Deck and Patio Prep for Summer

There’s a certain moment every spring in Connecticut when everyone collectively realizes that summer is actually coming. Suddenly the deck furniture comes out, the grill gets uncovered, and people start looking at their patios a little more critically.

Unfortunately, winter is not exactly gentle on outdoor spaces around here. Between snow, ice, moisture, freezing temperatures, and the occasional “I’ll deal with it in the spring” procrastination, decks and patios can take a real beating over the colder months. The good news is that a little attention now can help prevent expensive repairs later and make your outdoor spaces far more enjoyable all summer long.

The first thing homeowners should do is simply take a slow walk around the area and inspect everything carefully. Winter damage is often subtle at first. Look for loose boards, popped nails, cracked pavers, rotting wood, unstable railings, or areas where the surface feels soft or uneven underfoot. If something feels questionable now, it probably won’t improve after a season of heavy foot traffic, summer storms, and backyard barbecues.

Decks in particular tend to collect moisture damage over time, especially in shaded areas or spots where that long spell of snow sat all winter. One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is assuming that a deck only needs attention when it looks bad. In reality, preventative maintenance is what gives a deck a long lifespan.

A proper cleaning is usually the best place to start. Dirt, algae, mildew, pollen, and old leaves make a deck look dingy and they can break down materials over time, creating unsafe surfaces. While pressure washers can be effective, they also have the potential to do a surprising amount of damage if used incorrectly. Too much pressure can gouge wood, splinter surfaces, and shorten the life of the deck. In many cases, a gentler wash combined with the proper cleaning solution is the smarter option.

Once the surface is clean, homeowners should check whether the deck still has adequate protection from the elements. An easy test is to sprinkle a little water onto the wood. If the water beads up, the protective seal is likely still doing its job. If the wood absorbs the water quickly, it may be time to reseal or restain the surface.

Patios require attention too, especially after a Connecticut freeze-thaw season. Pavers can shift over time as the ground expands and contracts, creating uneven surfaces and tripping hazards. Small cracks in stone or concrete can also worsen surprisingly fast once water starts getting inside them. Early repairs are almost always simpler and less expensive than waiting another year.

Spring is also a good time to address drainage issues around patios and outdoor living spaces. If water pools near the house after rainstorms, or if certain sections stay wet for long periods of time, it’s worth investigating before summer humidity arrives. Standing moisture is rarely a homeowner’s friend.

Furniture and outdoor accessories deserve a little preparation as well. Cushions should be checked for mold or mildew, umbrellas inspected for tears, and grills cleaned before the first big cookout of the season. Nobody wants to discover a propane issue five minutes before guests arrive.

For homeowners considering upgrades, summer is often when people realize how much they actually use these spaces. Simple additions like lighting, planters, privacy screens, or a refreshed seating area can dramatically improve how a deck or patio feels without requiring a full renovation.

At the end of the day, outdoor spaces are meant to be enjoyed. A little maintenance now can help prevent bigger headaches later and ensure that when the warm weather finally sticks around, your deck or patio is ready for everything from quiet morning coffee to busy summer gatherings.

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.

5 Late‑Summer Home Projects to Tackle

As summer winds down here in Connecticut, now is a golden opportunity to tackle home improvement projects with maximum return. Late summer offers warm, dry days that are perfect for outdoor work before the wet chill of fall sets in. Here are five smart projects every homeowner should consider while there’s still daylight (and deck furniture to enjoy).

1. Exterior Painting or Staining

August and early September give you cooler, less humid weather which are ideal conditions for paint and stain to dry evenly without peeling or blistering. Whether it’s freshening up siding, restoring your deck, or repainting trim, late summer ensures the new finish cures properly for a long-lasting result.

2. Roof Inspection & Minor Repairs

Summer storms can loosen flashing and shingles, and if left unchecked, those small issues become leaks once the snow flies. A roof check now helps you avoid water damage and insulation headaches. Plus, contractors in Connecticut can often still fit this work into their schedules before fall gets busy.

3. Gutter Cleaning & Guard Installation

Leaves haven’t started falling yet, so now’s the best time to clean out your gutters and downspouts. While you’re at it, consider adding gutter guards. This prepares your home for leaf season and keeps you off the ladder in cold weather. It’s an investment you won’t regret. 

4. Window Sealing or Replacement

Drafty windows? Now’s the time to replace or seal them before the heating season hits. Caulking and weatherstripping stop cold air in its tracks, while double‑pane, energy-efficient replacements reduce your heating bills. Connecticut homeowners can tap into rebate programs for these upgrades. Check out Energize CT for information.

5. Driveway Sealing or Repairs

Sealcoating your asphalt driveway protects it from salt, freeze-thaw cycles, and ice damage, just what Connecticut winters bring. Asphalt requires daytime temps above 50 °F to cure; late summer givesplenty of time before cooler weather sets in.

Late summer may feel like the calm before the leaf blowers, but it’s also prime time for smart homeowners to take care of the jobs that will protect and preserve their homes into the colder months. A little time and effort now can go a long way toward keeping your home dry, warm, and efficient all season long.

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.

Start Thinking About A Hot Water Heater Tune Up

Winter is still a long way off but the unofficial end of summer is a good time to start tackling cooler weather maintenance tasks. One of my priorities is to do a thorough check-up of my hot water heater to ensure I don’t have issues when I really need it. 

Major appliance maintenance might seem complicated, but if you haven’t had issues in the past, a simple check-up and clean-out can really help your hot water heater run more efficiently while lengthening its life. 

As a water heater operates, it collects sediment that can cause decay if left in the tank over time. Drain your water heater at least twice a year to get rid of any buildup, which will prevent corrosion and increase the machine’s energy efficiency. I like to do this in the fall and early spring, before and after the busy season.

First, turn off the unit and give it plenty of time to cool down. Then, using a garden hose and pump, drain the water into a bucket. If the bucket becomes filled with brown, sediment-tainted water, continue to refill and drain your heater until the water looks clean again. When you’re in the clear, you can disconnect your hose and turn the unit back on.

Keep your water heater at a steady 120 degrees and lower it down if you’re planning on leaving the house for three days or more. For every 10 degrees that you decrease the temperature, you’ll save five percent in energy costs.

Insulate the tank and pipes with fiberglass. For the tank, fit a fiberglass blanket using foil tape, but be sure not to cover any valve or pipe openings. For the pipes, you can use fiberglass wrap or foam insulation. By adding a layer of insulation to your water heater, you’ll keep the warmth from escaping into the air and you’ll protect the machine from condensation in the warmer months. 

If you have a valve that’s leaking, make sure that the fittings are nice and tight. If anything is loose, you might have to replace the valves or fittings. You can find the parts you’ll need at a local hardware store – just don’t forget to shut off the water before fitting them!

Remember, working with electric or gas appliances can be dangerous. If you’re not familiar with how your unit operates or if you’re not comfortable with this kind of work, contact a plumber for a routine maintenance check.  Just keep in mind that service pros are busier than ever so you’ll want to book an appointment now to get in before the season kicks off. 

The average lifecycle of a water heater is about eight to twelve years and they can cost anywhere from $300 for an electric tank system to well over $1,000 for a tankless energy efficient natural gas appliance. If you’re in the market for a new machine, do your research and make sure you maintain it regularly to ensure that it will go the distance. 

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.