If you live in Amherst or anywhere in Southern New Hampshire, you already know that our climate is not easy on homes. What many homeowners don't realize is how dramatically freeze-thaw cycles affect outdoor structures like decks, patios, and porches over time.
When temperatures repeatedly move above and below freezing, wood expands and contracts with each cycle. Over a few seasons, this causes fasteners to loosen, boards to cup or warp, and structural connections to weaken. It's one of the main reasons why material selection matters so much in New Hampshire &mdash; composite and PVC decking materials are specifically engineered for dimensional stability through these temperature swings, unlike traditional pressure-treated wood.
Footing depth is equally important. Any deck or patio footing set above the local frost line is vulnerable to frost heave, where frozen ground shifts upward and tilts or cracks the structure above it. New Hampshire's frost line runs deep &mdash; typically 48 inches or more in Hillsborough County &mdash; which is why proper foundation planning at the design stage has a lasting impact.
Drainage around patio slabs and porch footings also deserves attention. Water that pools near a foundation during spring thaw and refreezes can accelerate heave damage year over year. Grading the surrounding ground so water flows away from the structure is a simple but critical step that often gets overlooked.
For anyone planning an outdoor project in Amherst, these are the foundational questions worth asking before any material is selected or any ground is broken. Villandry Home &amp; Outdoor Living 165 Baboosic Lake Rd, Merrimack, NH 03054 603-437-2750<a href="https://villandryhome.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow"> https://villandryhome.com/</a>

Hillsborough County

Tony Schinella

Boston Metropolitan Area

Merrimack

New Hampshire

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If you live in Amherst or anywhere in Southern New Hampshire, you already know that our climate is not easy on homes. What many homeowners don't...

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Let us know if you would like a United States 250th anniversary certificate! For the celebration this year we will be creating and awarding the certificates to all babies born this year. We think it&rsquo;s a very cool addition to the lineup of activities for the celebration! &nbsp; If interested please reach out to myself or the Merrimack Historical Society. My email is <a href="mailto:shaynealbuquerque@gmail.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">shaynealbuquerque@gmail.com</a>.

Having a BABY in 2026 in Merrimack? 

Let us know if you would like a United States 250th anniversary certificate! For the celebration this year we will be creating and awarding the...

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Coins, Currency, Gold and Silver
We invite you to New England's Biggest Money Show!
Since 2003, our show has grown into the...

New Hampshire Coin and Currency Show

New Hampshire Coin & Currency Expo

Join us for Easter Sunday Services at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd!

Easter Sunday Services 8am and 10am

The countdown is on... and fundraising is LIVE! The Animal Rescue League of NH's Shelter Slumber Pawty crew is gearing up for...

Shelter Slumber Pawty! Fundraising is NOW LIVE!! Help the animals reach their $20k goal!

To begin your Kitchen or Bath Renovation, visit our Showroom

Custom Bath of Nashua

Free measuring at your home, Free typed detailed itemized price quote, Free computer rendering. We have our own 22 workers to avoid sub-contractors who may be unreliable. Our design work is free also. At our Nashua showroom you’ll see: 12 installed showers with tubs, glass doors, bath vanities and cabinetry. Luxury vinyl flooring, large selection of tiles for shower walls and tiled flooring. Radiant electric heated floors, kitchen cabinets both custom and semi-custom, quartz and granite counter tops.

Free measuring at your home, Free typed detailed itemized price quote, Free computer rendering. We have our own 22 workers to avoid sub-contractors...

Hill Brothers Painting & Contracting, LL

This winter has people feeling the "Winter Blues" and we would like to help brighten your home projects with a fresh coat of paint. Please call Hill Brothers Painting &amp; Contracting LLC for a reasonable free quote on your home needs. Anything from painting to small repairs, we can help you out!!

This winter has people feeling the "Winter Blues" and we would like to help brighten your home projects with a fresh coat of paint. Please call...

Your Local Flooring Experts in Nashua, NH

FloorMe!

Located at 520 Amherst Street, Ste. 1 in Nashua, NH FloorMe! is your one-stop shop for quality flooring in Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts. Our expert team brings over 20 years of experience helping homeowners find the perfect floors to match their style, lifestyle, and budget. Whether you’re looking for hardwood, luxury vinyl, tile, or carpet, our in-house design consultants are here to guide you every step of the way—from selection to installation. We offer free in-home estimates and work hard to track down exactly what you need—even if it’s not in our showroom. Why choose FloorMe!? - Friendly, personalized service from knowledgeable staff who truly care about your satisfaction - Wide range of flooring options for every budget - Expert installation services for a perfect finish - Convenient location with service to communities within an hour of Nashua, including Manchester, Merrimack, Salem, Concord, Lowell, and more! No matter if you’re refreshing a single room or updating your entire home, we’re ready to “floor” you with exceptional service from start to finish!

Located at 520 Amherst Street, Ste. 1 in Nashua, NH FloorMe! is your one-stop shop for quality flooring in Southern New Hampshire and Northern...

Nashua’s Trusted Home Remodeling Experts

Blackdog Design/Build/Remodel

Looking for expert home remodeling in Nashua, NH? Blackdog Design/Build/Remodel has been Southern New Hampshire’s go-to design-build contractor for over 35 years. Our award-winning team specializes in kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, home additions, and whole-home renovations — all delivered on time, on budget, and with an exceptional client experience. At our Nashua design-build showroom, you’ll find innovative design ideas, quality products, and expert guidance to bring your vision to life. From initial concept to final walkthrough, we handle every detail — ensuring a smooth, stress-free process and results you’ll love for years to come. Our Nashua Remodeling Services Include: - Kitchen design and remodeling - Bathroom renovations - Home additions and expansions - Whole-home remodels - Custom cabinetry and built-ins Proudly serving Nashua, Merrimack, Hudson, Amherst, and surrounding Southern NH and Northern MA communities, Blackdog combines craftsmanship, creativity, and integrity in every project.

Looking for expert home remodeling in Nashua, NH? Blackdog Design/Build/Remodel has been Southern New Hampshire’s go-to design-build contractor for...

The NP Edge, LLC Medical/Psychiatry/Wellness Practice

Dually certified Nurse Practitioner offering medical weight loss, bioidentical hormones for men/women, Psychiatric medication management and therapy. We offer integrative care to alleviate symptoms, strive for optimal not normal lab results using traditional medications as well as high quality nutraceuticals. Let's get to the bottom of why you feel the way you feel. We are located at #14 inside The Wellness Seed.

The NP Edge, LLC Medical/Psychiatry/Wellness...

Dually certified Nurse Practitioner offering medical weight loss, bioidentical hormones for men/women, Psychiatric medication management and...

Auria Wellness

Auria Wellness is a yoga studio and wellness center where ancient wisdom meets modern healing technology. With inspiring instructors that make you feel at ease and welcome while you begin your health journey, Auria Wellness offers group yoga classes, private healing sessions, healer trainings and certifications as well as specialty workshops to support your highest health and greatest good. From spirit to science we are here to support you stepping into the healthiest and highest vibrational body, mind, heart and soul possible. Auria Wellness offers a unique mix of sacred and holistic healing arts along with modern technology to support your full spectrum healing journey. We offer personal Healing Sessions utilizing energy therapy, reiki, sacred healing arts, breathwork, hypnosis, sound, crystalline and vibrational therapies plus cutting edge modern healing devices including our full body advanced spectrum red light therapy as well as the amethyst biomat plus we've got other healing tech on the way!

Auria Wellness is a yoga studio and wellness center where ancient wisdom meets modern healing technology. With inspiring instructors that make you...

Junk Removal and disposal at reasonable pricing

The MAD Junk Man 

The MAD Junk Man of Southern NH has serviced thousands of satisfied customers for 40 years as a household moving company. Professionalism, Punctuality, Efficiency and high level of organizational skills sets us apart.

The MAD Junk Man of Southern NH has serviced thousands of satisfied customers for 40 years as a household moving company. Professionalism,...

Merrimack County

Concord

Indictments | State Police Say Drunken Driver...

Also: Fun things to do this week; New Hampshire rower finishes 3,200-mile Atlantic journey; EZ Pass hikes coming for out-of-staters? Maybe.

Indictments | State Police Say Drunken Driver Crashed Into Cruiser | More: PM Patch NH

Community Corner

Nashua Men Indicted On Child Sexual Abuse...

Manchester man indicted on child sexual assault charges; felon indicted on box cutter threat charge; Hollis man indicted on property charge.

Nashua Men Indicted On Child Sexual Abuse Images Charges In Separate Incidents: Hills South Indictments

Crime & Safety

Performing Old Music In The Modern Age | Slam...

Good Friday services, jazz vigil from Mary Magdalene’s perspective, improv, women’s leadership: managing volunteers, yoga, art exhibition.

Performing Old Music In The Modern Age | Slam Free Or Die, Rookies | Coin Show: Merrimack And NH Events

Arts & Entertainment

🌱 Patch AM: How Merrimack firefighters handled...

Be sure to catch New Hampshire Coin and Currency Show on the Merrimack Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: How Merrimack firefighters handled a dangerous carbon monoxide scare

Two Adults And Child Rushed To Hospital After...

Multiple firefighters, medics, and ambulances responded to Wasserman Heights for patients suffering from apparent CO poisoning incident.

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