Doors & Windows

3 Ways to Fix Stripped Screw Holes in a Wooden Door Frame

If your door is sagging, rubbing, or “clicking” when you open it, odds are the hinge screws are no longer gripping the wood. That clicking is often the hinge leaf shifting slightly as a loose screw moves in an enlarged hole. I’ve seen homeowners chase the symptom by planing the door or shimming...

Repair Rotted Window Sills With Epoxy

A little rot on a wood window sill looks scary, but it often is not a “replace the whole window” situation. If the rot is localized and the sill is mostly intact, epoxy wood filler can bring it back to solid, paintable shape for a fraction of the cost. I have used this approach on everything from...

Fix a Door Latch That Won’t Catch

If your door closes but won’t click and stay shut, it is usually one of a few common culprits: the door has sagged on the hinges, the strike plate is a little out of position, the latch bolt is sticking and not fully extending, or the lockset hardware has loosened over time. The good news is this...

Fix a Hung Window That Won’t Stay Open

If your single- or double-hung window won’t stay open, you’re not dealing with “old house vibes” or bad luck. You’re dealing with a counterbalance system that’s worn out, broken, or disconnected. The good news is that this is one of those repairs that looks mysterious until you see the parts, then...

Replace Torn Window Screen Mesh

A torn window screen is one of those repairs that feels fiddly until you do it once. The good news is the process is simple: you are basically stretching new mesh over a frame and locking it in with a rubber cord called spline. Do it carefully and you will get a screen that looks factory-new, keeps...

Replace an Exterior Door Sweep to Stop Drafts

If you can feel a chilly breeze at your ankles when you walk past the front or back door, there’s a good chance the door sweep is torn, flattened, or just plain missing chunks. The good news is replacing a sweep is one of those high-impact, low-drama fixes. It’s usually a handful of screws and, for...

How to Repair and Lubricate a Sticking Sliding Glass Door

A sticking sliding glass door is one of those problems that feels “big” until you break it down. In most homes, the door is dragging for a few common reasons: the track is packed with grit, the rollers are out of adjustment (or worn out), or the frame is slightly out of square. The good news is you...

How to Fix a Door That Rubs or Sticks

A door that rubs or sticks is one of those “tiny” problems that can make you grumpy twice a day. The good news is you rarely need a new door. Most sticking doors are caused by loose hinges, seasonal swelling, paint buildup, or the latch side being slightly out of alignment. This guide walks you...

Weatherstripping Drafty Windows Before Winter

If you can feel cold air sneaking in around your windows, you are not just uncomfortable. You are paying to heat the great outdoors. The good news is weatherstripping is one of the cheapest, low-stress home fixes you can do before winter, and it pays you back every time the furnace kicks on. I grew...

5 Quick Ways to Silence a Squeaky Door Hinge Permanently

A squeaky door hinge is one of those tiny problems that somehow gets louder the moment you are trying to be quiet. The good news is you usually do not need new hinges or a handyman visit. You just need the right lubricant in the right place, and sometimes a little cleaning or tightening so the fix...

Condensation Between Window Panes: Causes and Fixes

If you’re seeing fog, haze, or even water droplets between your window panes, you’re not dealing with normal indoor humidity. You’re looking at a double-pane window that has very likely lost its seal. In contractor terms, we call it a “failed” or “blown” seal. In homeowner terms, it’s the reason...

Fix a Split Door Frame Without Replacing the Jamb

A split door frame looks dramatic, but most of the time you can repair it without ripping out the entire jamb. The goal is simple: pull the cracked wood back into position, bond it with glue, then add hidden reinforcement so it is far less likely to split again the next time someone slams the door...