Home Maintenance

When choosing fasteners, few are stronger or more versatile than lag screws, which are sometimes referred to as lag bolts. With deep, wideset threads and a pointed tip, all lag-type screws are...

It is important to flush a hot water tank at least once a year to clear sediment from the unit. The sediment that builds up is grit, sand, gravel or dirt. When the sediment builds up in the hot...

Whether it's a Stihl chain saw or any other brand, your saw isn't any better than its blade. If the chain can't cut the wood, then it doesn't matter how powerful your motor is. Taking the time to...

Hardwood floors have been a staple of quality home design for many years. Their durability and rich appearance make them a smart investment for almost any situation. Protecting that investment is...

Aprilaire humidifiers should be properly maintained to provide maximum functioning. A buildup of deposits in the water supply lines can lead to uneven distribution of water and possible leaking as...

Wood siding requires a certain amount of care to keep it looking good. Mold is a particular problem, especially in shady areas of your house. With the proper type of sealer, you can greatly reduce...

Caring for granite and marble surfaces is important if you want to retain the surface shine and luster after years of use. Both surfaces absorb stains from food and drink and residue from cleaning...

One of the more common maintenance problems in the bathroom are loose bath taps. A bath tap that will not close properly leaks water, adding unnecessary charges to your monthly water bill....

Water heaters have two separate elements to heat your homes water. The lower element heats the cold water coming into the hot water tank. The upper element acts more like a booster when the water...

Keeping your home well insulated is just a matter of good home maintenance. Spray insulation kits are a good way to fill in the gaps that happen in insulation in older homes. Foam insulation is a...

Knotty pine paneling is a type of wooden wall paneling made from pine lumber. Pine is known for its rich smell, light natural coloring and minimalist grain variations. When used to create...

While there are many commercial products that will remove ants from the home, many people don't want to use them because of potential toxicity from the chemicals. Chemically based insecticides are...

Mold is a type of fungus. Mold spores are present in all homes, and damp conditions can cause these spores to bloom into a mold invasion on your walls, upholstery and carpet. Mold in your carpet...

Ants can invade households by large numbers when they are in search of a tasty food source, but are typically easy to get rid. Dangerous chemical pesticides are not necessary. There are many home...

Euro hinges, also known as frameless hinges or concealed hinges, are part of the system of cabinetry known for its smooth appearance. The style became popular in Europe, but it is gaining in...

Your mailbox is a big part of your home's decor. If it breaks, repairing it promptly is important. Repairing your own mailbox is not tough, but it's important to have the right tools and equipment...

Heating your home during the winter months can get very costly, especially when winters are unusually cold. Most people end up with high energy bills because they are forced to increase the heat...

Most old homes have at least a fireplace or two. However, these fireplaces are often considered "non-working" because they do not meet current fire codes. Using a non-working fireplace...

Building a new home is perhaps the best way to get just what you want. When you buy an existing home, you are stuck with what the previous owners and builders thought was a good idea, but when you...

If you have a pool and you live somewhere north of the country's most temperate zones, you no doubt have to close your pool for at least a few months a year. If you like to open it early and...

Mice are small mammals that can set up residence in a home and become both a structural and health hazard. Mice will often choose to live in a dark, enclosed area such as drawers in your dresser....

Owning an in-ground pool comes with the responsibility of keeping up on maintenance. Regular maintenance of your in-ground pool will keep the pool clean and safe for swimming, the water properly...

Any kind of mold can be an eyesore or even dangerous; always contact a professional when dealing with large amounts of mold. However, you can easily remove mold from underneath caulking yourself....

Simple preventive maintenance performed every month can keep your garage door opener operating smoothly. Minor problems that accumulate are often the cause of major malfunctions. Large repair...

Resurfacing of asphalt driveways works wonders for the appearance and the value of your home. Unfortunately mishaps arise during such projects and some of the asphalt material finds its way onto...

Draining a hot water tank once every couple of years will remove sediment and debris that could be inhibiting the efficiency of the tank. Sediment buildup in a hot water tank forces it to work...

During the spring and fall seasons, gutters and downspouts often become clogged with debris from falling leaves, pollen and small branches and twigs. This not only reduces the functioning of the...

Are you tired of lugging around a ladder to change recessed lighting in your home? If you have many recessed lights scattered throughout your house, hauling a ladder around to change them is too...

Water balance is an important part of keeping your pool clean and clear and avoiding a build-up of calcium on your tiles and cement. Water chemistry can be a tricky business, especially if you...

Hard water can lead to an unsightly buildup of iron, lime and magnesium in our bathrooms and kitchens and form water rings on the tile. Porcelain and ceramic tiles can be expensive, so it is a...

A regular part of indoor home maintenance is keeping flooring clean, and it's just as important to keep outdoor flooring free or dirt and debris. Outdoor floors are exposed to the elements, and...

Many people assume that the constant chirping and racket coming from their chimney is the sound of bats. While this is a common source of chimney chirps, the notorious chimney swift is more likely...

Insulation of any type will help improve the efficiency of your home's heating and cooling system. Some home insulators include items that are inexpensive, such as window treatments and hot water...

The job of a handyman is very unspecific. A handyman is used for an assortment of jobs to be done in the home. He is usually paid by the hour and is often on call for emergency repairs.

The damper in a woodburning stove or fireplace is a control used to regulate a fire's intensity, restricting the heat escaping from the woodburner through a chimney or stovepipe by narrowing the...

Products sold to kill and prevent ants in your home are full of chemicals that may be harmful to you, your family and your pets. Home remedies for ant problems are available that keep ants away...

Wooden cabinets add beauty and grace to any home, but over time even the most lovingly cared-for cupboards can start to show signs of wear, or just become outdated or simply too familiar. Giving...

If you live in a humid or damp environment, it may seem like mold is invading your home. Mold thrives in damp areas such as bathrooms, and can spread if not treated quickly. Fortunately, you can...

In these tough economic times, we are all looking for a ways to save a buck. Follow these tips for a lower electric bill and do your part in being green by using less fossil fuels.

So you've just won a dream home, congratulations. After the initial excitements wears off, however, you may find a nasty little surprise waiting: taxes. According to the IRS, all prize money is...

Decks made of wood are very susceptible to the elements because plain wood may absorb water, which can lead to deterioration of the wood. One way to protect a wooden deck from rain and give the...

Using a pressure washer to clean your car, patio or house is much quicker and easier than using a garden hose. Pressure washers are also handy for preparation work for painting. They can remove...

The Honeywell thermostat is a device installed in your house that controls the overall temperature of your home. You can program a specific temperature range, or you can select a designated...

When ants invade your home, it is tempting to pull out the poisons. While effective, there are risks, especially if you have a curious dog. Fortunately, there are non-toxic ant killers and...

A white leather sofa makes a definite statement in any room, as it will capture your eye much faster than a brown or black sofa. Keeping the white leather clean will be a challenge, especially if...

Caulk is applied to bathroom fixtures and bathtubs as a way to prevent moisture from getting inside and allowing mold growth. As anyone who has ever worked with caulk can attest, caulk can be...

The wet, enclosed environment of a typical bathroom is a prime environment for mold spores to grow. A bathroom ceiling, where water droplets typically condense, is a common area where mold is...

To install a new ballast in an old light is easy. Read on...

Sometimes people have asked to borrow something of mine, that I really do not want to lend out, ever. I have some tips to politely say no to someone so they know they cannot borrow an item. These...

when the sash cord of a window breaks, save yourself future work by replaceing all of them at the same time, using a sash chian intead of a cord.