Home Improvement Projects for August

August is a fantastic month for tackling home improvement projects. With warm temperatures, longer days, and the end of summer approaching, it's the perfect time to complete tasks that will enhance your home's appearance, functionality, and value. Here are some home improvement ideas to consider this August.

1. Exterior Painting

August's warm, dry weather is ideal for painting the exterior of your home. Painting not only boosts your home's curb appeal but also protects it from the elements. Before you start, make sure to prep the surfaces properly by cleaning, scraping off old paint, and repairing any damage. Choose a high-quality, weather-resistant paint to ensure long-lasting results. Painting in August ensures the paint dries quickly and evenly, providing a beautiful finish.

2. Deck and Patio Maintenance

Your deck or patio likely saw a lot of use this summer, making August an excellent time for maintenance. Staining or sealing your deck can protect it from the sun, rain, and wear and tear, extending its lifespan. Start by cleaning the surface thoroughly and allowing it to dry completely. Applying stain or sealant in warm weather helps it penetrate deeply and dry quickly, providing maximum protection.

3. Landscaping

Enhancing your yard with new trees, shrubs, and flowers can transform your outdoor space. August is a good time to plant perennials that will bloom next spring, giving them enough time to establish roots before the cooler months. Consider adding mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping your garden healthy and vibrant.

4. Gutter Cleaning and Repair

Cleaning your gutters is crucial to prevent clogs and water damage. Remove leaves, twigs, and debris that may have accumulated over the summer. Inspect your gutters for leaks, rust, or sagging sections and make necessary repairs. Proper gutter maintenance ensures efficient water drainage, protecting your home's foundation and roof.

5. Window Replacement

Upgrading to energy-efficient windows can significantly reduce your energy bills and improve indoor comfort. August's warm weather makes installation more convenient. Look for windows with high insulation values and low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings to maximize energy savings and enhance your home's aesthetics.

6. Roof Inspection and Repair

Inspect your roof for any damage or leaks that may have occurred during the summer. Look for missing or damaged shingles, cracks, or signs of water infiltration. Addressing these issues in August's dry weather is easier and more effective, preventing further damage when the rainy season arrives.

7. HVAC Maintenance

Ensure your HVAC system is running efficiently before the cooler months. Clean or replace air filters, check ducts for leaks, and schedule a professional tune-up if needed. A well-maintained HVAC system provides better air quality and energy efficiency, keeping your home comfortable year-round.

8. Insulation Upgrade

Improving your home's insulation can lead to significant energy savings. Focus on areas like attics, basements, and crawl spaces, which are often under-insulated. Adding or upgrading insulation in these areas can keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, reducing your reliance on heating and cooling systems.

9. Outdoor Lighting

Installing or upgrading outdoor lighting enhances your home's security and curb appeal. Consider solar-powered options for an energy-efficient and eco-friendly choice. Well-placed lighting along pathways, driveways, and around the exterior of your home can create a welcoming and safe environment.

10. Kitchen and Bathroom Updates

Refreshing your kitchen and bathroom can make a big impact without the need for a full renovation. Consider updating fixtures, painting cabinets, or replacing countertops. These smaller projects can give these essential spaces a new look and feel, increasing your home's value and enjoyment.

August offers the perfect conditions to tackle these home improvement projects. By making the most of the warm weather and longer days, you can enhance your home's beauty, functionality, and value, ensuring it remains a comfortable and inviting place for years to come.

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.

Ceiling Cracks - A Cautionary Tale

After nearly 50 years in the remodeling business, I've seen my fair share of scary stuff inside people's houses. Some of these stories might hit home for those of you who put off fixing problems because you're afraid of what you might find. While big issues can be a pain and expensive, letting them go can lead to even bigger headaches down the road—and could even mess with your health.

One summer, I got a call from a woman in Bristol who said her roof was leaking. It was seemingly normal, except that it hadn’t rained in a month. I mentioned this to her, and she said, "I don't know where the water’s coming from, but my dining room ceiling just caved in."

I headed over to her house right away. Sure enough, there was a pile of sheetrock and plaster on her front lawn. Inside, the ceiling had completely collapsed, leaving a soggy mess all over her dining room.

I asked to see the bathroom on the second floor, but there wasn’t one. So, I climbed into the attic and was hit by a blast of intense heat. I also saw two air conditioning units running full blast in the dining room windows. The homeowner said she kept them on constantly because the top floor was so hot.

It didn’t take long to figure out why her ceiling fell in. The attic had no insulation or ventilation, turning it into an oven. The homeowner tried to cool things down by cranking the A/C, which created major condensation in the walls and ceiling.

When hot and cold air meet, they create moisture that seeps into plaster, sheetrock, and wood. That moisture leads to mold that literally eats away at the ceiling and walls. Her 1950s Cape Cod home, like many in our area of Connecticut, had poor insulation and ventilation, making it prone to rot. Ceiling cracks were the first sign of trouble. Instead of calling me then, her husband tried to cover them up with those 12x12 ceiling panels you see in doctor's offices. Nice try, but all it did was add another layer for moisture to soak into.

Here’s the bottom line: if your home has temperature issues, don’t ignore them. Deal with the humidity and moisture before it turns into major structural damage or worse. If that’s not enough to convince you, mold and mildew are big culprits behind asthma and breathing problems, especially for kids and the elderly. Is it worth risking your family’s health?

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company since 1975. Got a question for Bob? Email him at info@odonnellbros.com with "Ask the Pro" in the subject line. Your question might be featured in a future post. Need remodeling help? Call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Remember, advice is just for guidance.

Insulation is a Year Round Investment

As summer heat peaks, many homeowners are grateful for the cool comfort provided by their air conditioning. However, running the A/C non-stop can lead to high energy bills, especially if your home isn’t properly insulated.

While most people associate insulation with winter, it’s just as beneficial during the summer. Remember from school science class how heat rises? This means that your top floor and attic are naturally warmer than the lower floors. Without insulation, your attic can become much hotter than the outdoor temperature. If you touch your ceiling and it feels warm, imagine how hot it is above it.

Insufficient insulation forces your air conditioning units to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Whether you have central air or window units, they are straining to cool your home, which spikes your energy costs.

Improving your home’s insulation can make a significant difference. The attic is a prime area for insulation upgrades due to its large space and extreme temperature variations. Although it’s often overlooked because we don’t spend much time there, adding insulation in the attic can be a cost-effective home improvement. Options include blowing loose fiberglass under the floor or laying batts between the floor joists. The best choice depends on your home’s size, attic clearance, and usage. A well-insulated attic not only reduces energy costs but also increases your home’s resale value.

In addition to the attic, sealing gaps around windows and doors helps keep cool air inside. Check your door sweeps and replace them if necessary, and use caulk or sealing tape on windows. This practice will benefit you now and in the winter when you’re trying to retain warm air.

For those with window A/C units, insulating around them is crucial. Use flexible foam to create a good seal at the top and bottom of the unit. Ensure the side curtains are tight-fitting and securely anchored. Without proper insulation, your window A/C unit isn’t operating at full efficiency since much of the cool air escapes outside. Taking these extra steps ensures your A/C works effectively.

Another area to consider is your home’s walls. If your house is older, it may not have adequate wall insulation. Adding insulation to your walls can prevent heat transfer, keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. There are several methods for insulating walls, such as injecting foam insulation or using blown-in cellulose. These options can be a bit more invasive but are worth the investment for the long-term comfort and efficiency of your home.

Additionally, consider insulating your floors, especially if you have a basement or crawl space. Insulating these areas can reduce heat loss and prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold and mildew issues. Foam board or rigid foam insulation works well for this purpose and can be installed relatively easily.

Don’t forget about your ductwork. If your home has central air conditioning, ensuring your ducts are well-insulated can prevent energy loss as the cool air travels from the unit to various parts of your home. Leaky or uninsulated ducts can lose up to 30% of the cooling energy, making your system work harder and increasing your energy bills. Sealing and insulating your ducts can improve efficiency and enhance overall comfort.

Lastly, consider the benefits of radiant barriers. These are reflective materials installed in attics to reduce heat gain during the summer. Radiant barriers work by reflecting radiant heat away from your home, helping to keep indoor temperatures down. This is particularly beneficial in hot climates where the sun’s intensity can significantly impact indoor comfort.

Investing in insulation is a smart move for homeowners looking to improve comfort and reduce energy bills year-round. By addressing key areas like the attic, windows, doors, walls, floors, and ductwork, you can create a more energy-efficient home that stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The initial investment in insulation will pay off through lower energy costs and increased home value.

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.