Ramblings
A Little Backyard Maintenance
Sometimes the most satisfying days of homeownership are spent finishing the little jobs that have quietly waited their turn.
Yesterday was one of those days when I just couldn't get into any one big project. So I went around the yard and did a few of those little jobs that have been niggling in the back of my mind.
I've come to appreciate days like this more as the years have gone by. When I was younger, I always measured progress by the size of the project: building a fence, remodeling a room, replacing a porch. Now I know that old houses are often preserved one small job at a time. Tightening something here, repainting something there, redirecting a little water before it becomes a problem. None of these tasks would ever deserve a weekend television special, but together they're what keep House 173 quietly growing older with a little dignity.
Protecting the Porch with a Rain Barrel Overflow
Years ago someone on This Old House said that water was the worst enemy of a house. Ever since then I worry - just a little bit - when it rains. After shingling the back porch I started worrying about water overflowing the rain barrel and causing damage, so I put in an overflow spigot. I'll attach a length of hose and direct the rain away from the house!
Fixing the Downspout
So, while I had the drill out, I decided to fix the downspout too. When I installed that flexible part, I wasn't paying attention and put it inside the downspout:
I didn't think an "after" picture was necessary, but you get the idea. Now all the water should flow into the rain barrel!
A Small Porch Repair
Then there was this little strip under the trap door on the side of the porch. I tried shingling it, but the pieces were too small and just kept splitting. So I pulled out some scrap plywood, cut to size, now it just needs to be stained (ran out of time to do it yesterday).
Restaining the Fence
So, to get to the side porch for the shingling project, I had to take down a portion of the fence:
Because of all the plants and bushes in that area, it was decided for me (LOL) that the fence should be re-stained before being put back up:
Obviously - then we installed it!
Supervisor Linus
I added this picture just because Linus is so damned cute!
That's it. Nothing fancy, nothing major, but not everything can be a major renovation! Right?
George
I smiled all the way through this one because this is what real homeownership looks like.Television loves dramatic renovations. Real houses survive because someone notices the downspout is backwards, adds an overflow before the next heavy rain, stains the fence before it deteriorates, and finally fixes that little trim piece that's been bothering them for months.None of these projects are exciting by themselves.Together, though, they're the reason House 173 still looks cared for after all these years.And if we're being honest...Linus absolutely stole the show. Every good DIY blog should have at least one employee who gets paid entirely in treats. - The Practical Homeowner
Frequently Asked Questions
Why install an overflow on a rain barrel?
During heavy rains, a full rain barrel can overflow right next to a home's foundation. Adding an overflow fitting allows excess water to be redirected through a hose to a safer location, reducing the chance of water pooling near the house and helping protect the foundation and siding.
Does the direction of a downspout connection matter?
Yes. Sections of downspout should overlap so that water flows over the joints rather than catching on them. Installing one section inside another the wrong way can create leaks, encourage debris to catch, and reduce drainage efficiency.
Why keep up with small maintenance projects instead of waiting for a major renovation?
Small maintenance jobs prevent larger problems from developing. Re-staining a fence, repairing trim, or improving drainage may only take an afternoon, but each one helps extend the life of materials that would otherwise require far more expensive repairs later.
How do you decide what to tackle on a day without a major project?
I usually keep a mental list of small jobs that aren't urgent but have been quietly waiting for attention. When I don't have time, or energy, for a larger project, it's satisfying to spend a few hours checking several of those smaller tasks off the list.
Keywords
rain barrel overflow, downspout repair, backyard maintenance, fence staining, porch repair, old house maintenance, DIY home maintenance, House 173, outdoor projects, rainwater management