DIY Network

Windows and Screens Spring home maintenance window and screen tips From "Home Maintenance" episode DHMW-101

The best way to keep up with the upkeep is to create a seasonal maintenance plan. Spreading the work out over the years keeps your maintenance to-do list more manageable. Spring is the perfect time to catch up on problems caused by harsh winter weather and to get ready for the hotter months ahead. Host Tim Hockenberry shares tips on window and screen maintenance in this first segment of Home Maintenance

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Windows

Materials:

Vinegar water solution
Spray bottle
Newspaper
Screen repair kit with screen tool
Utility knife

• To clean the windows mix a quarter cup of vinegar with a quart of cool water in a spray bottle, and use rolled up newspaper to wipe the windows. Don't worry, the newsprint won't rub off on your windows, and it's cheaper than going through paper towels.

• Start at the top and work your way down the window so you don't have to deal with drip marks.

• On the outside work from left to right and on the inside work from top to bottom. If you have streaks, this will tell you which side they are on.

• Try not to clean the windows in full sunlight. If the cleaner evaporates too quickly that could leave streaks.

• To remove streaks, simply spray a bit more solution on the newspaper and wipe them away.

Figure A

Screens

• To replace the screen you first need to remove the rubber gasket holding the screen in the frame. Once the gasket is removed the screen will pop right out.

• Lay the screen over the frame and make a quick cut--it doesn't have to be neat. Fine trim.

• Most screen repair kits come with a special tool with a wheel on either end--one with a rounded edge and one with a grooved edge (figure A).

• With the rounded end, push the new screen down into the gasket channel.

• Put one end of the new gasket in one corner and, using the grooved end, push the gasket tight into the channel all the way around the frame.

• With a sharp pair of scissors or a utility knife trim away the excess screen material.

DIY Home Maintenance Seasonal Checklist "Take Care of Your House and It Will Take Care of You!"...and you can start by printing out DIY's PDF checklist file.

In the next segment Tim demonstrates how to maintain your home's gutters and downspouts.