December Home Maintenance Tasks

Now that the cold winter nights are upon us there are a few maintenance tasks that are probably staring us in the face or at least, making us less comfortable in our homes. Be sure the November tasks are completed then tackle this list for December. The following are “must do” tasks:


1. If your home feels drafty try this tip: When the wind is blowing, check for leaks around doors and windows with a candle or burning incense stick.  Watch for the smoke trail. You will be able to see where the cold draft is entering when the flame flickers or smoke blows away from the leak source. If needed install shrink-film on windows and new weather-stripping on leaky doors.
2. Remove any liquid materials (paints, caulking) from unheated sheds or garages.
3. To prevent a slip on ice seal up any leaky gutters that are dripping onto sidewalks or driveways.
4. If you turn the heat down when on a multi-day trip over the holidays leave the cabinet doors open under the sink to help prevent frozen pipes (especially sinks against outside walls)
5. Storm doors need an adjustment in the winter months to close properly. Most modern doors have a winter setting on the door-side mounting pin. The pin should be in the outer-most hole on the closer mount for winter.


The following are convenience tasks, tasks that have been proven to be most beneficial at this time of year: On a warmer December day consider tackling the following:

1. Fertilize your lawn and shrubs now so the melting snow can feed the deeper roots.
2. Prune trees and shrubs
3. Run a hose to deep-water evergreen trees and shrubs. If the snowfall level is low this winter you may just save them from winter kill.
4. Apply your pre-emergent weed killer/crabgrass preventative.

Keep the Chill OUT!

Did you know that a 1/8 inch gap under your door can lead to the same heat loss—and higher energy bills as you’d get if a 3 inch hole was drilled into the side of your home? If the gap is large enough bugs and critters may even seek the comfort of your home this winter though this opening.

To check to see if your threshold or bottom door weather stripping is functioning properly hold a burning candle or incense stick next to the bottom of the door during a windy day to see if the flame or smoke diverts indicating the wind is getting through. If so, it is time to take some action.

Adjustable type door thresholds need periodic adjusting, and will require replacement weather-stripping every couple of years.  They take some trial and error in adjusting it to the correct position so be patient. The trick is to make very small movements up towards the bottom of the door.

A door shoe is the type of rubber weather-stripping mounted on the underside of the door. It will require the removal of the door to replace. Most door shoe products sell for under $30 but could save you hundreds over the life of the item.

Door sweeps mount either on the inside or the outside of the door, at the bottom edge, and provides a seal as the door closes or sweeps closed. Door sweeps usually sell for under $20.00.

Weather-stripping along the sides and top of the door should also be checked with the candle method and replaced if needed. There are many different styles and types, but not all of them are effective. Check to see if an exact replacement type is available for your door.

Mr. Handyman can install weather-stripping to close those gaps and increase the energy efficiency of your exterior doors.

October Home Maintenance Tasks to complete during this wonderful weather!

Here is a quick check-off list for the most common maintenance tasks to accomplish in October.

After each use detach hoses in case of freezing temperatures.

If you want to keep them, remove all paints, caulks and liquid materials from garage or garden sheds.

Inspect weatherstripping around doors and windows and repair or replace if necessary. The time to caulk around windows and doors is NOW!

Set thermostats and automatic sprinklers for winter.

Clean gutters after all the leaves have fallen. Consider a gutter protection system to never clean them again! Make sure downspout extensions are securely attached and direct the water at least 4-6 ft away from the home. 90% of the ice damming damage was caused by a clogged-up gutter.

Clean and seal your wooden deck. Freezing temperatures do the most damage to your deck.

Seal the cracks in your driveway to prevent damage.

Clean and change the wick in your whole-house humidifier.

These are just some of the maintenance tasks a homeowner should complete to prepare for the winter weather. Why not take advantage of this beautiful warm weather to get them done while you can?

Protecting Your Home from Fire and Flood

As a reminder to area homeowners, Mr. Handyman is offering two simple suggestions that most homeowners can manage themselves and that will greatly reduce the risk of damage to your homes, and maybe become more energy efficient.

Dryers: If you have to run the dryer a second or even third time to get clothes fully dry, your dryer vents may need cleaning. While most homeowners clean their lint traps between every load, dryer vents must also be cleaned regularly. It is recommended that dryer vents be cleaned every 1-2 years, depending on the frequency of dryer use and the distance from the back of the dryer to where the vent exits the home. Lint buildup in vents increases the risk of fire and reduces the efficiency of the dryer.

It’s a fact: Thirteen thousand fires start in laundry rooms in the U.S. each year, causing 10 deaths and $97 million in property damage. One-third of these fires arise from lint buildup.
Besides reducing the risk of fire, clean vents allow for efficient drying. Savings estimates range from $.50 to $3.00 a load, depending on the size of the load, the energy efficiency of your dryer and the severity of obstruction in your vents. Reduced wear on the dryer will also extend its life.

Washing machines: Most washing machines come with a set of black rubber hoses for hot and cold water. These hoses are under constant pressure and will eventually fail.

It’s a fact: Washing machine-related failures are a leading source of home water damage losses, costing an average of $5,308 per incident. Water supply hoses account for most failures. Most manufacturers recommend replacing hoses every 3-5 years.

At the first sign of cracking or dry rot, replace your hoses. Replacement hoses re-enforced with steel or nylon braiding are available and reasonably priced to further protect your home. When you leave home for vacation or extended travel, shut off the washing machine water supply to protect against rupture and flooding.

For those people who can’t remember the last time their dryer vents were cleaned and have never inspected their washing machine hoses, Mr. Handyman recommends immediate action. If you are unable or do not desire to take-on these projects yourself, Mr. Handyman is fully prepared to handle these and any other home repair and maintenance tasks that require attention while we’re in your home. If you have home improvement projects you are considering now or for the future, Mr. Handyman would also be happy to discuss these with you and offer you a free estimate while in your home. This makes Mr. Handyman your best value.

Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite!

Bed bugs. I used to laugh and joke about them as a kid but I never had any experience with them, nor had any of my family or friends knowingly had them.

They are real, they are a nuisance, they DO BITE, and they are a bugger to get rid of.

Most folks will revert to the professionals, an exterminator or try to DIY with some chemicals from one of the big-box stores. I have another solution that is very effective and very safe. The ONLY precaution is breathing of the dust when applying. It is Diatomaceous Earth, or DE. It can be purchased at any local health food store and is fairly inexpensive. There is no chemical smell and it is an all-natural "green" product.

Wear a dust mask and apply a ring around your bedposts, in any wall or floor cracks near your bed and dust along the decorative piping at the edges of your mattress. The DE will cut these little critters each time they crawl through the fine powder and they will eventually dry-up and die. You can put it down as a precautionary measure as well.

If you have visitors for the upcoming holidays I would dust all areas where they could unknowingly bring these awful critters into your home. There are huge outbreaks in the Manhattan, Chicago, Denver and Detroit areas as well as others.

If you travel and stay in a hotel I would take some precautions to ensure you do not pick up a hitchhiker. Inspect the bed you will lay your head down on. Keep your suitcase on the countertops or table tops and vacuum it when you return. I would put out the DE just to be safe.

Bed bugs are not known to carry diseases but they can leave you with some itchy welts and a lot of headaches. It is best to pre-treat with the safe DE and hopefully they never come for a visit.

Top Ten Bathroom Remodel Additions

Most American’s want a bathroom to be functional, clean and enough space to be comfortable when relaxing for a bath or getting ready for a big day. The baby-boomer generation has set a trend that is really focusing on the creature comforts of the bathroom. The top bathroom additions in the 2010’s are:

1. Large airy showers. Some are replacing the tub area with a larger, open-style shower area with glass swinging doors and multiple showerheads.

2. Noisy Jacuzzis are being replaced by soaking tubs. Baby boomers did the Jacuzzi thing and now want the peace and quiet of a relaxing, soaking tub.

3. Let the light shine in. More, ample lighting and skylights are the trend.

4. Larger vent fans can vacate the heat and moisture more quickly and more efficiently and clear the steam off the mirror in a few minutes.

5. The addition of more, smarter storage space. Smaller drawers with dividers and some vertical storage space adds style and class.

6. Dual vanities are making a comeback. His and hers are once again popular, each with their own storage space as well.

7. The aging baby boomers are adding grab-bars and safety items long before they tend to rely on them for getting around. The right preparations for the remaining years in their home can make aging more comfortable.

8. Heated flooring is the best thing since sliced bread, especially on those cold winter days.

9. Elegant tile work and designer colors. Vinyl is out. Tile floors and walls are in.

10. Entertainment zone. For the guys that don’t want to miss that one play, or the lady that wants relaxing music while she soaks. TV’s and radio options are available for the bathroom.

Hot & Muggy Weather Tips

With this terrible muggy weather we have had numerous customers ask Mr. Handyman what can be done to make their homes more comfortable. Here are some tips to keep cool during this season.

If it feels warm and muggy in your home and the A/C seems to remain on throughout the day it is time to take some action.

1. Have the A/C unit serviced. You may have condenser coils that need cleaned. The system may need a charge or the evaporator coil may need checked. The service man can look for other reasons the A/C unit is getting a workout this summer (duct work that can be directed to pull more warm air from the upstairs to be cooled).

2. Check the attic. You may not have enough insulation in the attic to keep the cool air in the home. Insulation can be added and the homeowner may quality for the 30% tax rebate on the purchase price. The attic may not be vented properly trapping the hot air and allowing that hot air seep down into the living space. My mother-in-law saves over $60/month because we insulated her attic.

3. Doors and windows may be leaking that cool air and allowing the warm muggy air into the home. Inspect and evaluate all windows and doors for signs the weather-stripping is doing its job. Replace any that is suspect. Weather-stripping is inexpensive compared to higher utility bills and it could save you $$$ each month.

4. Reduce the use of "heat-producers." Grill out more instead of turning on the hot stove or oven. Boiling water for pasta puts a lot of heat and moisture into the home. Use the microwave more. Run the dishwasher and dryer at night when the heat load is reduced.

5. Block the hot sun from coming in. Keep blinds and shades pulled on the South and west sides of the home during the day.