Banishing Basement Odors

Most people think that a musty-smelling basement is normal. After all, isn’t that what you would expect from a part of the house that’s underground? The truth is that, while common, that damp odor that’s become expected is actually a sign of something more sinister than smell. 

First, let’s address the odor. Since basements are damper than any other part of the house, they are susceptible to higher humidity. Where there is high humidity, there is also a high chance for mold and mildew to spore. Why is this a problem? In addition to being bad for your home’s health, it’s terrible for yours too. Mold and mildew can bring on asthma and allergies and can make anyone with a respiratory problem feel a lot worse. 

The ideal humidity level for most homes is 50%, but in basements, humidity can often skyrocket, which is the perfect environment for mold to flourish. If your basement seems extra damp, I highly suggest investing in a dehumidifier that will work to draw the moisture out of the air. You’ll be shocked at how quickly the holding tank on an average-sized unit fills. You may have to dump it daily, but in doing so you’ll be removing moisture that allows mold to grow in the first place.

Once you have rid your basement of extra moisture, it’s time to purify the air. Overly humid areas attract a lot of bacteria, which is what causes the smell in the first place. That bacteria can live in walls and spread into your fabrics, furniture, and storage. By killing the bacteria in the air, you will remove contaminants that not only stink, but can also cause or irritate allergies, asthma, and immune system disorders.

One of the best air dehumidification and purification units I’ve seen is by Aerus.  They produce a system that uses NASA technology to remove pathogens, pollution, contaminants, and even pet dander from the air. Regardless of what brand you go with, be sure to look for a unit that has the EnergyStar seal, and make sure that you pay attention to the capacity of the air filtration as it pertains to your room size. If you have a big space with a lot of moisture, you might want to consider a unit that has a self-draining system to save your back and your patience.

Regardless of your plan of attack, the air quality in your home should be taken seriously. If your kids are coughing or have allergies and you seem to have difficulty breathing at home, it might be worth a call to your local pro for an air quality inspection. The symptoms of a mold allergy are not dissimilar to a common cold or even COVID, so a simple reading of your in-home humidity might be a smart step once other things are ruled out.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions 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.

Protect Your Home From Ice Dams Before the Storms Hit

This winter has been pretty mild but the season is still in full swing and it won’t be long until we get a storm to remind us that we live in New England. Before that happens, I always like to talk about the dangers of ice dams and the reason why so many homes in our area get damaged by them. 

An ice dam is a solid mass that forms when heavy snow blankets the roof, creating an extra layer of unwanted insulation. As warm air rises from your house and up through your attic, it causes the snow to melt and the water to slide down into the gutters. This would typically be just fine, but because so many homes in our area aren’t properly insulated, the melting ice will often make contact with the cold eaves of the roof and freeze again instead of draining off through the gutters. This forms a large ice mass at the gutter line, which will grow if not taken care of.

Solid ice is heavy and can easily pull gutters loose. The dam can even get strong enough to lift up your roof shingles, creating gaps that let the water through and into the attic. This is when people start to see leaks in their ceilings and walls. 

The only way to prevent ice dams from forming is to have your home properly insulated and ventilated. More than 75% of homes in our area are under-insulated which causes the heat from your home to shoot right through the roof. Because insulation and ventilation weren’t regulated when most of the homes were built in this area, a lot of us have houses that are better suited for Florida winters than our cold Connecticut climate. 

Having appropriate insulation and ventilation will not only keep your home free from ice dams but will also keep you much more comfortable in both the winter and the summer. You’ll feel the difference immediately, and you’ll see the benefit in your energy bills too. A house that can breathe and can properly regulate its own temperature will also be less like to accumulate mold and mildew which is not only damaging to your house but also to your health. It’s a simple solution to keep your family, your home, and your wallet healthy. 

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.

Burst Pipes are a Real Risk in Frozen Temperatures

It’s beginning to look a lot like a serious cold front is coming our way here in Connecticut. While everyone is worried about power outages and property damage today, you also need to pay attention to pipes freezing over the next week. With a massive temperature drop, a burst water pipe is both a common nuisance and an expensive hassle. Here is what you should be thinking about now in preparation for the big change in weather. 

1. If you have any outdoor water sources such as a pool or sprinklers, drain them. Standing water will freeze and expand when it turns to ice. Anything in an unheated area is at risk.

2. Remove and drain all outdoor hoses and store them away. It’s a good idea to close the valves to ensure there is no seepage. 

3. Install your insulated box above your attic hatchway to keep heat in the house. An underinsulated attic is always going to be at risk because it’s the coldest part of the house.

4. Locate the water supply lines in your house. Both hot and cold water pipes should have insulation. Pipe sleeves and heat tape are inexpensive and simple options to boost heat retention.

5. Keep unheated areas of your home such as garages closed up. Most garages have a water line through them which can easily freeze when the temperature dips. 

6. If you’re planning on being away and you want to keep your heating lower to save energy costs, don’t set the thermostat lower than 55 degrees. 

What about if the pipes do freeze? Here are a few tips:

1. If a pipe is frozen, water may come out as a trickle if at all. Leave faucets slightly open to encourage water the flow through which will help to melt a partially frozen pipe or prevent one from freezing in the first place. 

2. If you know where the frozen section is, use a hair dryer, space heater, or even a heating pad to get the water circulating again. 

3. If one pipe is frozen, there could be others as well. Check all water sources to determine where the problems are. 

4. If you don't know where the pipe is frozen, call the plumber. A frozen pipe can burst and cause serious and expensive damage to your home. 

5. Shut off the main water valve but keep faucets open. If you don’t know where your main water valve is, now is the time to find out. 

A burst pipe can cause serious flooding not to mention long-term problems like mold and mildew which can affect your family’s health. Don’t wait to protect your home, the risk is too great in the colder winter months. 

Happy Holidays!

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.