Expert Advice on Home Improvement

On a recent Weather Channel segment, Danny demonstrated retractable screens that piqued viewer’s interest. Questions for more information have been pouring in. The screens used in the segment are product of Phantom Screens. We contacted Phantom Screens for more information on their products, and they had the following to say. Read in full.

In this episode, Danny shares his insights on how make repairs to older windows and when to replace them. Danny details how to replace window hardware, repair counterweights, free windows that have been painted shut, and even how to make windows more efficient by adding foam tape weather stripping. Read in full.

Danny demonstrates how to repair an interior door that keeps swinging open or closed. By putting pressure on the hinge pin and bending it slightly, the problem is solved. Watch this video.

From high-tech gadgets to simple changes, Danny takes a look at some new ways to make your home green whether during new construction or a remodel. Automated irrigation systems, solar paneled roofs, and programmable thermostats are just a few of the green additions seen here. Watch this video.

Homeowners are always looking for easy, economical ways to reduce their monthly heating and cooling costs. If your home heats up in the summertime the solution may be as simple as a little shade. Rooms with windows that get direct sunlight will heat up quickly in warm weather putting a strain on your cooling system but there are some things you can do to help ease that load. Watch this video.

To strip paint from door hardware without the time consuming use of paint thinner, heat 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 cup of water in a pot on the stove and then pour it into an old cake pan. Let it set about 5 minutes. It’s a good idea to use pliers to take the hardware out of the pan because it may still be a little warm. Using a soft bristled brass brush, so as not to scratch the surface of the hardware, dip it in the water/vinegar solution and then scrub the hardware. This is a great alternative to purchasing new hardware. Watch this video.

Window shades can be great for providing privacy and blocking out sunlight, but one of the biggest problems with a roller shade is that they have a tendency to pop out of their brackets. Over time, the pin at the end of supporting rod becomes sheared down from spinning in the bracket. Watch this video.

Sagging doors are often the result of loose hinges caused by hinge screws that don’t bite into the door jamb. A quick fix for this problem is to fill in the door jamb’s so the screw will remain secure. To do that, we used a wooden golf tee. Watch this video.

Torn or punctured window screens are not only unattractive, they defeat their intended purpose by allowing insects into your home. For larger tears you’ll most likely have to replace the whole screen but for smaller holes there are other options. Watch this video.

Painting around windows has to be one of the most frustrating chores known to man. How do you paint the wood without painting the glass? The answer is, you don’t. You simply find an efficient way to clean the glass off afterward. Watch this video.