Icicles may be pretty but they can tear off gutters, loosen shingles, and cause water to back up into your house. Here are prevention tips, fast fixes, and long-term repairs from the pros at TOH Read more »
elevate a hot water heater
Elevate a hot-water tank on paver bricks to prevent the pilot light from going out and the tank from getting rust damage if the basement is flooded. — 10 Uses for Bricks Read more »
stance to take for raking leaves
Take a scissor stance, one foot forward and one behind. Use the rake to pull forward from behind or in from the side. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your back upright Read more »
stack and season firewood, essential homeowner skills
Properly season firewood by stacking logs outdoors in a sunny spot, away from wood structures, to keep insects from migrating. — 56 Essential Survival Skills for Homeowners Read more »
How to Strip Paint from Hardware
A simple "spa treatment"—using an old crockpot—restores the gleam to paint-encrusted hardware Read more »
clean birdhouse in fall
In the fall, when bird-breeding season ends, clean out birdhouses to attract newcomers. — Birdhouse Basics Read more »
How to Build a Medicine Cabinet
Build yourself a wall-mount storage unit, or opt for a premade option Read more »
properly pitched gutters
Check your gutters: properly pitched gutters slope between 1/16 inch and ⅛ inch per foot, directing water to the leader and out the downspout. — Button Up Your House For Fall Read more »
slim trash cans in kitchen
Use slim cans that require frequent emptying, to keep odors at bay and prevent back strain from hefting too-big bags. — The Right way to Handle Kitchen Waste Read more »
clean grill grates
Dry-scrub crud from grates, burners, and inside surfaces with a nonscratch sponge or a nylon brush, then wash surfaces with dish soap and water. Read more »