Reduce Backyard Traffic Noise The winding two-lane road in front of This Old House’s TV project house in Carlisle, Massachusetts, is hardly a superhighway, but it is a well-traveled commuter street. Fortunately, better insulation and sealing have made the renovated 1849 farmstead quieter on the inside. But the lawn and garden outside the house are still vulnerable to noise, from the hum of car tires on the road to the buzz of the neighbors’ power mowers and trimmers....

Best Medium Capacity: Eureka Bagged Canister Vacuum Most Lightweight: Oreck XL Pro Bagged Canister Vacuum Best Dirt Disposal: Bissell Zing Canister Vacuum Most Accessories: Hoover PortaPower Canister Vacuum Best Filtration: Kenmore Bagged Canister Vacuum Best Medium Capacity: Eureka Bagged Canister Vacuum Pros and Cons ✔ Compact form factor fits on stairs and in cramped spaces✔ Includes a built-in blower port✔ Features carrying handle and two wheels for portability ✘ Includes a limited number of attachments✘ Bagged design is less convenient and may be cost more over time than bagless alternatives...

What Kind of Weather Stripping Do I Need? To help with DIY weather stripping projects, we’ve broken down the most common options by material and profile so that you’ll know just what to install to chase away the chill. 1. V Strip (Tension Seal) V strip, also known as tension seal, is a durable plastic or metal strip folded into a ‘V’ shape that springs open to bridge gaps. Where It Goes Along the sides of a double-hung or sliding window; on the top and sides of a door....

Today, the mudroom has evolved into a practical, multipurpose space for storing sports equipment, seasonal gear, and all manner of everyday items. Whether it’s just a sliver of a wall or a dedicated room, a well-organized mudroom is essential for maintaining order and containing clutter in a home. Mudroom Storage Ideas To tackle your organization and storage needs, the following ideas will help you make the most of your mudroom:...

What to Pack for a Picnic Picnic Package This set is the total picnic package: a bag full of everything you could ever need at a picnic, including cutlery, cups, plates, napkins, and more. Blanket This blanket is not only reversible but also folds up into a convenient tote bag with an adjustable strap. Plus, it’s machine washable. Picnic Time Vista Blanket Tote In Aqua Blue With Fun Stripes, about $25; Bed Bath & Beyond...

Removing an Old Ceiling… Or Not Taking down an old ceiling is a messy, difficult job that shouldn’t be considered lightly. If you do go ahead with the demolition, you’ll enjoy some significant benefits. You might be removing an old plaster ceiling that has perpetual problems with sagging and cracking. With the ceiling removed, you’ll have access to open joist bays that enable you to completely redo the electrical runs to the switches on the wall....

Alternatives to Valentine’s Day Flowers There are many different beautiful plants that will last way longer than a single bouquet of cut flowers. A couple of suggestions Jenn made included a rosemary plant (or other edibles), succulents in a variety of different pots, an air plant, a terrarium, and a variety of orchids, all of which can be found at nurseries and garden centers. Expert assistance with this segment was provided by Nawada Landscape Design....

Homeowners Need the Right Tools for Electrical Projects Most homeowners don’t need a wide assortment of electrical tools because the jobs they handle are rather limited. However, there are some projects that DIYers are capable of handling, as long as they have the right tools. Projects like replacing a light fixture or changing out a receptacle require a simple yet complete set. 1. Voltage Testers Before a homeowner or DIYer works on any electrical circuit, they need to ensure that the circuit is de-energized and safe....

Starting a Lawn In many places, you can’t get a certificate of occupancy for a new home until the lawn is established. There are several approaches to starting a lawn. All start after the heavy machinery has finished grading the property. First, the rocks are raked out of the topsoil with the bulk of the work being done with either a large rake that’s pulled behind a tractor or by a rotating mechanical rake on a skid-steer....

Fall Lawn Care Tips 1. Remove the leaves A carpet of colorful autumn leaves may look nice and be fun to play in, but they’re no good for grass. They block the light and trap moisture, potentially fatal knockout punches for the unlucky turf underneath. So when the leaves are falling, blow or rake them away as often as you can. Even after the trees are bare, continue raking out the corners where the wind piles leaves up....

NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN Sponsor: This Old House Insider Hard Hat Tour Giveaway (“Giveaway”) is sponsored by This Old House Ventures, LLC, 262 Harbor Drive, Stamford, CT 06902 (“Sponsor”). Giveaway Entry Period: The Giveaway starts at 12:00:01 AM Eastern Time (ET) on Tuesday, February 24, 2020 and ends at 11:59:59 PM ET on Thursday, March 5, 2020 (“Giveaway Entry Period”). A Day starts at 12:00:01 AM ET and ends at 11:59:59 PM ET each calendar day of the Giveaway Entry Period....

Steps for cleaning up mold: 1 When mold is present on drywall and other hard-to-clean surfaces, hire an environmental expert to replace the moldy areas.2 If mold is found on house framing, use a vacuum fitted with a HEPA filter to remove the excessive gross mold.3 Sand the wood smooth, then apply a biocide to kill mold spores.4 Encapsulate the mold with mold inhibitor.5 Contact industrial hygienist to evaluate the mold problem....