Asphalt Repair
Potholes on the street can breed smaller potholes in your driveway or even a walkway. Fortunately, you can fix small potholes. This Fix-It Guide on asphalt repair tells how asphalt works, what often goes wrong, how to identify the problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix potholes. The guide then gives instructions for how to fill a minor asphalt crack, how to fill holes in asphalt, and how to clean and seal an asphalt surface.
Concrete Repair
Concrete foundations, concrete driveways, concrete walls and other things concrete occasionally need repair. This Fix-It Guide on concrete repair tells how concrete works, what often goes wrong, how to identify the problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix it. It then gives simple step-by-step instructions for how to fill a crack in concrete, how to patch a concrete block,how to replace a concrete block, and how to fix a water leak in a concrete-block basement wall.
Deck Repair
A deck is an extension of your home’s living space that needs little maintenance and few repairs. This Fix-It Guide on deck repair tells how a deck works, what often goes wrong, how to identify the problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix it. It then gives instructions for how to refinish a deck, how to replace a deck step, how to add support to a deck joist, how to add bracing to a deck post, how to replace a deck baluster, and how to replace a deck post.
Exterior Siding Repair
Siding is your home’s skin. This Fix-It Guide on exterior siding repair tells how exterior siding works, what often goes wrong, how to identify the problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix it. It then gives simple step-by-step instructions for how to fix bowed wood siding, how to replace damaged wood siding, how to repair popped nails, how to repair clapboard siding, how to fix vinyl siding, and how to fix dented aluminum siding
Fence Repair
Good fences make good neighbors so you’ll want to keep your fence in good condition. This Fix-It Guide on fence repair tells how a fence works, what often goes wrong, how to identify the problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix it. It then gives simple step-by-step instructions for how to replace a wooden fence post, how to straighten a leaning post or sagging gate, how to reinforce a sagging fence or gate frame, and how to mend a chain-link fence. For concrete fence repair, see the concrete repair Fix-It Guide.
Framing System Repair
A home’s framing system is its skeleton and includes the floor frame, wall frames, and the roof frame. This Fix-It Guide on framing system repair tells how a home’s framing system works, what often goes wrong and how to identify the problem. More than 90 percent of U.S. homes are framed with wood, but steel framing is increasingly popular. Though you may not directly fix your home’s framing system, you need to know how it’s built because the framing system supports the electrical system, plumbing system, drywall, and many other components of your home.
Garage Door Opener Repair
“Open sesame!” Garage door openers are relatively low maintenance and easy to fix. This Fix-It Guide on garage door opener repair tells how a garage door opener works, what often goes wrong, how to identify the problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix it. It then gives simple step-by-step instructions for garage door opener maintenance. This guide refers to electrical receptacle repair, motor repair, household battery repair, and button battery repair for specific issues.
Gutter Repair
Gutters are often taken for granted–until it rains! This Fix-It Guide on gutter repair tells how a gutter works, what often goes wrong, how to identify the problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix a gutter. It then gives instructions for how to clean a gutter, how to clean a downspout, how to install a leaf guard, how to install a gutter screen, how to install a drip edge, how to replace a damaged downspout, how to patch a gutter, and how to install gutter hangers.
Masonry Repair
Brick and stone make beautiful home siding, walls, fences, and fireplaces. Preventive maintenance and minor masonry repairs will keep masonry looking good for years. This Fix-It Guide on masonry repair tells how masonry works, what often goes wrong, how to identify the problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix it. It then gives instructions for how to replace brick and mortar and how to repair stucco.
Outdoor Structure Repair
Outdoor structures extend our homes. They add living space, storage space, work space, and things to fix. This Fix-It Guide on outdoor structure repair tells how an outdoor structure works, what often goes wrong, how to identify the problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix it. It refers you to other Fix-It Guides for step-by-step instructions on gutter repair, roof repair, masonry repair, concrete repair, window repair, paint repair, door repair, wood furniture repair, and more.
Roof Repair
It’s nice when the roof over your head doesn’t leak or blow away. This Fix-It Guide on roof repair tells how a roof works, what often goes wrong, how to identify the problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix it. It then gives instructions for how to repair a roofing tab, how to replace damaged shingles, how to replace wood shakes, how to repair a flat roof, how to repair a tile roof, how to patch a metal roof, how to seal flashing joints, and how to repair flashing. Gutter repair may also be needed.
Subfloor Repair
You may never consider your home’s subfloor–until it begins squeaking or you have to replace the covering over it. This Fix-It Guide on subfloor repair tells how a subfloor works, what often goes wrong, how to identify the problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix it. It then gives instructions for how to repair a squeaky floor. See the Carpet Fix-It Guide, the Resilient Flooring Fix-It Guide, and the Wood Flooring Fix-It Guide for carpet repair, resilient flooring repair, and wood flooring repair.
Window or Door Screen Repair
Screens with holes won’t keep bugs out, but you can easily fix many holes and tears. This Fix-It Guide on window or door screen repair tells how a window or door screen works, what often goes wrong, how to identify the problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix it. It then gives step-by-step instructions for how to repair a tear in a screen, how to replace a screen in a metal frame, and how to replace a screen in a wood frame.
