Animal-Proof Your Attic

If you’ve ever had an animal in your attic, you know how annoying it can be. From scratching and scurrying during the night to high-pitched whistles and chatter, having a furry friend invade your home is a surefire way to ruin a good night’s sleep. Unfortunately, animals love dark, safe spaces to den, which is why an attic ticks all of the boxes. As bad as it is to have one intruder, the last thing you want is for an animal to bring their babies in or to give birth under your roof. Here are four ways you can reduce the risk of sharing your home with an unwanted guest of the four-legged variety. 

Trim Trees 

Don’t make it easy for an animal to get in. Large trees that are adjacent to your home should be trimmed back to ensure that a squirrel or chipmunk can’t easily get onto the roof. These animals love chewing, so any wiring or piping is at risk once they are in. Forget the noise, a destroyed electrical system is a lot more painful than a bad night’s sleep. 

Inspect the Roof

Animals can squeeze into small holes, so make sure your roof is in great shape with all the shingles intact, especially around the chimney flashing. Most animals will stay in a place with water so a leaky roof actually makes an excellent home for tiny pests like rats and mice. 

Install a Chimney Cap

Speaking of chimneys, you have no idea how many people call me because a squirrel or raccoon has become curious about what’s down that hole in the roof. A simple mesh chimney cap ensures that you can use your fireplace safely while preventing anything from being able to get inside.

Cover Vents

A good roof will have a series of vents that allow your home to “breathe” by letting air in and out to reduce the possibility of mold, mildew, and rot. However, open vents also make it easy for animals to enter. A simple vent cover will still let air in while reducing the possibility of intruders invading the attic. 

If you think you hear an animal in your attic already, it’s a good idea to know what you’re dealing with. Rats will generally gnaw at just about anything they can find and they make a unique squeaking sound. Mice will scurry and actually sound a lot louder than their size suggests. Screams or hisses will likely be from a raccoon and if you have one, you’ll know it. Squirrels are quieter but they’ll love tearing up your insulation. Possums are also common, and they really smell. Regardless of what the animal is, you don’t want to leave it alone and let it get comfortable. An exterminator will help you find the right course of action for your home, including trapping and releasing and one-way exclusion doors. Good luck!

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.

Rebate Programs for Connecticut Home Improvements

If you’ve ever thought about renovating your home but you’re conscious about the planet, it’s worth making sure you’re up to speed on some of the rebates and incentives offered by EnergizeCT. As conscientious consumers, making smart decisions about your home remodeling while doing good for the planet is always a great idea. Here are some of the programs available this summer:

• Heat Pump: there are big savings for people looking to upgrade their heat and air conditioning. Work with a qualified contractor for your equipment and installation and you can get up to $15,000 in combined incentives.

• Pool Pumps: a summer of swimming is always fun but maintenance? Not so much. If you’re in the market for a new pool pump, Eversource customers can get a rebate of up to $100. The offer says you can save up to $290 a year in energy costs since the new ones use up to 18 percent less energy than a standard pump.

• Air Purifiers: these became a hot item after COVID and they continue to be popular amongst homeowners. You can snag $40 off a qualifying unit through the program and save money long-term too. ENERGY STAR® certified air purifiers are more than 25% more energy-efficient than standard models

• Dehumidifiers: during the summer months, I dump my basement dehumidifier twice a day. Excess moisture is a real problem in many homes and it can lead to mold and mildew if not dealt with. The average dehumidifier costs about $300 but you can get up to $25 off per qualifying unit with this incentive program

• Insulation: If you’re a regular reader, you’ll know how important having enough insulation is in the home. In addition to warmer winters and cooler summers, insulation is also a valuable improvement upon resale. You can get up to $1.70 per square foot for your insulation project which includes both batts and blown fiberglass. 

• Boilers and Furnaces: both of these essential appliances have a 20-year lifespan so if you’re coming to the end of yours, taking advantage of the rebate is a good idea. You can get up to $750 back if you choose an energy-efficient model and there is financing available too. 

• Thermostats: I love being able to set and adjust the temperature of my house from anywhere and it’s great for the planet too. Choose a Smart thermostat like Google Nest and get an $85 instant rebate. Plus they estimate energy savings of up to $180 on electric and $565 on gas.

As with any program or incentive, it’s always smart to read the fine print to ensure you qualify for the rebates. Head to energizect.com for the latest list of offerings and availability and happy home improvement shopping!

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.

Protecting Your Home From Attic Moisture

If your attic holds a lot of moisture, it can cause a lot of problems for the health of your home. Last week we took a deep dive into the most common culprits of humidity and this week we’ll be talking about how to remedy those issues. To get rid of moisture in your attic, you'll need to identify and address the underlying causes. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Find the source: If your attic humidity level is high, first determine what is causing the excess moisture. The most likely culprits are inadequate ventilation and insulation, roof leaks, or a plumbing issue.

2. Improve ventilation: Most houses that I visit do not have enough ventilation. It’s truly the best way to reduce moisture buildup and keep the temperature in your home more regulated year-round. 

3. Look for air leaks: Check for any gaps, cracks, or openings that might be allowing warm, moist air from your home to enter the attic. Seal these leaks with caulk or weatherstripping to prevent the transfer of moisture. It will also help if critters tend to find their way into the attic.

4. Insulate properly: Insulation helps regulate temperature and prevent condensation. Ensure your attic is adequately insulated to minimize temperature differences between the interior and exterior. Insulation is not just helpful for the winter months, it’s actually crucial year-round.

5. Assess for roof leaks: Inspect your roof for any signs of leaks or damaged shingles or if you’re not comfortable on a ladder, contact a professional. They will inspect both in interior and exterior of the home and be able to advise on appropriate repairs or replacements.

6. Address plumbing issues: If there are plumbing pipes or HVAC ducts running through your attic, check for any leaks or condensation. Repair any leaks and insulate the pipes or ducts to prevent moisture buildup.

7. Control humidity levels: Excessive humidity in your home can contribute to attic moisture problems. Use dehumidifiers in areas with high humidity, such as basements or bathrooms, to control moisture levels. Additionally, ensure your kitchen and bathroom vents are properly vented to the exterior, not into the attic.

8. Monitor and maintain: Regularly inspect your attic for signs of moisture or mildew. If you notice any issues, promptly address them to prevent further damage.

Attics are always tricky because they are so rarely occupied. However, if humidity levels increase the moisture will become a mold problem very quickly, which is hazardous to both your home’s health and yours. When in doubt, always contact a professional for guidance. A licensed contractor will be able to help remediate any problems both in the short and long term.

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.