeowner was working within a budget, this phase focused on the most urgent siding and trim repairs. Future phases will include new soffit, fascia, garage siding, and full trim replacement to complete the transformation.

Landmark PRO Roof Replacement – Dublin, OH Installed by Terra Firma Construction LLC Built to last. Designed to endure. This Dublin home received a full roofing upgrade using CertainTeed Landmark PRO shingles, chosen for their enhanced durability, bold dimensional look, and superior weather resistance. The homeowner selected the Weathered Wood — a timeless choice that complements the home’s natural tones and architectural style. ? Scope of Work: Complete tear-off of aging asphalt shingles Installation of CertainTeed’s Integrity Roof System®, including waterproof underlayment, starter strips, ridge vent, and hip/ridge caps Precision flashing around chimneys, valleys, and penetrations Ice & water shield applied in vulnerable zones Final walkthrough with the homeowner to ensure satisfaction and craftsmanship ?️ Why Landmark PRO? Thicker shingle design for added protection and curb appeal Max Def color technology for deeper, richer tones Lifetime limited warranty backed by CertainTeed Terra Firma workmanship guarantee for peace of mind This roof is built to handle Ohio’s toughest seasons — from lake-effect snow to summer heat — while elevating the home’s aesthetic and resale value.

Mediterranean exterior home idea in Toronto

While all exterior building materials are susceptible to expansion and contraction due to climatic changes, concrete and stucco are particularly vulnerable.

A Sand Ceremony is a symbol of the union of two individuals, their unique strength, vulnerabilities, histories and families. This sand ceremony box, named Homok Sabbia, was a very special wedding gift for a Hungarian woman and her Italian fiancé. It represents the uniting of their origins, cultures and languages as they combined sand (Homok) from her home garden in Hungary and sand (Sabbia) from the seaside in Italy, during their wedding ceremony. The most beautiful and striking section of the heart wood was selected to create the box; an area with a grain structure that radiated up and out from the bottom, similar to a bouquet of vibrant flowers. The base was created with the natural edge of the walnut sap wood, or new growth, which has a different color and grain structure than the heart wood, the oldest growth. While cut from the same slap of Claro walnut, the two different sections, the base and the box, have their own unique beauty and striking features. The richness of the dark wood and intricate grain patterns were balanced with the addition of pure and striking white Carrara marble from Italy. The central marble heart was hand cut, sanded, polished and then secured in the heart shaped space that had been gently carved out of the glass front. A marble vein was inserted in the base and the narrow lid was also carved out of marble to harmoniously bring the whole piece together. When it arrived in Hungary, the bride to-be wrote us ““It’s sooooo beautiful! Perfect! I’m so happy, I like it more than I imagined!”