Moldy Siding? Don't Leave It Alone

Here in this part of Connecticut and in most of New England, vinyl siding is a popular cladding option for many homeowners. Starting in the 1950’s, it became a favorite aluminum replacement for its low maintenance and high durability. With a wide variety of colors and textures, it continues to be a fantastic option, offering personalized style without having to worry about sanding, painting, or major maintenance. 

While vinyl siding is beneficial in so many ways, one complaint is the potential for mold growth, often on the north side of a home. To be clear, mold can grow anywhere, but the north side is the most susceptible because it gets the least amount of sun exposure. Mold, mildew and fungus thrive in dark, damp places, which is why the north side of any home is generally the most vulnerable. Constant shade, high vegetation, or anything that stops a house from getting regular sunlight is an invitation for mold to grow in that area, whether it’s clad in vinyl or not.

In addition to a lack of sunlight, excess moisture is another mold inhibitor. The cause could be as simple as trapped rainwater that’s unable to drain properly. Another possible issue could be a faulty drain pipe or a gutter that’s dripping on the siding, causing constant dampness. Either way, a moisture problem is something you’ll definitely want to deal with as the water will continue to feed the mold, which will then spread. 

Another reason for mold growth on siding is a build-up of dirt, which is actually a food source for all different types of fungus. Something as simple as a dryer vent can cause dirt and dander to stick to the siding. Tree sap is also common and can be tough to remove. Homes on high traffic roads tend to get dirty more easily as well. All of these causes quite literally make a meal for mold spores to feast on.

So what can you do to keep mildew at bay and ensure your vinyl siding looks great for years to come? Assessing your sunlight and moisture exposure is key, but what if you don’t want to cut down a tree or you happen to live in an area where moisture is a problem? A professional will be able to inspect your siding and treat the mold using a cleaner and blocker that removes spores and keeps them from coming back. It’s important to use a specially designed cleaner that is strong enough to tackle mold but not too harsh that it will damage the house. You also want to be careful not to use any bleach-containing materials so as not to harm the vegetation surrounding your home. 

Once your house is cleaned, be sure to maintain your vinyl siding by assessing your home for moisture, treating leaks promptly, and keeping your gutters clear and free of debris. An annual inspection will help to ensure that any problems are dealt with promptly so they don’t get out of control. 

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.

Home Upgrades Worth Their Resale Value

For a lot of us, much of the past year has been spent thinking about how to make our homes more comfortable. With so much still hanging in the balance, I thought it might be worth talking about the types of remodeling projects that score big points in the real estate market, and which ones might not be so lucrative if you decide to sell your home. 

People generally think that any kind of upgrade to the home is going to raise its value. But that’s not always the case. Highly customized renovations that are specific to your family or jobs that will require a fair bit of maintenance actually end up discouraging potential buyers. Sure, you might think a wall to wall aquarium in a basement bonus room might be a great idea, but the next owner of your home may not agree. So what are the best renovating projects to reap high resale rewards?

Energy Efficiency Windows 

Homeowners who are old, young, first-time, seasoned, empty-nesters, or with young families all love a home that’s warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer, and is easier on the wallet. According to the 2020 Cost Versus Value Report published by Remodeling Magazine, vinyl and wood window replacement nabbed nearly 80% of their resale value in Hartford County. Windows are a fantastic investment and not only for their heating and cooling abilities. Replacement windows are easy to clean and they are excellent at reducing noise pollution. 

Kitchen Remodels

As the busiest and most used room in the house, kitchens tend to be a huge selling point in the real estate market, which makes an outdated kitchen a big no-no for a potential buyer. According to the same Cost Versus Value Report, a mid-range kitchen remodel is likely to get a seller upwards of 63% of their investment. What’s key is to stick to very neutral tones and a layout that suits cooking, eating and gathering. Most people love an island that can be used for food prep as well as a casual eating space. Lots of storage will hit the mark too. 

Garage Doors

This may surprise you, but the highest ranking home upgrade on the 2020 Cost Versus Value Report was a Garage Door Replacement which was valued at 104% of its cost here in the Hartford area. This means that most homeowners actually made more than they spent on the project when they sold their homes. Garages are an important feature in any house as every buyer wants to maximize their storage space. Plus, with more homeowners looking for additional living areas for home offices, giving the garage a little facelift isn’t a bad idea. 

The “No Go”

With plenty of lucrative projects for the savvy homeowner, there is one upgrade that’s not worth the spend if you’re planning on selling your home. According to the report, bathroom additions are an expensive project and not one that potential buyers really appreciate. An average $50,000 mid-range bathroom addition netted only 43% of its cost and an average upscale bathroom addition recouped only 38% of its cost. Between structural changes, plumbing, and fit-out, this is one project that might not be worth the investment if you’re planning on a home sale in the near future. 

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.

Keep Winter Energy Bills in Check With These Tips

Outdoor lights, Christmas trees, and colder temperatures mean that December is usually one of the most expensive months in terms of utility bills. But with the holiday season behind us, January is a great time to take a closer look at how much energy you’re using and address the issues in your home that are causing high and unnecessary costs.

One resource that not enough people take advantage of is an energy audit by Energize Connecticut. For a fee, a home energy consultant will come to your home and conduct a full assessment, covering your furnace and water heater, air ducts, windows, doors, and more. Plus they can offer rebates for upgrades and repairs. I’m happy to see that home inspections have resumed and inspectors are abiding by all COVID-19 safety protocols. To apply, visit the EnergizeCT website and choose your service provider. 

If you’re not interested in an assessment but would still like to enjoy some serious home energy savings, here are the top five spots I always check for air leaks and heat loss. 

1. Windows. Believe it or not, hanging heavy fabric drapes can help you retain up to 25% of the heat in your home. This is especially true with large glass doors that aren’t being used in the winter months. Also, be sure to check for gaps. Wooden window frames get warped with age and can lead to serious air leakage. For cracks that are smaller than a quarter of an inch, a silicone caulk will work to plug up areas where heat is escaping. Also, if you feel air coming right through your single panes and the glass rattles with the wind, beef them up with some shrink film. This product can be found at any home supply store and can be cut to size. 

2. Doors. We don’t often open the windows in the winter, but doors are a different story. They let lots of air escape, but they can’t be sealed completely because we need to use them. I always suggest inspecting your door sweep to ensure it’s not damaged and replacing it if the bristles have come loose. A door snake or seal can also come in handy, which can be purchased at any big box store or even made at home with an old pair of stockings and some rice, beans, newspaper or another filling.

3. Attic. Those of you with an attic hatch are likely losing a ton of warm air through its frame. We all know that hot air rises, so seal up that hatch with heavy duty plastic, or build yourself an insulated box to fit over the entryway if you still need access to storage. 

4. Water Heater. Insulate your water heater’s tank and pipes with fiberglass. For the tank, fit a fiberglass blanket using foil tape, but be sure not to cover any valve or pipe openings. For the pipes, you can use fiberglass wrap or foam insulation. By adding a layer of insulation to your water heater, you’ll keep the warmth from escaping into the air and you’ll protect the machine from condensation in the warmer months. 

5. Insulation. Most homes simply do not have enough insulation in the walls and attic, which is probably the number one contributor to sky-high energy bills. Insulation acts as a barrier against heat flow, helping to keep the warm air inside the house by slowing the flow and stopping the heat from getting outside. The United States Environmental Protection Agency says that with proper insulation, the average home in our area can save approximately 16 to 50 percent in total heating and cooling costs depending on the age and condition of the home. Plus it’s one of the highest rated home improvements in terms of real estate resale value. 

Happy New Year Everyone! Here’s to a warm, healthy and safe 2021!

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.