Featured DIY Articles

How to Restore & Maintain a Wood Deck
Expert advice on how to clean, restore, refinish and maintain a wood deck, including protecting against wood rot, how to

AC Not Working | Central AC Troubleshooting & DIY Repair
Is your AC not working? If your central air conditioner is not cooling right, save money, time, and get comfortable

How to Insulate an Attic
Whether your attic is finished or unfinished, this expert DIY guide will show you how to insulate it. Includes where
A house-attached patio roof takes advantage of the house’s structure by supporting one end of the roof on a ledger mounted horizontally to the house. The ledger, typically a 2 by 6, is usually designed to hold one end of the patio-roof rafters.
Why We’re Experts
Don Vandervort writes or edits every article at HomeTips. Don has:
• Over 30 years’ experience as a remodeler and builder.
• Written more than 30 home improvement books.
• Served as Senior Editor at Home Magazine
• Appeared as a segment host on HGTV’s “The Fix” for 3 seasons.
• Been a featured expert on MSN.com, US News, and many others.
• Learn more about the trusted HomeTips brand!

Popular Stories

Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Home’s Plumbing
How do you keep your home’s plumbing system from breaking down or needing major repairs? Here is expert advice for plumbing mistakes to avoid. Our

How to Replace a Damaged Asphalt Shingle
This is an expert step-by-step guide for replacing a badly damaged asphalt shingle, using just a prybar, a utility knife, a hammer and nails. When

A Portable Generator Can Save You When the Power Goes Out
Expert advice on emergency portable generators, including how to buy, set up and run them, and generator features, sizes, and necessary equipment. In This Article:

How to Clean a Barbecue
Expert advice on how to clean and fix a barbecue, including removing charred food from the grill, cleaning burners, and more. Also, basic barbecue repairs.
All About
Rain Gutters
How to Buy Gutter Guards & Leaf Catchers
Gutter leaf guards, screens, and filters help prevent clogged, overflowing gutters. This expert buying guide will help you choose the right gutter guards, offering pros
How to Clean Gutters — DIY Guide
Expert illustrated advice and video on how to clean rain gutters, including DIY roof gutter cleaning techniques and how to hire a gutter cleaning service.
Other Featured Topics

Pros & Cons of Metal Roofing
Is metal roofing right for your home? This expert guide reveals the benefits and drawbacks of metal roofing and compares metal roofing to other roofing

How to Repair an Ice Maker
Expert advice on how to repair a refrigerator ice maker that doesn’t make ice or doesn’t work at all. Also helps you fix an ice

How to Flush or Drain a Water Heater
Flush your water heater tank twice a year to remove mineral sediment and scale. Your water heater will heat more efficiently and last longer. This

How to Fix a Garbage Disposal – DIY Repair
Is your garbage disposal jammed, clogged, leaking, or not draining? If your garbage disposal doesn’t work right, read on. This complete garbage disposal troubleshooting guide

Dehumidifiers Buying Guide
This expert, unbiased buying guide will help you chooses the right dehumidifier for your home. Includes information on solving humidity problems and selecting between portable
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How to Unclog Your Main Sewer Line
In This Article: Step-by-Step: How to Snake the Sewer Line Do Regular Sewer Maintenance Tree Roots in Sewer Lines Some Common Root-Removal Methods Expert step-by-step

Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Home’s Plumbing
How do you keep your home’s plumbing system from breaking down or needing major repairs? Here is expert advice for plumbing mistakes to avoid. Our

How to Fix a Bouncy or Sagging Floor (DIY)
Is your floor so bouncy or springy that the tile or stone surface is cracking? Does your wood floor bend or sag beneath your feet?

19 Garden Stairs Ideas for a Beautiful Yard
Garden stairs provide transitions between level in your yard. Here are some great ideas for different materials and designs you can try. In This Article:
All About Heating & Cooling Your Home
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