Mold on Siding, Not Just Unsightly

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 1950s, it became a favorite aluminum replacement due to 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 area that’s most susceptible because it gets the least amount of sun exposure. 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 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. Any of this debris will quite literally make a meal for spores to feast on. 

So what can you do to keep mold 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 bleach-containing materials to not harm the vegetation surrounding your home. 

Once your house is cleaned, 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.

Refinish a Basement for a Warm Winter Retreat

If you’ve ever considered a basement remodel, now is one of the best times. Creating a versatile space for your family to enjoy can both increase your square footage and add value to your home. Plus, it makes a fun escape from the winter weather and you can shop after holiday sales for some good deals on supplies. 

To transform an unfinished basement into a liveable space can range anywhere from $6,500 to $18,500 on average, according to an analysis by Home Advisor. What are the major factors that drive the price differential? Setting up plumbing for a new bathroom or kitchen can be expensive as well as any mold removal, leaks, or general structural issues that need to be taken care of. 

Mold and moisture are common basement problems that you’ll need to look into if remodeling is in your future. Most professional finishing specialists can advise on waterproofing to ensure that your space isn’t going to have any unexpected issues. Many basements are generally underinsulated and have leaky windows so if you’re going to improve the space, these basic updates are well worth the cost. Plus they’ll help the energy efficiency throughout your entire house. 

Once the basics have been considered, you’ll need to think through what you’re using the space for. Do you envision a home theatre or a mancave for Sunday football? Would a playroom for the kids be the perfect addition or is a teen hangout more your speed? No matter what you decide to do, think long-term. Little kids grow quickly and teenagers will soon be out of the house, so design for flexibility and change.

Whatever you decide to use your space for, one of the most important considerations will be low ceilings and light. Recessed lighting is a great option as it gives the illusion of height and it’s easy to install, especially if you’re working with a drop ceiling. Speaking of drop ceilings, you won’t believe how many stylish options there are to make those squares pop. From clean modern lines to pressed metal, basement ceilings can actually be a lot of fun to design. There are even acoustic absorption solutions to help control noise from televisions and home theatre systems. 

Next, consider your storage needs. Most people use their basements to keep clutter out of sight, but once the space is remodeled, where will all that stuff go? I am a big fan of creating zones in the basement that can be used for different people with different needs. I always recommend keeping at least one section available for those old clothes, holiday decorations, and air conditioning units as storage space is a valuable commodity in every family home. The key is to keep the clutter to a minimum. 

With all the basics considered, it’s time to have fun designing your space. A basement is a great place to experiment with an aesthetic that’s more daring than the rest of the house but the key is to keep it comfortable and transitional. Lastly, if a real estate transaction is in your 10-year plan, think about the next family that might be making memories in the home. A basement remodel can add serious dollars to your list price if it’s done appropriately.

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 visithttp://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.