House & Home - 5 Exterior DIY Projects to Get a Home Ready for the Autumn

Before temperatures turns frigid, homeowners can tackle easy do-it-yourself outdoor upgrades that have a big impact on their home exteriors year-round. Investing time themselves brings personal satisfaction, keeps more cash in their pockets, and increases the value of a property.

By using high-performance decorative stone coatings, homeowners can solve problems while bringing an attractive element to many areas of a property. Whether it’s sealing and covering up cracks or adding anti-slip technology to potentially slick, dangerous surfaces, easy-to-apply coatings and architectural maintenance products can make a home safer and more attractive.

“The cooler weather in autumn is the ideal time to work on outdoor DIY projects before the end of the year,” says Peter Daich, president of Daich Coatings. “The minimal effort invested now will be even more appreciated when Springtime arrives and the stunning results are showcased on a property.”

Before starting any exterior project, proper preparation is key. For cracked concrete, Daich Coatings’ Rock Patch^™ is a must-have first step. This pre-mixed polymer/stone formula is ready-to-use straight from the container and serves as a filler, leveler, and resurfacer. Once it dries, homeowners can confidently proceed with concrete projects.

Project #1 – Foundation and Retaining Walls

Refresh ugly concrete, cement, brick or stucco foundation and retaining walls by rolling on SpreadRock^® WALL, an authentic 3-step granite coating system. The high-end speckled stone appearance can be achieved in just one weekend. Once applied, the durable SpreadRock WALL coating system resists water, snow, salt, chemicals, mold, mildew, UV light, impact and abrasion, along with excessive heat and bitter cold temperatures.

SpreadRock WALL comes in nine eye-catching colors to complement a variety of home exteriors, including Anvil, Black Beauty, Brownstone, Flint Grey, Honey Tan, Ice Grey, Mocha, Sandstone, and Sante Fe. One gallon sells for $68.99.

Project #2 – Slip-Resistant Surfaces

Make sidewalks, patios, walkways and other surfaces less challenging during wet weather by rolling on protective coats of TracSafe^® Anti-Slip Sealer. Remember to also close out pool season by using on pool deck surfaces. 

Easy to install by rolling on two coats a few hours apart, TracSafe provides uniform slip resistance in both wet and dry conditions, suitable for bare feet and common footwear alike. One gallon sells for $61.95.

Project #3 - Exterior Steps and Walkways

Self-priming RollerRock^® OPTIMA is an ideal way to enhance exterior steps and walkways. This real stone coating, available in six colors, creates a clean, speckled stone appearance and requires no primer.

Using a Stone Texture Roller, homeowners achieve a rustic, textured, anti-slip surface. Roll on two coats, three to four hours apart, then finish with a clear sealer like TracSafe^® Anti-Slip Sealer the next day for enhanced safety and longevity. One gallon sells for $64.99.

Project #4 - Porches

Create a perfect porch makeover with SpreadRock^® Granite Stone Coating. Use an easy trowel application either vertically or horizontally to get an elegantly authentic speckled granite finish. The real stone composition ensures strong adhesion, flexibility, and long-lasting durability.

Available in colors like Mocha, Anvil, Ice Grey, Brownstone, Flint Grey, Sandstone, and Sante Fe, SpreadRock withstands rain, snow, salt, chemicals, mold, mildew, UV rays, and extreme temperatures. One gallon sells for $54.48.

Project #5 – Pool Decks, Patios and Porches

Made to cover concrete, masonry, tile and other surfaces, self-priming Terrazzo^® Decorative Granite Resurfacer rolls on pool decks, patios and porches for long-lasting beauty. Made with real stone, two coats, applied a few hours apart, yields a beautiful, watertight granite finish.

Seven stunning color options, such as Iceberg, Cafe and Silverado are available to match any style. One gallon sells for $59.95.

“For more than 20 years, our company has offered real stone coating solutions at economical pricing,” says Daich.  “These are not concrete paints. Each product is made of a selected mix of stone in a specialized bonding polymer. This provides a durable, beautiful finish with proven long-term performance against extreme cold temperatures, soaring heat, UV rays, and severe weather conditions.”

Daich Coatings primers and decorative concrete products are available at Amazon.com, Lowe’s^®, The Home Depot^® or online at www.daichcoatings.com.