Don't let a leaky staircase freeze you out

If you’re anything like me, you probably have a love/hate relationship with your attic. On the one hand, it’s a great place to store away Christmas decorations and bulky suitcases that you don’t often use. On the other hand, it’s not the easiest place to get in and out of, and it’s also the single biggest pain point when it comes to heat and air leaks in the home.

Most people around this area access their attic through a pull down staircase or ladder. In terms of heat and A/C seepage, this huge hole in your ceiling is your number one problem. While it gives you access to extra storage, it can also cost you hundred of dollars in energy waste that you’ve probably never given a second thought to.  

I faced this problem myself many years ago, and recognizing the issue, I built myself an insulated box that I fit inside the attic and over the hole where the stairs sit above the ceiling. This simple barrier stopped the heat that was escaping out of the house and through the roof, and immediately my energy bill started to drop. Being in attics every day, I am surprised how many homeowners don’t realize that they have the same problem.

If you access your attic through a pull down staircase, do yourself a favor this winter and get it insulated. A simple box or tent, usually made from polystyrene, will close the space between your home and your attic, sealing the gaps where cold air gets in and heat gets out. The box itself is inexpensive and installation is quick and easy. It’s a simple fix that will pay for itself in spades over the course of this winter and for years to come. 

Replacing your aluminum windows and doors

If you’re in the market for replacement windows and doors, the different types of products might seem endless and overwhelming. These days, many people are looking to replace their aluminum windows and sliding doors with a more durable option - something made from vinyl, wood or fiberglass that can withstand the test of time. There are lots of options out there and the one you pick will be based on four very important factors: the climate where you live, the amount of moisture and condensation your home is prone to, the kind of aesthetic you want for your home, and the maintenance required to keep them looking great. Keeping these four deciding features in mind, let’s go through the options.

When it comes to temperature, aluminum conducts heat and cold, which is why it’s a popular choice for cookware. Aluminum windows and doors are notorious for transferring the outside temperature in, which makes them very inefficient from an energy point of view. Wood fares better in the extreme seasons, but vinyl and fiberglass windows and doors are made for all weather and are built specifically to keep the warm air in and the cold air out. Remember that only 10 percent of the window is frame, so investing in double pane energy efficient glass is your best option, no matter what option you go with.

With our humid summers and damp winters, moisture is a major factor in deciding whether to upgrade your old windows and doors. Because aluminum transfers heat, it can attract condensation and moisture, which can lead to leaks, mold buildup and rot inside your wall. In my experience, this is a homeowner's worst nightmare, and it occurs all too often in older homes. If you have signs of mildew or corrosion from your aluminum frames, it’s time to get them replaced.

Then there is the “look and feel” factor. Many people started replacing their aluminum windows and doors with vinyl for the simple reason that they could achieve a more contemporary look with the various finishes and designs that vinyl offers. Of course, aluminum products can be painted or powdercoated to match the style of your home, but there will be maintenance to keep them looking great.

That brings us to upkeep. Be aware that any painted product will begin to chip and peel over time. The look of wood is elegant and timeless but it requires regular painting or staining, just like aluminum. Vinyl and fiberglass are very easy to care for and they don’t  peel, fade or need to be repainted. These products are not prone to scratches, dings or dents and can give you a longer, hassle-free lifespan if you take care of them properly.

With winter on the way, now is a good time to think about replacing old windows and doors for products with maximum energy efficiency and minimal maintenance. If your home still has aluminum and you’re experiencing some of the symptoms I have outlined above, it might be time for an update.

Don't ignore cracked ceilings

This week I received a question from a reader that I'd like to share with all of you. She said, "Dear Bob, I have noticed some small cracks forming in my bathroom ceiling near the shower. Does this mean I need a new coat of paint or could it be something worse?"

I am so glad the reader asked this question because it's something that is incredibly common and can easily happen in any home. The reason ceiling cracks appear is because the bathroom usually holds the most moisture in the house. If the bathroom doesn't have proper ventilation, water and steam from the shower can get trapped in the ceiling, softening the drywall and eventually cracking the paint. An easy cosmetic fix could be to fill in the cracks and repaint the ceiling, but my advice is to first check to ensure no leaks or drainage issues are causing the problem in the first place.

I spend a lot of time in attics and I often see bathroom fans that have been disconnected or knocked off track. So while they sound like they are working, they aren't actually extracting the moisture properly. First floor bathrooms can be even more susceptible to cracking because of the possibility of plumbing leaks inside the ceiling that originate from an upstairs bathroom. So what can you do?

If you fix the crack, you don't want it coming back again, so start by making sure you have no leaks or damage in your plumbing. If that checks out, have a look at your bathroom fan to ensure that it's working properly. If the fan is old, it's probably worth having it replaced. Once you're ready to patch and paint, make sure the surfaces are very dry and use water resistant compound and paint to repair the ceiling. Ensure you give the compound plenty of time to dry before painting - I recommend one day or more. Finally, make sure you're preventing any excess moisture build up in the future by running the fan during and for 20 minutes after each shower.

I love hearing from my readers, so please keep those questions coming!