Window How To & DIY

Improve the value of your home by discovering our window step-by-step tips & ideas.

Windows

5 Easy Ways to Remove Scratches from a Glass Window

Dealing with scratches on your glass windows? We’ve rounded up 5 methods for removing scratches from glass quickly and easily. Read this guide to learn more.

By Anne Holub

How to Build a Custom Window Screen

Pro2Pro Editor, Chris Ermides, decided to upgrade the tattered window screens that came with his house by building new ones

How to Drill Through Glass

Learn how to safely drill a hole in glass without chipping, cracking, or shattering it to pieces.

Whether you want to secure windows yourself or employ professional security monitoring, you can easily protect your home’s windows with a few simple changes. Keep reading for tips on improving window security and our picks for the best security products for preventing intruders.

How to Trim an Interior Window

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner trim a window to match the rest of the house

How to Replace a Broken Windowpane

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva replaces a broken pane in a basement window

How to Replace a Leaking Skylight

Installing a new skylight into an existing opening with This Old House general contractor Tom Silva.

Planning Window Placement

We share what to do (and not to do) when deciding where to place windows on your house.

What You Need to Etch Glass Easily

DIY glass etching is a great way to personal touch to your home. Here are the materials and tools you’ll need for your project.

How to Seal Old Windows

Don’t replace those drafty old windows, here’s how to weatherstrip your double hung windows instead.

How to Board Up Windows for Hurricane

How to install plywood panels to keep flying debris at bay.

Dormer Window Ideas

Dormer windows add light and living space to a roof’s slope. See our pictures that show a variety of style and design ideas.

View of palm trees blowing in the wind outside the window.

How to Choose Hurricane Window Covers

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows a homeowner several ways to protect windows during a storm.

Waterproof Window Installation

In this how-to video, learn the correct way to install a waterproof window with This Old House general contractor Tom Silva.

How to Replace a Window

Ready-to-install replacement units give you high performance and good looks with a minimum of fuss

How to Clean Windows Like a Pro

Looking for the best window washing solutions? Follow our DIY window cleaning tips.

How to Assemble Exterior Window Trim

Sweenor Builders developed a process for trimming out windows that yields tight joints sure to withstand harsh climates

Ask Kevin: Window Anatomy

Ask This Old House host Kevin O'Connor explains the various parts of a standard double-hung window

New Life for Old Windows

How a smart alternative to window replacement saves energy, reduces noise, and preserves the architectural integrity of two TOH TV Project Houses.

How to Repair Damaged Window Sash Cords

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner fix window sash cords to keep her double hung window in balance

How to Replace a Picture Window

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to remove a broken window and replace it.

How Safety Glass Can Protect You

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva demonstrates how safety glass breaks differently than traditional plate glass.

How to Trim a Window with Pressure-Treated Pine

General Contractor Jeff Sweenor explains how to use pre-primed, pressure-treated pine for exterior window trim and door casings

Mind the Window Gaps

If you can feel a breeze around your closed windows, consider these quick-and-easy ways to block drafts. Such stopgap measures eliminate air leaks by sealing sash perimeters from indoors. Come spring, add or replace weatherstripping for a longer-lasting fix