Gutters

Summer and fall are good times of year to clean out your gutters and check their condition. Good maintenance can save the big bucks it costs to have rusted, leaking gutters replaced.
If your gutters are galvanized steel then a protective coat of good quality latex paint adheres best.
Preparation is critical for good adhesion. New galvanized gutters need to be 'pickled'. A 5% muriatic acid/water solution is a good material to etch the surface to make the paint stick better.
Old gutters should be scraped with a wire brush to remove as much old paint as possible. Neutralize rusted areas with a rust reforming product. The goal is to achieve a clean solid surface for fresh paint.
Oil based paint should not be applied directly to unpainted galvanized metal. It will eventually peel off. A galvanized metal primer must be applied first. Acrylic latex paint can be applied directly to unpainted galvanized metal if the surface has been cleaned and prepared thoroughly.
 

Drafts

What is the easiest way to shut out cold air coming in around my aluminum door?

A stick-on foam tape works well on aluminum, but it must be applied when the surface is warm and dry.
 

What is the best product to weatherproof my door?

Many people prefer the doorjamb weatherstrip. It works on metal with screws or wood with nails. Unlike the v-strips, foam strips or felt, these can't fall off.
 

How can I stop an air draft around the light switch and receptacles?

A foam seal is available to go behind the switch or receptacle plate.