Following are tips for completing do-it-yourself maintenance and repair projects from syndicated columnist Gene Austin.
Q: The walls in my older property are not insulated. A contractor wanted $6,000 to pump in insulation through holes in outside walls, but the price doesn’t include a new paint job. Can I do the job myself?
A: Kits to insulate existing exterior walls with foam are available, but I can’t vouch for any and would hesitate to use them myself. One kit to consider, however, is available at www.fomofoam.com. Doing it yourself probably won’t save a lot of money. A kit that insulates 600 square feet of wall with one inch of foam costs about $700.
Properly insulating exterior walls can significantly improve comfort and cut heating and cooling costs, but good coverage of the wall cavities is vital and can be difficult even for experienced contractors. Some experts recommend using cellulose insulation, blown into the cavities through small holes, instead of foam. If you haven’t priced cellulose, you should. In fact, obtain at least three bids from contractors before deciding. Federal tax credits are available in some cases if the work is done this year. Visit www.energystar.gov.
Much heat loss through exterior walls goes through windows, doors and various other gaps and cracks. For drafty windows and doors, insulation will not much improve the situation. Instead, first upgrade them by weatherstripping and caulking. Walls also can be insulated from the outside using rigid-foam panels when new siding is installed.
Caution: If the property has very old wiring in the walls you want insulated, check with building-code officials in the municipality before insulating because very old wiring can create fire hazards.
Finally, if repainting costs worry you the most, it would be simpler to handle that part of the job yourself instead of attempting do-it-yourself foam injection.
Q: When I began managing a property about six years ago, I noticed water damage in the attic near the chimney. Since then, repeated efforts have been made to fix the chimney and stop the leak, including new roofing. Nothing has worked. What next?
A: One guess is that perhaps it is the chimney’s flashing. Even if the flashing looks sound, it only takes a small flaw to cause leaks. Have an experienced roofer check the chimney’s sealing and repair or replace the flashing if necessary.
Quick Tip: Electric ice-melting mats for outdoor steps and entrances are available at sharply lower prices at www.costco.com. Enter HeatTrak Stair Pads in the search space. A set of three-stair pads sells for about $150; entrance mats are $80. Walkway mats that melt ice and snow also are available. These mats are two feet wide and can be bought in 5-, 10- or 20-foot lengths; prices start at $300. A grounded outdoor electrical outlet is needed near the point of use for any of these pads. The house’s wiring must be adequate to support the considerable current load.
Questions and comments should be e-mailed to Gene Austin at doit861@aol.com. Send regular mail for Gene Austin to 1730 Blue Bell Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422.