With winter coming, fix costly air leaks before they're a problem

If you didn't worry about those air leaks during the summer, you might reconsider when the temperatures start dropping. Even a small leak can cost you plenty over time, so take care of them now, before temperatures drop.

If you are unsure whether or not you need caulk or weatherstripping, have one person stand inside the house with a hair dryer and another person stand outside with a piece of incense or just a hand to try to feel whether air is coming through an area.

Weatherstripping goes in places where materials move, like doors and windows. Caulking goes where gaps occur, like between siding and bricks or around the window trim.

When shopping for weatherstripping, you'll find a wide variety of choices. The peel-and-stick products are easy to use and usually are inexpensive. But if you want them to last, a permanent application is better. Like so many other things, you get what you pay for. Buy a material that you will be able to install easily, and one that matches and fits your application.

Doors and windows can be weatherstripped on all four sides, and different materials might be used on each side.

Caulking is easy to apply with an inexpensive caulking gun. Just trim off the end of the caulk, puncture the inner seal and apply it to the gaps. You can smooth it with your finger if you like. Most are paintable, and they come in clear, white or several other colors. Buy the best you can afford, and usually it will last longer. It also will stay on a clean surface better than a dirty one, so do the prep. You can save an opened tube of caulk by inserting a long deck screw into the end to seal both the inner seal and the tip end of the tube. Just twist it out when you want to use the caulk again.

On large gaps, you may want to use a foam filler strip. These can be cut to fit and shoved into the gap with your fingers or a putty knife. Then caulk or apply trim over it to make it look better.

These are simple cures to a costly energy waste, so take care of it!

Easy door vent

Ventilation is important in most bathrooms to help get rid of the moisture after a shower or bath. But most of us like our privacy, so leaving the door open isn't an option. However, you could allow air in through the door by way of a vent. Just purchase two wall-mounted vents, cut a hole through the door and mount a vent on either side of it. The hole should be a little smaller than the vent but large enough to allow for adequate air exchange through the vent. It's super easy to do and will help rid the room of excess moisture, even after an extra-long shower!

PVC pipe security

Most sliding glass doors are not very secure and should be reinforced to prevent break-ins. One of the easiest ways to add extra security is by putting a board or metal rod in the track behind the door so that it cannot be pushed open. You could also use a piece of PVC pipe, which is even easier to cut, is also lightweight and might be less expensive, too. Cut it to fit the length of the track from the back of the door to the end of the track, and set it in place. It's just that easy, and will add the security you need.

Super hints

• Use a "graining tool" to apply a fake wood grain to any surface. Practice on some cardboard first to get the hang of it, then try your hand at the real, or not-so-real, thing. You'll really enjoy the process.

• Protect your metal patio furniture by spraying it all down with a coat of wax furniture polish. It's easy to do, and the wax in the polish will repel rust and corrosion during the off-season.

• I know I should try to be patient, but it's hard to do sometimes when I'm working on a paint or drywall project. I have learned that you can use a hair dryer set on a lower temperature to help the process along. Too much heat can cause problems, but a small hair dryer or a large fan set in the room can help speed things along.

Q. We just added a turbine on the roof for better ventilation in the attic. I really don't like the shiny appearance of it, though. Can I paint it, and with what?

A. It's probably made of galvanized metal, and therefore should weather before it will readily accept paint. Rather than wait, you can bathe all the surfaces with vinegar. When dry, apply a zinc-based primer and then use any exterior top coat you wish.

Q. We have red brick, the same as the outside of our house, on the front of our fireplace inside the house. I would like to paint it, but find that it needs to be cleaned first. What can I use to scrape off the white mold growing on the bricks?

A. What it sounds like you are describing is called "efflorescence." This is caused by salts leaching through the bricks. It's usually caused by moisture, so make sure you have no leaks within your chimney. To get it off the bricks, just use TSP - trisodium phosphate - and water. Use a primer/sealer and then your paint.

Q. Our fireplace gets a lot of use during the winter. We have smoke stains that go all the way up the brick face of it, too. How can we clean the bricks?

A. We suggest using trisodium phosphate. Mix about ¼ cup of this powder into 2 quarts of warm water and go to work with a stiff brush. TSP is a strong cleaner, so it's best to wear your rubber gloves and protect your floors.

Reader tips

• After having a terrible time with ice dams on the roof last year, I found that my soffit vents were blocked in my attic. The heat buildup in the attic and the cold roof caused the ice to melt and create the problem. Once I opened them back up, I had no more problems. I wanted to pass this info on to others who might have this same problem.

• I added a handrail of sorts to my back porch. I sprained my ankle and had to wear a boot for a while, and I found that not having a railing out there was really tough. I installed three large eye hooks at rail height. Then I ran a thick nylon cord through the eyes and tied it at both ends. It's been so helpful. In fact, I think I will leave it there from now on.

• If you like to paint from the can like I do, then you need to set the can down on top of something that can take some drips as you work. I have found that a plastic potted plant tray works great. It is just a little larger than the paint can, and because it's plastic, I can clean it easily and use it over and over again. These trays are really inexpensive, too, so if I don't get it cleaned up very well, I can just replace it.

• I have been restoring an old desk that belonged to my dad. It's old, but I think I can fix it back up. Part of the desk has turned spindles, and I couldn't find a sanding tool that would really do the work. I found that I could wrap a piece of sandpaper around a sponge to act as a backer and get the sanding done. It's been a real chore, but I am making progress and will have something to be proud of when I'm finished.

• Our bedroom is located just above the den in our house, and it had a really loud squeak in the floorboards. I located the area and decided to just drive a couple of nails right through the carpet and into the floor to secure the subfloor to the joists. The first one didn't do much, but the second one did, and the floor squeaks have all stopped. I used a nail set to drive the nails down under the carpet, and the holes aren't visible at all. You would never know that I had done anything, but the squeaks have stopped.

Shop talk

• The new circular saw blades, called King Carbide Blades, have large, resharpenable teeth. There are 17 different blades available in 7¼-, 8-, 9- and 10-inch sizes, and all are heavy, fully hardened plates to last a long time. The tri-metal shim braze increases impact resistance and gives you extremely precise cuts. Look for King Carbide Blades at your hardware store or home center. If you would like to know more, visit Vermont American at www.vermontamerican.com.

•The Dremel Multi-Max Oscillating Tool System is a compact, full-featured multi-tasking tool that is perfect for the do-it-yourselfer. It moves from side to side at high speeds in 3-degree arcs to tackle a wide variety of household chores, like sanding, grinding and cutting. It offers 12 different accessories to help you get professional results. Use it to remove grout, sand wood and restore worn surfaces. A soft-start feature keeps you in control, and electronic feedback keeps the speed consistent throughout tougher applications. Accessory changes are easy with the Quick Fit system, and the basic kit includes the Multi-Max and a wide variety of accessories, all in a nice storage case. Look for it at your hardware store or home center. See it online at www.dremel.com, or call (800) 437-3635.

• Write to Al and Kelly Carrell in care of the Daily Herald, P.O. Box 280, Arlington Heights, IL 60006 or visit the Carrell's Web site at thesuperhandyman.com.

© 2008, Cowles Syndicate Inc.