My wife was just a bit perturbed when I told her how easy this repair was to do. The back story is that we've had this issue for 6 years (and yes, she's been after me to do it for that long).

Please don't judge me too much!! I apologized to her and have done several things to make it up.

Here's what you do, pull the hinge pin from the middle hinge. If you only have two hinges then pull the pin from the bottom hinge.

Place the hinge pin on a scrap piece of wood. Tap the center of the pin with a hammer (2-3 times depending on how much spinach you eat).

This puts a slight bend in the center of the pin. The bend will prevent the door from moving by itself.

Put the pin back in the hinge and you're done!! No more door that closes or opens by itself :)

Don't be like me, do this easy weekend DIY project and stay on the good side of your spouse-LOL.

In case you'd like to see how to do this via a short video check out my post at http://www.homerepairtutor.com/fix-a-door-th...

Windows

Make sure your windows aren't costing you money this winter. Check for loose caulk or deteriorated weather-stripping, and then repair or replace it. Consider installing replacement windows, which are relatively inexpensive and will save you money on heating costs in the long run.

Chimney

Enjoy your fireplace with complete peace of mind by having the chimney checked and cleaned by a certified chimney sweep. It's vital that the chimney be examined for blockage that can cause dangerous carbon monoxide build-up. Leaves, sticks and sometimes even animals can plug up a chimney.

Roofs and Gutters

Roofs should be examined for any cracked, broken or missing shingles, and at the points where pipes, vents and chimneys come through your roof (where most leaks occur). Also check for blocked gutters, which can cause problems when water freezes inside and creates ice dams. When the ice and snow melts, it can get into your home and cause damage.

Lighting

The longer and darker days make exterior lighting more essential than at any other time of year. Check all your bulbs and add timers or photoelectric sensors. For spotlights, replace incandescent bulbs with halogens for improved clarity. Add or adjust motion detectors for safety and security.

Tips & Tricks:

As for the veener / paint peeling - I would have to recommend you use a little common sense & consider the quality of the material – the better the quality, the less likely you will have an issue.

While you might be tempted to use blue painters tape to avoid this... we do not recommend you try this. These tapes are only designed to remain easily removable for a one-week period. After this time period they have been known to stick tenaciously & cause the same issue you are trying to prevent. Now if you happen to have made this mistake, no worries as a little patience & a hair dryer will help remedy the situation.

Pre-Installation:

Make sure all the surfaces are cleaned & dry so the tape can stick.

If the windows or sills are dirty, you might want to clean them unless you want to be looking at dirty windows all winter.

If there is any missing weather-stripping or caulk, these items should be corrected While it maybe ok to leave knick-knacks – any item (like this wind chime) that will interfere with the plastic needs to come out

Installation:

Attach tape all the tape around the window (quick tip – if you have octagon like this and cut the tape diaganolly jump back and forth from left side to right side – this eliminates the need for multiple cuts)

Press tape firmly in place and if needed pre-cut plastic (we had two windows to do, which were both the approx. same size & instead of having a long piece draping down we cut the first one a few inches longer than needed)

Peel backing from tape on top and attach film to it – once happy with the way it sits press firmly to the tapeTIP - For small windows it is easy enough to do by pulling from the two corners & aligningTip - For large picture windows which would be near impossible consider folding in half & aligning the folded corner with the center

Peel tape from left side, then right & finish off with bottom trying to minimize wrinkles - don't forget to firmly press against tape (yes will probably still have a few wrinkles – no worries though)

Take a blow dryer & turn on high – staying a few inches away & continuously moving apply heat around the edges until the plastic is tight and the wrinkles have disappeared

Trim the excess with a pair of scissors or knife & you are all done (for a knife – make sure it is sharp & do not cut into the material but rather pull the excess down and keep your knife vertical to cut)

Related & Original Articles:

Rental Energy Savings: http://blog.sls-construction.com/2012/save-o...

Homeowners Getting Ready for Winter: http://blog.sls-construction.com/2012/25-poi...

Original Article: http://blog.sls-construction.com/2012/interi...

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