10 Summer Projects to Tackle Before the Weather Turns

10 Summer Projects to Tackle Before the Weather Turns

Summer always seems to pass faster than expected, and before long, the warm days give way to cooler nights and the start of another heating season. While the weather is still on our side, now is a good time to handle a few projects that can protect your home, improve its appearance and prevent headaches later. Here are 10 practical jobs worth checking off the list before the season begins to change.

1. Inspect the roof

After the brutal summer storm season we’ve had, inspecting the roof should be near the top of the list. You don’t need to climb up there to do a basic check. From the ground, look for missing, curled or damaged shingles, along with loose flashing around chimneys and vents. After a hard rain, check the attic for damp spots, staining or other signs of a leak. Small roof problems have a way of becoming expensive ones once snow, ice and freezing temperatures arrive.

2. Clean the gutters and downspouts

Gutter cleaning usually gets saved for late fall, but a midsummer check is a smart move, especially after heavy rain or storms. Remove leaves, twigs and other debris, and make sure downspouts direct water several feet away from the foundation. If water is spilling over the sides or pooling near the house, it’s time to find out why.

3. Seal gaps around windows and doors

Take a walk around the house and inspect the caulk around windows, doors and exterior trim. Cracked or missing caulk allows water and outside air to work their way in. Replacing it is a relatively inexpensive project that can help prevent moisture damage and make the house more comfortable when heating season begins.

4. Repair the deck or porch

Summer is the ideal time to replace loose boards, reset popped fasteners and tighten shaky railings. Watch for soft or discolored wood, particularly where posts and stairs meet the ground. If the surface is dry and in good condition, consider applying a fresh coat of stain or sealer. Just allow enough rain-free time for the product to cure properly.

5. Touch up exterior paint

You may not need to repaint the entire house. Focus on peeling or bare areas around trim, fascia boards, doors and windows. Paint does more than improve curb appeal; it protects wood from sun and moisture. Prep matters, so remove loose paint, clean the surface and let it dry before applying anything new.

6. Check outdoor drainage

The next time it rains, pay attention to where the water goes. Soil should slope gently away from the foundation, and window wells should be clear of leaves and debris. Low spots near the house may need additional soil. Correcting drainage now can help prevent basement leaks, foundation trouble and icy patches later in the year.

7. Freshen up the entry

The front entrance is one of the hardest-working areas of the house. Adjust a door that sticks, replace worn weatherstripping, tighten the handle and lubricate the hinges. A fresh coat of paint, updated light fixture or new house numbers can also make a noticeable difference without turning into a major remodeling project.

8. Service the heating system

No one wants to discover a furnace problem on the first cold night of the year. Schedule professional maintenance before the fall rush, replace the filter and make sure vents aren’t blocked by furniture. If you have a fireplace or wood stove, arrange for the chimney and flue to be inspected and cleaned as needed.

9. Get the garage under control

Pick a cooler morning and spend a few hours sorting the garage. Dispose of old paint and household chemicals according to local rules, move seasonal equipment where it’s easy to reach and clear the area around the electrical panel and mechanical equipment. It’s also a good time to test the garage door’s auto-reverse safety feature.

10. Plan the bigger projects

Maybe the kitchen needs more storage, the bathroom is showing its age or the family has outgrown the current layout. Summer is a good time to start those conversations, even if construction won’t begin right away. Planning, design, product selection and permitting can take longer than homeowners expect. Getting an early start gives you more time to make good decisions without feeling rushed.

You don’t have to complete everything in one weekend. Choose the projects that protect the house first, then tackle the cosmetic improvements as time and budget allow. A little work now can mean fewer surprises, and a much more comfortable home, when the weather starts to turn.

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.

Grill Season Is in Full Swing. Is Your Backyard Safe?

By now, most of us have settled into the rhythm of summer. The grill is getting plenty of use, dinner is happening outside whenever the weather cooperates, and weekends are filled with family and friends. But since it’s been a month or two of regular grilling, now is a great time to take a quick look around your backyard and make sure everything is still in good shape. Here are a few things worth checking before you fire up the grill tonight.

Give Your Grill a Little More Space Than You Think It Needs

Every year we replace melted vinyl siding because a grill was sitting just a little too close to the house. People are often surprised to learn that it doesn’t take direct flames to cause damage. The heat coming off the grill alone can warp siding, discolor trim, and even damage nearby windows.

If possible, keep your grill at least ten feet away from your home, deck railings, fences, and anything overhead like awnings or low tree branches. A little extra distance can save you from a repair you never saw coming.

Your Grill Could Probably Use a Mid-Summer Cleaning

If you’ve been grilling a few nights a week since Memorial Day, your grill has earned a little attention.

Grease builds up faster than most people realize, and that’s one of the biggest causes of flare-ups. Spend a few minutes brushing the grates, emptying the grease tray, and cleaning out any debris underneath. Not only is it safer, but your food will cook more evenly too.

Take a Walk Around Your Deck or Patio

While you’re at it, give the area around your grill a quick once-over.

Look for loose deck boards, popped nails, wobbly railings, cracked steps, or anything else that doesn’t feel quite right. You’re carrying hot food, propane tanks, and serving trays back and forth all summer long. It’s much better to tighten a loose railing today than discover it when someone leans against it tomorrow, especially considering the storms we’ve had.

Give Your Propane Tank a Quick Check

Look over your propane hose for cracks or signs of wear, make sure the connections are tight, and if you ever smell gas, don’t light the grill until you’ve figured out why. A little dish soap mixed with water can help you spot a leak by creating bubbles around the connection.

Clear Out the Backyard Clutter

Summer has a funny way of filling up the patio.

Pool toys, bikes, sports equipment, gardening supplies, and coolers all seem to end up around the grill. Before you start cooking, clear away anything that could become a trip hazard or accidentally end up too close to the heat.

Don’t Forget to Look Up

Most people remember to check what’s behind the grill. Fewer people remember to check what’s above it.

Tree branches, patio umbrellas, string lights, pergolas, and roof overhangs can all be affected by the heat rising from your grill. A quick glance overhead before you start cooking is always worth it.

Keep Safety Within Reach

Hopefully you’ll never need it, but it’s always smart to have a fire extinguisher nearby and know exactly where your garden hose is. And as tempting as it is to run inside to answer the phone or grab another plate, try not to leave a lit grill unattended.

It only takes a moment for a small flare-up to become something much more serious.

A Few Minutes Now Can Save You a Lot Later

One thing we’ve learned over the years is that most expensive repairs don’t start with a major disaster. More often than not, they begin with a small issue that nobody noticed until it became a much bigger problem.

Taking ten minutes to look over your grill, deck, and backyard today can help keep your home safe, your family protected, and your summer focused on what really matters - good food, good company, and enjoying the season.

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.

This Week’s Heat Wave Has Your Windows Sweating

If your windows have been covered in moisture this week, you’re not alone. After several days of Connecticut heat and humidity, plenty of homeowners have noticed foggy glass, water droplets, or condensation collecting on their windows. It’s one of those things that catches your eye and makes you wonder if something is wrong.

The good news? Sometimes it’s completely normal. When it’s hot and humid outside and your air conditioner is working hard to keep your home cool, moisture naturally forms when warm, humid air meets the cooler surface of the glass. During a stretch of weather like we’ve had this week, seeing a little condensation on your windows isn’t unusual. In fact, it’s often just a sign that your air conditioning is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do.

The trick is knowing when condensation is simply a byproduct of extreme weather and when it’s trying to tell you something about your home.

If the moisture disappears as the day goes on, you’re probably in good shape. But if your windows stay wet throughout the day, water is pooling on the sill, or you notice paint beginning to peel or wood trim feeling damp, it’s worth taking a closer look. The same goes if you start seeing mold, mildew, or that unmistakable musty smell around your windows.

One of the biggest warning signs is condensation trapped between the panes of glass. If you can’t wipe the fog away from either side, the insulated seal inside the window has likely failed. Once that happens, the window loses much of its insulating value, and replacement is usually the best long-term solution.

Sometimes the windows aren’t actually the problem at all. They’re simply the first place where excess moisture shows itself.

Everyday activities like cooking, showering, doing laundry, and even running the dishwasher add moisture to the air inside your home. During a humid week, that moisture has nowhere to go if your home isn’t ventilating properly. Basements can make the problem even worse, especially if they’re naturally damp or don’t have a dehumidifier running.

Fortunately, there are a few simple things homeowners can do to help. Run the exhaust fans in your bathrooms and kitchen during and after showers or cooking. If you have a dehumidifier, this is the time of year to put it to work, especially in the basement. Make sure your air conditioning system is clean, the filter has been changed, and it’s running efficiently. Even opening blinds and curtains during the day can improve airflow around your windows and help moisture evaporate more quickly.

It’s also worth taking a few minutes to inspect the weatherstripping around your windows and doors. Worn seals allow warm, humid air to sneak inside, making condensation more likely and forcing your air conditioner to work even harder.

If your home still has older single-pane windows or early double-pane units, they may simply be showing their age. Modern energy-efficient windows do a much better job of reducing condensation, improving comfort, and lowering energy costs throughout the year. While replacement isn’t always necessary, persistent condensation can be a sign that your windows are no longer performing the way they should.

This week’s heat wave won’t last forever, but it does offer a good reminder that our homes are constantly giving us clues about how they’re performing. Most of the time, a little condensation is nothing to lose sleep over. But when it becomes persistent, widespread, or starts causing damage, it’s worth paying attention before a small issue turns into an expensive repair.

Sometimes your windows are just reacting to the weather. Other times, they’re asking for help. Knowing the difference can save you a lot of headaches down the road.

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 at 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.