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Knowledge Center
Trust the pros at McCoy's to share all the handy insider information.
The Eternal Debate: Cement vs. Concrete
Who hasn't entered their opinion in the classic debate: is that cement concrete? Whether you’re admiring a new patio or sneaking your initials into a fresh sidewalk, you first have to determine what that substance is—cement or concrete.
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PVC Hacks to Make Your Project Easier
PVC pipe is a popular choice for a wide range of projects as it is easy to work with, long-lasting, and cost effective. However, as any avid DIYer knows, you must get creative when projects don’t go as planned. Before your next project, add these PVC tips of the trade into your back pocket. But first, let’s look at what PVC is.
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What's the Difference Between Tree Trimming and Pruning?
Trimming trees doesn’t have to be as much of a chore as you think. With regular attention to your property’s landscaping, including your trees, you can keep it looking beautiful and the plants happy and healthy. Here's how to get started trimming trees, and everything you'll need to keep them healthy year after year.
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7 Surefire Ways to Insulate Your Home for All Seasons
In our region, we see temperatures ranging from pretty cold to really, really hot. But even if it's uncomfortable outside, you can keep your home consistently comfy for all seasons. From your attic to your garage, our best insulation tips can save you
money and be tackled in just one weekend.
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Electrical Tools for the DIYer
While it’s probably a good idea to call an electrician for major electrical work, a proficient DIYer should still have a well-stocked electrical tool belt for minor repairs or renovations. Need to add a new outlet in your work shed or simply fix
some loose wire connections? The proper tools and safety equipment will help you get the job done efficiently and safely.
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All About Windows: Things to Know Before You Buy
How can anything be "double hung"? Glazing? Isn't that for a doughnut? When you get right down to it, there are a surprising number of things to know about windows before finalizing your dream home or fixing up the results of that foul ball. Windows vary
in how they open, what they’re made from, their glazing, and even how they’re installed. With so many choices, knowing where to start might feel overwhelming. Follow our guide when you’re on the lookout for beautiful windows.
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Back to Basics: Framing Terms
When you are building or renovating a home (or even a barn or shed), whether you are a DIYer or you simply need to "speak contractor", it's essential to know basic construction framing terms. From floors to walls, ceilings, and roofing, framing is critical to your home's durability and longevity. So, let's look at some house framing terms to help you understand just what your contractor is saying.
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Door Locks: Pick the Right Protection for Your Home
Typically, after we lock a door, we don’t think about it again until it’s time to unlock it. After all, locks are supposed to provide us with security, protection, and privacy. At McCoy’s, we want to help you find the perfect lock for
your home, one that suits your budget, your style, and your security needs. We believe you should depend on that lock, like you depend on us. We want you to have that security with every lock from the front door to your tool shed.
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Build a Better Barn or Shed with Corrugated Metal
Safety and health for your pets or livestock in whatever animal shed or barn you have are important. Corrugated metal siding and roofing provides protection for your animals with its durability and longevity. Find out more about what makes corrugated
metal a great choice for your barn or shed.
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Understanding the Types of Siding
When you’re looking for a big boost of curb appeal to your home, you can’t go wrong with a refresh to your siding or starting out in your new home with great siding. But where do you begin? Choosing the right type of siding for your home doesn’t have to be a chore. Instead, at McCoy’s we help you understand the benefits of each type of siding so making the best choice for your home is easy.
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3 Signs It's Time to Re-Caulk
Caulk is one of the most important elements in your bathroom or kitchen. It prevents water from ending up where it shouldn’t be. Often, though, caulk is one of those things we set and forget. Here are a few ways to know when it’s time to replace
your caulk.
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Beat the Heat with an Energy-Efficient Home
Saving energy and keeping your home comfortable go hand-in-hand. Fortunately, there are many ways to maximize your home’s efficiency in the summer. Keep your home comfortable and save money, too, with these energy-efficient tips.
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How to Prevent and Fix Warped Wood
Don’t let warped wood derail your DIY project. Prevent misshapen and twisted lumber with proper storage and these tips and tricks to fix those crooked boards.
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Different Types of Cleaning Products
Whether you are looking to deep clean your home or wanting to keep your newly re-modeled kitchen spotless, deciding which of the different types of cleaning products to get can seem like a chore itself. After all, how all-purpose is all-purpose cleaner
anyway? Choosing the right cleaner gets the job done on the first try without spending money on a bunch of different products and making that carpet stain worse.
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What Fertilizer to Use for a Beautiful Yard
With a little planning, a beautiful and healthy yard can be yours this year. The first step is figuring out what fertilizer to use and understanding when and how to apply it. McCoy’s has the products and information you need for a yard your neighbors
will envy. So, what is fertilizer and why is it important?
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Light Bulb Types: How Do You Choose?
Light bulbs are a household essential. You’d think buying them would be simple! But, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the large number of different light bulbs available. How do you choose the light bulb type that's right for you?
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Good Subflooring is Key
If you want beautiful and quiet floors, get to know your subfloors. For pier and beam foundations, whether in your new garden shed or in your home, no one wants a squeaky or sagging floor. If you’re building a new floor or renovating what you have,
understanding what is beneath your feet is the key to getting squeak-free comfort for years to come.
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Shine the Right Light on Your Home Security Lighting
Proper home security lighting deters unwanted visitors and lights up the night. Discover the right way to set up your security lighting system with McCoy’s.
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Gas vs. Electric Chainsaw: Which One for Your Project
If you have a job that requires a chainsaw, you might be wondering: is a gas or electric chainsaw better? Chainsaws are great power tools to cut down trees, cut up firewood, or prune back that tree limb hanging a little too close to your roof. Whatever
your outdoor project, ensure you have the right chainsaw for the job to stay safe and get the most out of your tool.
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Why You Should Prime Before You Paint
Have you ever wondered how professional painters get that incredible coverage with paint, even if they are painting a light color on top of a dark wall? There is one key ingredient to their success that can take your DIY paint project...
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Holding Tight: Nails vs. Screws
Nails or screws: the random one in your junk drawer may not work for your project. Fortunately, McCoy’s can help you find which one is right for your next DIY.
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Electrical Boxes: Know Your Power
Need a new outlet for your DIY shop or a new light fixture for your bathroom? You’ll likely step into the world (or aisle) of electrical boxes. Electrical boxes are an integral part of your home’s electrical system and choosing the right one
helps ensure that system remains safe. A major remodel like adding on to a room or a smaller job like adding in some new switches, each require different boxes. Let us help you narrow down the options before you head to the electrical aisle.
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The Eternal Debate: Cement vs. Concrete
Who hasn’t entered their opinion in the classic debate: is that cement or concrete? From admiring a new patio to sneaking your initials into a fresh sidewalk, good cement (or is it concrete?) is a key ingredient for many home improvement projects.
But first you must decide what you need, cement or concrete.
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How to Find Your New Water Heater
Cold showers? Weird popping noises? Rusty water? Odds are you might need a new water heater. When it comes to water heaters, you have many options to choose from. Do you need a bigger tank? How about even a tankless option? Let us help you determine your
new water heater for reliable hot water.
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Garage Organization Systems for Messy Garages
Storage area? Workshop? Play space? A parking spot? If your garage is serving double -- or even triple -- duty, then you've probably got A LOT of stuff in there. And it can get out of control fast.
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Your Guide to Exterior Wood Stain
Exterior wood stain is a great option to spruce up a shabby backyard deck or help weatherproof your fence. Not only will staining your exterior wood surfaces make them look nice, but most products will also protect the wood against the elements. Even
a big job like a fence can be easier that you think with the right tools. Before you start staining, make sure you have what you need to make your deck, fence, or even siding look great and stay protected.
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7 Home Window Upgrades for Old Windows
Installing new or replacement windows can be an expensive project, not to mention the headaches that come with the current supply chain problems. Fortunately, you can upgrade your home windows on a budget to spruce up the interior and exterior of your
home. Follow these wallet-friendly improvement tips to get added curb appeal and new life into old windows.
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Backyard Lighting That Shows Off Your Whole Property
Adding backyard lighting is about more than just enabling you to see your way at night. The right lighting can make an artistic statement in your favorite relaxation spot and even improve your home’s security. You can choose to add backyard lights
to illuminate your home’s architecture, your favorite trees and landscaping, to add some mood lighting, or, yes, to make sure you don’t stumble in the dark. Here’s how you can make backyard lighting work for your home.
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