Repair & Improve

February Weekend Projects

Tips to get your home in tip top shape for the season

by Leslie Segrete

Right about now, the wind is howling – right through doors and windows! Here’s how to protect your home from the elements, one weekend at a time:

Weekend #1:  That dam ice

Much of the United States has seen some wild and cold weather lately, regardless of the usually warm winter we are enjoying here in the east. In many parts of the country, ice has really racked up some damage. Take this weekend to examine what damage could have occurred as the result of Mother Nature’s wrath.

Start by taking a look at the roof and gutter line. If you have been admiring icicles hanging off your roof, don’t let the glistening crystals snow-blind you to the possible ice-dam damage beneath. Ice dams occur when water freezes on your roof, usually in the area over the soffits. As melting snow water drips down, it hits the ice dam and then backs up under the roof shingles and leaks through your ceiling below. It can cause damage to the shingles, underlayment, and cause water to get into the nooks and crannies of the house causing even more damage. If you are having ice damns be sure to properly insulate and ventilate your attic space, it should be the same temperature up there as it is outside. Install a premium underlayment made to prevent ice damning, such as Grace Ice & Water Shield. You have to remove some shingles to add it, but it is worth the hassle. Make sure the ice has not damaged your gutter system in anyway. The ice can fill the mounted gutters and cause them fall off the roof line. Double check that all mountings are still securely fastened toy our homes structure. While you are there clear any clogged debris to keep the water moving away from the roof and foundation. Now get back inside, you must be freezing!

Weekend #2: Get ahead of steam

Got steam heat? Then it is time for a professional check up. If your house has a steam boiler system, or steam heat, you need to make sure it is operating properly. It should be three quarters full with water and be operating at a low pressure of about 2-5 psi. The steam boiler should have a water level gauge, a pressure gauge, high pressure limit switch, safety valve, and a low water cut off. All of the system monitors will keep you on top of the systems efficiency. If the water level is low, you can add water either through the water fill valve manually. Some boilers are equipped with an automatic water feed valve and the water level can be adjusted automatically. Always make sure the boiler system is operating properly and have the unit serviced at least once a year at the beginning or end of the heating season.

Weekend #3:  Uncle Sam wants you! (to improve your home)

It is almost tax time and while normally you would not associate home improvement with doing your taxes you might want to take a moment to rethink that. The US government and Energy Star want to pay your for improvements made to your home that are energy efficient. Tax credits are available for many types of home improvements including adding insulation, replacement windows, and certain high efficiency heating and cooling equipment. For more information, visit the Energy Star website to learn about all of the quailifications for the tax credit to see if your improvement qualifies.

Weekend #4:  Storing Firewood

Circulation and safety are the two main things to keep in mind as you stack up and store your fuel supply. Mixed with moisture and easy access to the structures on your property, a firewood stack can become a termite buffet. What’s more, wet wood doesn’t burn very efficiently, putting out more steam than heat. So start by finding a dry, safe home for it, whether in an open-air woodshed or free-standing stack. Keep firewood out of contact with the ground using a stack base of treated wood or other moisture-resistant material, and avoid stationing the stack against an exterior wall of your home, as a pocket of moisture can develop and damage siding as well as welcome termites and other pests.

Cut wood to the longest possible length for stacking stability (a single row is best), and pack it snugly but with enough space to allow airflow and discourage the development of mold and mildew. Four feet is about the maximum height your stack should reach without side supports, and an even, no-slope arrangement should allow easy access and maintain stability. Finally, shield the top few layers of ready-to-use firewood with a waterproof cover, adjusting it as you remove the fuel for indoor warmth.

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