Cooler Weather Offers a Chance to Clean Up Summer's Grime

There is a noticeable change in the air this time of year. After months of sticky summer humidity, we're finally enjoying cooler mornings, crisp afternoons and the kind of weather that makes working outside a pleasure rather than a chore.

While the humidity may have moved on, it often leaves a few reminders of what moisture can do to a home. Take a walk around your house and look closely at your siding, porch railings, steps, and shaded areas. You might notice green patches, dark streaks, or a dingy film that wasn't there in the spring. Months of warm, damp weather create ideal conditions for algae, mildew and other organic growth to take hold, particularly on the north side of a house or anywhere that doesn't get much direct sunlight.

Since we aren't quite into the thick of leaf cleanup season yet, and it's not cold enough to put away the outdoor tools, mid-October is a good time to tackle some of the grime that's been building up around your home's exterior.

Start with the siding.

Green algae and other discoloration can develop in areas that stay damp, particularly behind shrubs, beneath overhangs and along shaded walls.

Fortunately, you don't necessarily need to drag out the pressure washer to address it. Products like Wet & Forget and other exterior cleaning solutions are designed to treat organic growth on siding, decks, and other outdoor surfaces. Some are sprayed on and left to work gradually with the help of rain and weather. They generally won’t damage your landscaping or plants, although I would take care around vegetable gardens. 

Just remember that these aren't instant fixes. Depending on the product and the amount of buildup, it can take weeks or even months to see the full results. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions, including temperature requirements and precautions for pets and vegetation.

Don't overlook porches and railings.

Porches are another place where summer moisture tends to linger. White railings, columns and trim can develop dark spots or green discoloration, especially where there's limited airflow.

A gentle cleaning can make a noticeable difference. Before reaching for a strong chemical or pressure washer, check what cleaning methods are recommended for your particular surface. Painted wood, composite materials, and vinyl don't all respond the same way.

Be careful with pressure washing too. A lot of pressure can damage paint, force water behind siding, or splinter wood. More pressure isn't necessarily better.

Pay attention to what's underfoot.

Algae and other organic growth aren't just unsightly. They can make steps, walkways, and decks surprisingly slippery, particularly after rain.

Check shaded entryways, concrete steps and areas around downspouts where water tends to collect. These are worth cleaning before fallen leaves and colder temperatures make footing even more unpredictable.

If you're using a cleaning solution, make sure it's approved for the surface and follow any instructions about rinsing or keeping people and pets off the treated area.

Look for the reason it's growing.

Here's something I always tell homeowners: Cleaning is one thing, but understanding why a problem keeps coming back is just as important.

If the same section of siding turns green every year, take a closer look. Are shrubs growing too close to the house? Is a gutter overflowing? Does a downspout empty right next to the foundation? Is there an area that never gets enough sunlight or airflow to dry out?

Sometimes a little pruning, improved drainage, or a simple gutter repair can make a bigger difference than another round of cleaning.

And remember, not every dark stain is mold. Algae, mildew, dirt, and other buildup can look similar. If you suspect significant mold growth or moisture damage inside the home, that's a different issue that deserves professional attention.

Take advantage of the weather while you can.

One of the nice things about October in Connecticut is that we often get a stretch of beautiful, comfortable days before winter settles in. They're perfect for smaller outdoor projects that are easy to put off during the heat of summer.

Choose a day that meets your cleaning product's temperature and weather requirements, and pay attention to the forecast. Some treatments need several hours without rain, while others shouldn't be applied when freezing temperatures are expected.

A little attention to what summer left behind can help keep your home looking its best and give you one less thing to worry about when spring rolls around.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Give Your House An Easy Fall Spruce-Up

Fall is one of the best times of year to give the outside of your home a little attention. The summer heat is behind us, winter weather hasn’t arrived yet, and a few small projects now can keep your house looking great right through the holidays.

Start With a Good Cleanup

Before you add anything, clean up what’s already there. Sweep the front walk and steps, clear leaves and debris from corners, and wash down porch furniture. Clean the glass on your front door and exterior light fixtures as both tend to collect more dirt and bugs than you realize.

If your siding is looking dingy, a gentle cleaning can make a big difference. Be careful with pressure washers, though. Too much pressure can damage siding, trim and painted surfaces or force water behind them. When in doubt, start with a garden hose, soft brush and an appropriate exterior cleaner.

Add Some Fall Color

Your summer flowers may be fading, but that doesn’t mean your planters have to be done for the year. Mums are the obvious fall favorite, but ornamental kale and cabbage, pansies, asters and heuchera can all add color during cooler weather.

You can also mix in natural elements that last longer than flowers. Pumpkins, gourds, cornstalks, branches, pinecones and small evergreens can carry your front porch from October well into the holiday season. Start with a simple fall arrangement, then swap out the pumpkins for evergreen branches or winter decorations later.

One tip: don’t overload the porch. A few larger, well-placed items usually look better than lots of small decorations competing for attention.

Look Up While You’re Out There

While you’re sprucing things up, take a few minutes to actually look at the house itself. Check trim and siding for cracks, loose pieces or peeling paint. Look around windows and doors for deteriorating caulk. Check porch railings and steps to make sure everything feels secure.

Fall is also a good time to look at gutters and downspouts. Make sure they’re securely attached and directing water away from the foundation. Small problems are much easier to address now than after freezing temperatures, snow and ice arrive.

Decorate Without Damaging Your House

Wreaths, garlands and holiday lights will be going up before we know it. Just be thoughtful about how you attach them.

Avoid driving random nails or screws through siding, window trim or roofing materials. Every unnecessary hole is another potential place for water to get in. Use clips and fastening systems designed for your particular siding, gutters or trim whenever possible.

And if something needs to be permanently mounted like a new light fixture, house numbers, mailbox or railing, make sure it’s properly fastened and sealed. The goal is to add curb appeal without creating a repair project for next spring.

Think About Lighting

As the days get shorter, exterior lighting becomes much more noticeable. Replace burned-out bulbs, clean dirty fixtures and make sure pathways and steps are well lit.

If your fixtures are old, rusted or dated, replacing them can be a relatively simple upgrade that changes the whole look of your entry. Just make sure new fixtures are rated for exterior use and installed correctly.

Make It Last Through the Holidays

The trick to a good fall spruce-up is creating a clean, welcoming base that you can easily transition into winter. Clean up the landscaping, make the small repairs, add some seasonal color and keep decorations simple. Then, when December arrives, you won’t have to start all over again. Add some greenery, lights or a wreath, and you’re ready for the holidays.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Early Fall Is a Good Time to Give Your Water Heater Some Attention

We tend to think about our heating systems as soon as the temperatures start to drop, but there’s another hardworking appliance in the house that deserves a little attention this time of year: your water heater.

Early fall is a great time to give it a once-over. As the weather cools, the water entering your home gets colder, which means your water heater has to work harder to bring it up to temperature. Add in more hot showers, baths and general indoor time, and a small problem now can become a much bigger inconvenience in the middle of winter.

A little preventative maintenance can help keep your water heater running efficiently and, hopefully, help you catch trouble before you're standing in a cold shower in January.

1. Clear the Area Around It

Start with an easy one. Head down to the basement or utility room and take a look at what has accumulated around your water heater.

Boxes, paint cans, cleaning supplies and miscellaneous household storage have a way of migrating toward mechanical equipment. Keep the area around the unit clear so you can easily inspect it and so there's adequate airflow around equipment that requires ventilation.

While you're there, take a good look at the floor around the tank. Any unexplained moisture, rust or staining is worth investigating.

2. Check the Temperature

For many households, 120°F is a good water-heater setting. It provides plenty of hot water while reducing the risk of scalding and avoiding the energy waste that comes with keeping water unnecessarily hot.

If your water suddenly seems much hotter or cooler than usual, however, don't just adjust the thermostat and forget about it. A noticeable change can sometimes point to a thermostat, heating element or other issue that needs attention.

3. Consider Flushing the Tank

Over time, minerals and sediment can collect at the bottom of a traditional tank-style water heater. That buildup can reduce efficiency and is sometimes responsible for the popping or rumbling noises you hear coming from an older tank.

Periodically flushing the tank can help remove that sediment. If you routinely maintain your water heater and are comfortable doing it, follow the manufacturer's instructions for your particular model.

If the tank hasn't been flushed in years, is quite old, or you're not sure what you're doing, this may be a good job to leave to a plumber. Older drain valves don't always appreciate being opened after sitting untouched for a decade.

4. Look at the Pipes and Insulation

If your water heater is located in an unfinished or chilly basement, insulating accessible hot-water pipes can reduce heat loss as water travels through the house. Foam pipe insulation is inexpensive and relatively easy to install.

Some older tank-style water heaters may also benefit from an insulating blanket, but don't automatically wrap every tank you see. Many newer models are already well insulated, and additional insulation may not be recommended. Check the manufacturer's instructions first, particularly with gas-fired units where vents, controls and air intakes must remain unobstructed.

5. Don't Forget the Safety Components

Tank-style water heaters have a temperature and pressure relief valve designed to release water if pressure or temperature inside the tank becomes unsafe.

This is an important safety device, but it's also one I don't recommend experimenting with if you're unsure of its condition, especially on an older water heater. If you notice leaking or corrosion around the valve or discharge pipe, have it inspected by a professional. A plumber can also check the valve as part of routine water-heater maintenance.

6. Ask About the Anode Rod

Inside most traditional tank water heaters is an anode rod designed to corrode before the steel tank does. It's a relatively small component that can have a big impact on the life of the water heater.

Anode rods don't last forever. If your tank is several years old and you've never had the rod inspected, ask about it the next time you have the system serviced. Replacing a depleted rod can help protect a tank that's otherwise in good condition.

7. Pay Attention to What Your Water Heater Is Telling You

Water heaters usually give you some warning when things aren't quite right. Keep an eye — and an ear — out for:

• Rust or corrosion around fittings

• Water collecting around the bottom of the tank

• Rumbling, popping or other new noises

• Rust-colored or cloudy hot water

• Hot water that runs out faster than it used to

• Water that takes noticeably longer to heat

• Unexplained changes in water temperature

None of these automatically means you need a new water heater, but they're good reasons to have it checked before the problem gets worse.

8. Know the Age of Your Water Heater

If you have no idea how old your water heater is, fall is a good time to find out. Check the manufacturer's label for the model and serial number; the manufacturer can usually help you determine the date it was made.

Traditional tank water heaters don't last forever, and once yours gets into the 10-year-plus range, it's smart to pay closer attention to its condition and start thinking ahead. That doesn't mean replacing a perfectly good water heater simply because it had a birthday. It means avoiding the unpleasant surprise of having an aging tank fail without a plan.

If replacement is on the horizon, you'll also have more choices when you're planning ahead than you will during an emergency. Today's options include high-efficiency tank models, heat-pump water heaters and tankless systems, depending on your home and your family's needs.

A Little Fall Maintenance Goes a Long Way

We spend plenty of time getting our homes ready for colder weather — cleaning gutters, servicing furnaces, sealing drafts and putting away the patio furniture. Your water heater deserves a spot on that fall checklist too.

Take ten minutes to look it over now. Check for leaks and corrosion, clear the surrounding area and think about when it was last serviced. A little attention in September or October can help keep the hot water flowing when you really don't want to be thinking about it in January.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.