DIY home guide: Autumn
How to protect the value of your property, cut energy costs, avoid costly repairs, and spiff up your surroundings this autumn.
Clear the tracks
Free
When your window and sliding-door tracks become clogged, water can back up and get into your walls and floors. Start by vacuuming leaves and other debris out of window and door tracks. Then pour hot water into the tracks to make sure the tiny drains, known as weep holes, are open. To unplug them, simply poke a paper-clip through the hole.
NEXT: Check your detectors (again)
Last updated January 28 2011: 5:13 PM ET
