Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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What Is a French Drain?
A French drain is a type of drainage system used to help prevent flooding and remove excess water from an area. It consists of a trench filled with gravel or rock that has a perforated pipe running through the middle. The gravel surrounding the pipe allows water to quickly flow into the trench, while the…
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What to Know About Maple Hardwood Flooring Before You Buy
Maple hardwood flooring is a popular choice for many homeowners due to its durability, aesthetic appeal, and reasonable cost. However, there are several key factors to consider before deciding if maple is the right hardwood species for your home. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know before buying maple hardwood flooring. Benefits of…
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Veneer Stone vs. Natural Stone: Which to Buy and Install?
Selecting the right stone for your home can be a daunting task. Two of the most popular options on the market are veneer stone and natural stone. But what exactly is the difference between the two, and how do you decide which is the better choice for your project? This comprehensive guide examines the pros,…
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How to Replace a Subfloor Under a Wall
Replacing a subfloor under a wall can seem like a daunting task, but with the right preparation and tools, it can be done successfully as a DIY project. A subfloor provides the foundation for your flooring and needs to be strong and level to support the flooring materials. When part of the subfloor is damaged,…
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How to Replace a Lawn Irrigation Sprinkler Valve
Replacing a faulty sprinkler valve in your irrigation system is an important maintenance task that will help keep your lawn healthy and green. With some basic tools and a little bit of know-how, it can be a straightforward DIY project. Assessing the Sprinkler Valve The first step is to assess the valve and determine why…
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How to Cut Cement Backer Board
Cement backer board is a crucial component in many tile and flooring projects. Properly cutting and installing cement backer board ensures your tiling project gets off to the right start. Learning how to accurately and safely cut cement backer board takes some skill and the right tools, but with a bit of practice, you’ll be…
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How to Paint a House Faster and Easier
Painting a house can seem like a daunting task, but with some planning and preparation, you can get it done faster and easier. Proper prep work and using the right tools and techniques will help speed up the painting process. Here are some tips on how to paint the exterior or interior of a house…
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How to Conduct a Simple Moisture Test on Concrete Floors
Testing concrete floors for excess moisture is an important step before applying finishes or coatings. Here is a simple method for doing a basic moisture test on concrete. What You’ll Need Step 1: Prepare the Test Area First, select an area on the bare concrete floor away from the walls or corners. The area should…
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How to Prevent Outdoor Spigots From Freezing
Outdoor spigots, also known as hose bibs or sillcocks, can be susceptible to freezing and bursting in cold weather climates. When water freezes and expands inside the pipes, it can exert enormous pressure and cause pipes to crack or split apart. A burst pipe leads to costly water damage, so preventing outdoor spigots from freezing…
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How to Troubleshoot Your Lawn Irrigation System
Having a properly functioning lawn irrigation system is key to maintaining a healthy, green lawn. However, irrigation systems can develop problems over time that prevent them from working properly. By troubleshooting issues with your irrigation system, you can get it back to optimal performance. Here is a step-by-step guide to troubleshooting common lawn irrigation system…
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