Home

DIY Home Improvement Tips

Home » Home & Energy Center » Do It Yourself » DIY Home Improvement Tips

Do-It-Yourself: Doors

Doors are functional and look great, but they can also be a major source of air infiltration. Check out some door weatherization tips:

  • Reduce air leakage and improve efficiency by installing a storm door.
  • Reduce drafts by installing weather stripping around doors.
  • Replace old inefficient doors with ENERGY STAR® rated doors to enhance efficiency and minimize air leakage.

Do-It-Yourself: Air Sealing

Air infiltration not only compromises the comfort of your house, it also lowers its overall efficiency. Check out the following air-sealing tips:

  • Feel around windows, doors and wall/ceiling penetrations for any air leaks.
  • Use rigid foam board or another hard substrate to seal larger air leaks, then foam or caulk in place.
  • You can seal small air leaks using weather stripping, caulk or spray foam.
  • Seal gaps around chimneys or flues using a high-temperature caulk or metal flashing.

Do-It-Yourself: Siding

Check out the following tips for maintaining your siding:

  • Clean vinyl or aluminum siding with a wet brush or a hose.
  • For stubborn areas, use harder brushing with 1/3 cup laundry detergent and 6 gallons of water. Add chlorine bleach if you need to get rid of mildew. Work from the bottom up, in 5-foot vertical sections, rinsing the previously washed sections frequently so the runoff doesn’t dry on the clean area!

Do-It-Yourself: Windows

Check out the following tips for maintaining your windows:

Interior Glass

  • If your window or door has a removable interior glass panel, you’ll need to remove it to clean the inside. If the window has a blind or shade, pull it up and secure the cord. Depending on the size of the glass panel, you may need another person to help you remove it.
  • To clean interior glass, use a glass and surface cleaner. Apply cleaner generously. Rinse with clear water. Avoid glass cleaners that are ammonia- or alcohol-based, as they may leave streaks or produce a dust-attracting film.
  • You can also use a premixed vinegar-based cleaning solution (or make your own with 10% vinegar and 90% water) and a soft, lint–free paper or cloth towel.

Outside Glass

  • For cleaning outside glass surfaces, use a vinegar-based solution (as previously described) and a squeegee. If streaks still appear, rinse the glass with clear water.
  • To remove stubborn sealant or grease, use small amounts of mineral spirits, then wash with a vinegar-based cleaning solution.

Save Energy All Year Round.

Get the most energy for your dollar all year with our seasonal tips.

LEARN MORE

Request an Estimate.

We’ll help you find the right home improvement for your home and budget.

REQUEST AN ESTIMATE

Join our Email Club

X

This page is currently under construction.

Everyone needs to make home improvements from time to time and we are no exception. We are currently upgrading our online service scheduling experience, but you can still schedule service by contacting our Customer Care Center. Call 888.243.HOME to schedule service today.