Emily Beach

Hunker Editorial Policies

Hunker uses a knowledgeable team of editors, writers, and experts to create all our content. We dive deep into the ever-evolving conversations surrounding home improvement and design, striving to deliver the most current and helpful tips, strengthened by expert takes and tutorials from our talented team.

As we cover many fields of expertise, we make it a priority to ensure every beat remains fresh and comprehensive. Additional information on our editorial process available here.

Stories By Emily Beach

  • Can You Pour Concrete Over Existing Concrete?

    Pouring concrete over existing concrete sidewalk or patio surfaces is an option if the existing base is structurally sound. You need to start with a clean surface and ensure a proper bond to create a new concrete surface that lasts.

    Read More
  • What Are The Dangers Of Termite Tenting A House?

    Sulfuryl fluoride is a central nervous system depressant, and is highly toxic to humans, animals and plants. You must leave your home during tenting to ensure that you are safe from the effects of the chemicals. Depending on the amount of chemicals used, you may need to leave for longer periods.

    Read More
  • Fiber Cement Siding Problems

    Fiber cement siding can last up to 50 years because of its natural resistance to fire, termites, and rot, but does it have any downsides? Learn more about this material commonly found on older home exteriors.

    Read More
  • How To Lock Double Doors

    When it comes to adding a lock to double doors, one of the first steps is deciding which door will be the active one, meaning the one you use most of the time.

    Read More
  • How To Lock A Bifold Door

    Bifold doors are great space savers but they rarely come with locking mechanisms. For childproofing, use simple zip-tie locks or top-mounting child locks. If you need a more long-term solution, add a surface bolt or a keyed lock, such as a hinged hasp or padlock, to your bifold doors.

    Read More
  • How To Parge Concrete Walls

    Parging gives your concrete walls a fresh look with just a coat of mortar. It sounds simple, but it takes some practice to apply the mortar in an attractive way. Parging also requires some prep work to make sure the walls are ready and the mortar mix will stay put to make the results last.

    Read More
  • Speed Of Wind To Break Windows

    Strong storms and gusting winds can devastate homes and buildings, ripping away roofs and shattering windows. While there's no set wind speed that will break windows, you can figure out how much pressure your windows can withstand by examining the technical performance data associated with your specific window model.

    Read More
  • Gas Oven Makes A Loud Bang When Preheating

    An unexpected noise from your gas appliances may leave you worried about potential fires, explosions and leaks. Banging and other noises from a gas oven are often part of normal operation, but some loud bangs may signal a deeper issue.

    Read More
  • Definition Of Concrete MPa

    Concrete is a building material made from a mixture of cement, water, sand and gravel. Known for its strength and durability, concrete is used to construct buildings, bridges and roadways. To ensure a concrete structure will last, inspectors test the strength of the concrete once it has had time to dry.

    Read More
  • How To Calculate The Amount Of Hardie Plank Siding

    Hardie Plank siding is a fiber cement-based siding product produced by the James Hardie Corp. Built from water, wood pulp, Portland cement and fly ash, fiber-cement siding provides the durability of masonry work while mimicking the look of wood and other materials.

    Read More
  • How To Choose Rivets

    Rivets are a type of hardware used to fasten objects to one another. They are commonly used in building and manufacturing applications, but are also found on items such as clothing and tools. To ensure your rivets will function as intended, it's important to select the correct rivets for your project.

    Read More
  • How To Put Peel & Stick Tiles Down On OSB

    Peel and stick vinyl tiles are a popular flooring option for DIY homeowners. They look like traditional vinyl, but do not require separate adhesive. This makes them much easier to install, and tends to reduce the amount of cleanup required.

    Read More
  • How To Install A Kick Down Door Stop

    The term "door stop" is used to refer to two different types of hardware. It may refer to devices designed to stop a door from hitting a wall, or to devices used to stop a door from closing. A kick-down door stop is really a door holder. It stops the door from closing and holds it open until it is manually released.

    Read More
  • How To Grout Door Frames

    Grout is often used to fill hollow metal door frames in masonry walls. The grout helps to stabilize the frame and increase its durability and strength. It also makes it more difficult for people to break into or out of the building.

    Read More
  • Cedar Vs. Redwood For Fencing

    Cedar and redwood are two popular materials used for fencing. They are harvested from the cedar tree, which grows across much of the northeastern U.S. and Canada, and the redwood tree, which is found primarily on the west coast.

    Read More
  • Ball Bearing Vs. Standard Hinge

    Hinges are hardware devices used to hang and swing a door. They are made from two connected metal plates known as leaves. The edge of each plate forms an interlocking barrel shape that connects to the adjoining leaf. A metal pin is placed through the barrel to connect the two leaves together.

    Read More
  • How To Insulate A Metal Roof

    Metal roofs are made from steel, copper or aluminum panels. They are used in commercial and residential structures to protect against weather and other exterior elements. Metal roofing is one of the most durable and long-lasting roof materials on the market, and can easily last for decades with little maintenance.

    Read More