Explore 1,000+ articles designed to guide you through every stage of your home improvement project.
HVAC
How to Replace a Baseboard Heater Cover
A quick DIY way to update your home’s decor is to replace the baseboard heater cover with a new, unblemished model — and it’s easy enough for most homeowners to do by themselves. Replacing the cover gives you a chance to clean the unit inside, so you may see better performance, too. Positioned low to…
Roofing
How to Prevent Problems with Flat Roofs
If you’re the owner of a home with a flat roof, you know that they can offer some pretty serious benefits in terms of aesthetics and energy efficiency. Plus, a secondary outdoor space? Count me in! While that’s all good, flat roof owners do have to be more careful to prevent roof leaks, damage, and…
HVAC
Heater Covers: What You Need to Know
As much as we love heating equipment here at Modernize, we also understand that it isn’t usually the most attractive thing in a home. Baseboard heaters, radiators, and central heating registers tend to detract from your home’s overall appeal, rather than add to it. But there is one way to cope with these common household…
Other Home Projects
How to Increase the Energy Efficiency of a Fireplace
How to Increase the Energy Efficiency of Your Fireplace Fireplaces generate a lot of heat — when you’re standing right in front of them. Unfortunately, when the fire is out, they can suck warm air from the room and send it up the chimney, which wastes energy and leaves the room feeling cold. But with…
Siding
Types of Siding That Need to be Painted
Homeownership and renovation projects often go hand in hand, and as a result, keeping track of home improvement needs can feel overwhelming. Furthermore, caring for and maintaining your home’s exterior is one of the most significant responsibilities—and arguably the most important—for homeowners. Depending on your siding type, regular maintenance tasks like cleaning, painting, and refinishing…
Siding
How to Clean Spots on Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is a popular choice for home exteriors. Many homeowners prefer it over brick or wood because it is affordable and easy to maintain. With a power washer or hose and basic household cleaning products, you can keep your vinyl siding looking new year after year. However, dirt, grime, and stains will occasionally appear.…
Solar
Issues that May Arise with a Solar Hot Water Heater and How to Address Them
Once you saw the savings from your solar hot water heater, you started singing its praises from the rooftop. But like any appliance, your system needs a little regular TLC to perform its very best — and to avoid problems down the line. Issues with solar hot water heaters can have some grave consequences indeed…
Other Home Projects
Warning: Learn These Home Heating Fire Hazards
Heating your home with poorly maintained equipment is like playing with fire—sometimes quite literally! Even if you don’t have a fireplace with an open flame, you could be putting the safety of your home and family at risk. Especially if you slack off on monitoring the condition and performance of your heating systems. While heating…