"Fresh Air" Skylight from Velux

There once was a saying among contractors that went, “It’s not if your skylight will leak, it’s when it will leak.” Fortunately, advances in skylight design and installation practices have made this old saw as useless as… well… an old saw.

These new-and-improved skylights can benefit a home in several eco-friendly ways. For starters, they beam 100% free light into a room, and if vented, they improve air circulation. Additionally, skylights can help regulate a home’s climate. (Rising hot air escapes through them in the summer, and in the winter, they admit warming sun rays.) Not to mention, the natural light admitted by skylights ultimately promotes good health. Sunlight balances your circadian rhythms, wards off Seasonal Affective Disorder, and replenishes vitamin D levels.

Slideshow: Know Your Window Styles: 10 Popular Designs

Unlike the bubble-style skylights of old, today’s versions are made to the same standards as high-quality windows. Many are Energy Star-rated and feature dual-paned, argon-gas-injected low-e glass that not only insulates well, but also blocks UV rays that can bleach furniture and carpets.

One of the more technologically advanced skylights on the market is the solar-powered “Fresh Air” Skylight from Velux. An operable window-on-your-roof, it features solar cells built into the frame, so there is no need to hook up the skylight to your home’s electrical system. Using the preprogrammed remote control, you can either open and close the skylight at will or program it to lift and lower automatically throughout the day. Conveniently, a built-in rain sensor closes the window in wet weather.

LED Tubular Skylight from Solatube

If an attic takes up most of the space beneath your roof, a skylight may seem impractical. Fortunately, you can still let the sun shine in through tubular solar lighting. These systems, some of which are simple enough to install yourself, consist of a skylight on the roof and a fixed or flexible tube that channels the light to wherever you need it. The resulting installation indoors often looks like a recessed ceiling light fixture.

A leader in this area is Solatube. The company manufactures a tube-lighting system that features a roof-mounted dome, which collects sunlight from different angles. That light is then filtered down through a tube lined in Spectralight Infinity, a highly reflective material (the most reflective on earth, Solatube claims). Finally, the light is released through your choice of fixture; some impart special effects like warming, softening, or sharpening sunlight that passes through.

In the past few years, one of the brightest advances in skylights has come, not from a research facility, but from the federal government. The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 allows homeowners to claim a 10% tax credit—up to $500—on certain components of skylight installation, so if you do install any of these systems, be sure to check with your accountant! That way, you’ll not only save on electric, heating, and cooling costs, but on your taxes as well.

For more on windows, consider:

 Replacement Windows 101
It’s All in the Details—Stained Glass
Affordable Window Inserts Promote Energy Efficiency

Seeing the Light: New (and Improved) Skylights Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: http://willowdecor.blogspot.com/

Pocket Doors

Listen to BOB VILA ON POCKET DOORS or read the text below:

First evaluate your space. If the wall you’d like to slide your door into is a load-bearing wall, or if it’s got a mess of pipes or wires, a pocket door probably isn’t going to work. But if you’re doing new construction, or if your wall can accommodate a retrofitted door, you’re in business.

You can purchase a pocket door hardware kit at your local home improvement store. A kit usually includes a track, door hangers, floor brackets, and rollers. Pocket doors themselves are available in many different styles, including paneled, divided lite, and french, and can be installed singly or in pairs. A standard kit will accommodate a door that’s about 125 to 150 pounds; specialty kits can carry heavier doors.

Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day.

For more on doors and windows, consider:

Know Your Door Styles: 10 Popular Designs

How to Replace a Window Screen

Bob Vila Radio: Interior Lockset

Bob Vila Radio: Pocket Doors Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: orderwindowsonline.com

It’s spring, the season for cleaning. Washing windows is at the top of our list. Many commercial window-cleaning products are available, all of which promise to impart a “streak-free shine.” But we have found that a simple solution—one part white vinegar to two parts water—is perfect when mixed up in a spray bottle.

Here are a few tips and techniques to make the job of cleaning windows go a bit faster, and easier:

For cleaning inside windows:

• Fill a bucket or large pot with clean, cool water and add a few drops of liquid dish soap.

• Place a large bath towel beneath the window to catch any spills.

• Use a clean microfiber cloth or sponge to go over the surface of the window, starting at the top and working down to the bottom. Don’t forget to wipe down the frame as well, both inside and out.

• Spray the window thoroughly with the vinegar and water solution, or if you prefer, a commercial window cleaning product (Zep or Windex work well). Another option is mixing one capful of ammonia with two gallons of water.

• Using a clean, lint-free towel (or the black-and-white pages of a newspaper), dry the window completely using a Z-shaped motion. You also can use clean paper towels to dry the windows, if you prefer.

• If dirt or streaks remain, spray and dry again. (Dirty windows typically require two rounds of spraying and drying.)

• It is best to work on a cool, cloudy day so that the soapy water and window-cleaning solution do not dry on your windows.

Related: How To: Clean EVERYTHING

Photo: sparklingcleanwindowcleaning.com

For cleaning outside windows:

• Outside windows typically have more dirt and stains. Start by rinsing the windows with the hose, then fill a bucket with clean, cool water and add a few drops of liquid dish soap.

• Using a soft microfiber cloth, go over the surface of the window. For higher windows, use a sponge mop (or a soft cotton or microfiber mop) on a pole.

• Rinse thoroughly with the hose.

• Spray or mop with the vinegar and water solution or with a commercial cleanser.

• Wipe the window dry using a clean, rubber-bladed squeegee. Angle the squeegee towards the bottom of the window and work from top to bottom. Wipe the squeegee with a clean, dry towel at the bottom of each pass. Alternatively, you can use a clean, lint-free towel or newspaper pages to dry the windows.

• For stubborn dirt and stains, including bird droppings, saturate thoroughly with vinegar and water and let stand for several minutes before drying. You can also try rubbing with a soft “scrubbie” sponge, but do not use steel wool or harsh scrubbing cloths; these will scratch the window.

• Don’t neglect the window screens. Rinse with plain water, spray with a vinegar and water solution, then rinse again with plain water. Let dry thoroughly before replacing the screens on the windows.

Sometimes windows will be stained with mineral deposits, particularly in areas with hard water. There are several commercial cleansers that can be used on these stains, including CLR, which removes calcium, lime, and rust stains. Follow the manufacturer directions when using these products.

Although cleaning windows can be a “pain,” it is worth it to be able to enjoy unobstructed views… and let the sun shine in!

For more on cleaning, consider:

How To: Clean Concrete
How To: Clean Vinyl Siding
How To: Clean Painted Walls

Helpful Hints on Cleaning Windows Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Andersen Contemporary Series Storm Door with True Scene Insect Screen

Installing a storm door may seem like a daunting, time-consuming task, but advances in manufacturing and design have made the process easy enough for the average homeowner to complete start-to-finish in a single afternoon.

The first step in installing a pre-hung storm door is getting the proper measurements. First, use a level to be certain that your door frame is square. If adjustments are necessary, you can use wood shims to improve the fit.

Next, measure the height and width of the frame from the inside of the exterior trim pieces. It is a good idea to measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom of the door. If there is any variation, use the narrowest width measurement.

Related: Enhance Your Entryway with Storm Doors

Diagram: larsondoors.com

Major home improvement chains and hardware stores offer pre-hung storm door kits in the most commonly used door sizes—30-, 32-, 34- and 36-inches. If your door frame is larger, you can either order a custom-sized door or purchase an extender kit to fill the extra space between door and frame.

Such kits are sold with installation and operating hardware, although handles and locksets are often sold separately. The storm door connects to the frame with hinges and has either a hydraulic or pneumatic door closer that pulls the door closed automatically.

A typical storm door installation project will take about four hours. However, industry leader Andersen Windows recently introduced a new system, the 45-Minute Rapid Install Storm Door. 

The doors come pre-hung in the factory with drip caps, sweep, and lock case already in place. A self-squaring clip system is also built in, along with pre-drilled closer bracket holes and a new closer jamb bracket design. The handle set twists and locks securely in place without the use of set screws or tools.

Available at select dealers and The Home Depot, Andersen’s Rapid Install system is available in multiple sizes, eight colors, three hardware finishes and a variety of clear or decorative glass options.

Andersen Contemporary Trim Series Storm Door with Single Vent Full Light

Today’s storm doors are much more stylish than the white, black, or brown styles of days past. A variety of fashionable colors and decorative effects are now offered, benefiting homeowners with personalized choices for enhanced curb appeal.

To learn more about Andersen’s 45-Minute Rapid Install Storm Door, click here for a video overview:

For more on doors and entryways, consider:

30 Inspiring Front Door Designs
10 Simple “Under $60″ Curb Appeal Updates
10 Design Inspirations for Mudrooms and Entryways

Quick and Easy Storm Door Installation Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: toolking.com

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Listen to BOB VILA ON INTERIOR LOCKSETS or read the text below:

The basic interior lockset is called a passage lockset – it doesn’t lock at all, so it’s used for closets and hallways. A privacy lockset is similar to a passage set, but it locks from one side, making it useful for bedrooms and bathrooms.

To replace either one, simply unscrew the face place from the door to release the knob and spindle. If the face plate doesn’t have visible screws, look for a little slot along the edge where you can insert a small screwdriver to release the plate. Slip the new lockset into place, screw the face plate on, and you’re done.

Those old-fashioned doorknob sets with rectangular plates and skeleton keys are called mortise locksets. They’re a bit more complicated to replace, but with a little patience you can do it yourself. You can find inexpensive new ones at most hardware stores, or choose vintage lockets from specialty retailers.

Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day.

For more on doors, consider:

Locksets
10 Low-Cost Ways to Improve Your Home Security
How To: Install a New Door

Bob Vila Radio: Interior Lockset Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: Paragon

Interested in adding another layer of insulation and security to your home? Look no further than the storm door, an old-fashioned favorite that offers both aesthetic and functional appeal.

While it’s true that energy-insulating advances in conventional entry doors have made storm doors unnecessary in most new homes, there are still many older homes that can benefit from the extra layer of protection that a storm door provides.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “Adding a storm door can be a good investment if your existing door is old but still in good condition. However, adding a storm door to a newer, insulated door is not generally worth the expense.”

Photo: Lowe's

Compared to conventional doors, however, storm doors do offer several advantages. They can double as screen doors, allowing light and air to enter the home, even as they offer a measure of privacy. They can help protect the finish of an entry door from the elements. And with the multitude of style options to choose from, they can actually enhance the curb appeal of your home. These features ensure that storm doors persist as an popular option for many consumers; it is estimated that more than 5 million storm doors are sold annually in the U.S.

Related: 10 Eye-Catching Options for Your Front Door

Photo: Pella

Generally, storm doors are constructed of steel, fiberglass, PVC, wood or aluminum. The latter is available with foam-core insulation. Wood storm doors have fallen out of favor in recent years, because they require more maintenance and do not provide the same level of insulation as metal or fiberglass.

Storm doors come in myriad styles, most with a combination of glass and screens. Common styles include full-view glass doors, multi-screen or single-screen doors, and half-view doors with self-storing glass and screens. Storm doors typically cost between $100 and $400, depending on the style, size, and material.

Most home improvement centers and hardware stores sell pre-hung storm door kits that include the door frame, door panels, and installation hardware; door handles and locks are usually sold separately. These storm door kits are offered in standard door widths, including 30-, 32-, 34-, and 36-inch sizes. There are also double-door kits available, as well as custom-order sizes.

If you have security concerns, you will want to look for a storm door that features protective metal grillwork and can accommodate a deadbolt lock. A savvy DIYer can install a pre-hung storm door in about four hours, although many home centers also offer professional installation.

For more on doors, consider:

Selecting the Right Front Door
30 Inspiring Front Door Designs
Bob Vila Radio: Curb Appeal

Enhance Your Entryway with Storm Doors Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: ClosetMaid

Sliding closet doors are a common installation in American homes, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the best option. If you’re looking for a space-saving alternative, one that will enhance the look of your closets and provide easier access to their interior space, then consider installing bi-fold closet doors.

Bi-fold closet doors are easy to install and offer myriad options, including basic flat-panel looks, traditional six-panel designs, louver- or shutter-style panels, and contemporary mirrored panels, not to mention doors with glass inserts.

All bi-fold closet doors are similar in construction, consisting of two symmetrical door panels that pull outward from a center pivot hinge. Mounted on the sides of a closet opening, these doors allow access to the entire closet—not one half of the closet at a time, as is the case with sliding doors. Also, because bi-fold doors do not swing, they take up less floor space than a conventional hinged door, making them ideal for installation in tight spaces like a hallway.

Photo: homeguides.sfgate.com

Most large home improvement stores sell bi-fold closet doors in standard sizes to fit a typical opening; many also sell reasonably-priced kits that include the door panels, installation tracks, installation hardware, and door pulls or knobs.

These kits come with diagrams that show how the hardware should be positioned on the door frame and on the door panels. Following the diagram will ensure that the pieces are correctly installed and that the doors work properly.

Related: 10 Chic New Ideas for Barn Doors

Most retailers also offer custom-order bi-fold doors that can be sized to fit virtually any opening—wider openings may require several sets of doors.

The first step when installing bi-fold closet doors is measuring the closet door opening and purchasing a kit in the correct size. The combined measurement of both doors should be about an inch less than the total width of the opening, and one to two inches less than the height of the door frame. This is to allow sufficient room for the hardware. Prior to installation, paint, stain, or finish the door panels as desired.

Photo: homeconstructionimprovement.com

Next, use screws to install the top rail, placing it so that the end of the rail touches the side of the door frame where you want the door panel to be seated when opened.

Install the bottom rail in the same way, making sure the end of the rail touches the same side of the door frame. (Note that some hardware kits feature a bottom pivot that mounts to the door jamb instead of the floor.)

The next step is inserting dowels into pre-drilled holes in the tops of the door panels. Check the installation instructions to identify the different types of dowels included in your kit. Usually there are several different types of dowels, each of which serves a different function.

One dowel should have an adjustment screw that allows you to adjust the height of the door; this dowel should be placed near the side wall on the bottom. Meanwhile, stationary dowels should be placed in the top and bottom of the door panel, on the side farthest away from the hinge. Finally, insert the dowel with spring assembly into the top of the door panel that is closest to the side wall.

Photo: about.com

Once you have installed the dowels, set the door panels into the top and bottom rails and adjust the screws in order to center the doors. Make sure that the doors open and close properly. Once the doors are centered, tighten all hardware and install the door pulls or knobs.

Throughout the process, it’s wise to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for details specific to your individual kit.

Installing bi-fold doors is an easy and affordable weekend project for most DIYers, and it’s a project that will enhance both the look and accessibility of your closets.

For more on closets, consider:

Add a Closet Where There Is None
Installing Custom Closets (VIDEO)
6 Simple & Easy DIY Closet Door Transformations

Open Up Your Closets with Bi-Fold Doors Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Interior Storm Windows, Installed. Photo: Indow Windows

Homeowners seeking ways to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating and cooling costs now have an interesting alternative to costly replacement windows—interior storm windows.

In 2010, Portland, OR-based Indow Windows began manufacturing its acrylic window inserts as an alternative to conventional double-hung replacement windows. Founder and CEO Sam Pardue developed the product in direct response to a personal need: “I wanted to find a better window insulation solution for my own home,” he explains, noting that even expensive wood replacement windows didn’t look as good as the windows he already had.

Related: Know Your Window Styles

Installation Process. Photo: Indow Windows

Indow Windows are constructed from sheets of light, strong acrylic glazing, which is edged with the company’s patent-pending compression tubing. The products press into place on the inside of a window frame and provide a tight seal against cold window drafts without the use of nails, screws, or adhesives.

Used in combination with existing windows, the interior inserts provide insulation and energy savings comparable to double-pane or triple-pane windows. An independent test study conducted by Portland State University found that Indow Windows almost double the R-value of a single-pane window.

Detail of Window Insert. Photo: Indow Windows

Window inserts, also called interior storm windows, are a cost-effective way of reducing energy loss while preserving the look of a home’s existing windows. Typical double-hung replacements cost between $500 a $900; a comparable insert from Indow Windows costs about $250.

“Indow Windows cost half of a typical acrylic replacement window, and a quarter of a typical wood replacement window, but save a comparable amount of energy, so in many cases they will be more cost-effective than replacement windows,” Pardue states. Inserts also reduce exterior noise by up to 50%.

From the outside of a house, window inserts are virtually undetectable, and such products’ edging is usually offered in a choice of colors to go with interior trim.

Brown Compression-Tube Edging. Photo: Indow Windows

The company currently has 31 dealers in 19 states. Each insert is custom-made using a laser-measuring process that ensures that the product fits perfectly, even on windows that are not perfectly level or square. This makes the solution ideal for older, historic homes whose window frame size may vary.

Over the past two years, the Indow Windows concept has garnered accolades among the scientific and construction communities, not to mention consumers. The company was a finalist for the 2012 Edison Best New Product awards; was a 2012 national Sustainability Award Winner in CleanTech Open, a venture capital business competition; was named one of the Top 10 Green Building Products of 2011 by Sustainable Industries magazine; and won the Innovation in Sustainable Product award from Sustainable Business Oregon.

For more on windows, consider:

Tubular Skylights
It’s All in the Details—Stained Glass
Ordering Custom Window Treatments Online

Affordable Indoor Window Inserts Promote Energy Efficiency Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: casasugar.com

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Listen to BOB VILA ON WINDOW DRAFTS or read the text below:

If you suspect that a window is leaky, first make sure the hardware is locked so that sashes are snug. If you still feel a draft coming from a locked window, you can do a little detective work to find the source of the leak. First get any curtains safely out of the way, then hold a lighted candle or a piece of tissue along the window’s seams. If the flame bends horizontally, or if the tissue flutters, you’ve found a leaky spot.

Check the weatherstripping near the leak and replace it if it’s worn or damaged. Also, check the caulk. If it’s cracked or loose, remove it from the drafty area, thoroughly clean out any dirt or debris, then re-caulk.

If these quick fixes don’t stop the drafts, and if new windows aren’t in your budget, consider purchasing a window-insulating kit, which allows you to temporarily “shrink-wrap” plastic film to the inside of your window using a hairdryer. There are also decorative remedies, such as installing insulated shades or curtains.

Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day.

For more on winterizing, consider:

11 Ways to Winterize Your Pipes on a Budget
Everything You Need to Know about Winterizing Pipes
Quick Tip: Winterize Your Home

Bob Vila Radio: Window Drafts Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Photo: www.miscfinds4u.com

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Listen to BOB VILA ON PET DOORS or read the text below:

Start by choosing the right size door, using your largest pet as the gauge. A door should be slightly wider than your pet and an inch or two higher than its shoulders. The base should be at least one inch below its belly. If you have a young pet, you’ll need to buy a larger door to allow for it growth. You may also want to buy a slightly larger door to allow for an older pet’s declining agility. Some manufacturers offer doors that can be adjusted at the base or top to accommodate a pet’s changing needs.

With options including insulated dual-flap designs, strong slide-in security panels, and magnetic closures—and “smart” doors that are activated by a signal from your pet’s collar—today’s pet doors can offer a little freedom for your pet, and some peace of mind for you.

Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day.

For more on pets, consider:

How To: Create a Pet-Friendly Home
10 Luxurious Doghouses For Your Pampered Pet
Dog Home Safety

Bob Vila Radio: Pet Doors Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com