At Duffy Home Solutions our Greenwich Property Management team deals with a wide range of home maintenance issues across Greenwich, CT. What are some of the most pressing issues that homeowners are facing these days? We’ve been getting a lot of calls regarding clogged drains in the kitchen and bathroom. Our Operations Manager John Duffy Jr. discusses some of the leading causes and solutions for clogged drains.

What Typically Causes Clogged Drains and What are The Solutions?

John JR: There are a fairly wide range of issues that can lead to a clogged drain in the kitchen, bathroom or in the main water or sewer lines. A few of the more common causes include:

Hair and Soap

Hair and soap (sometimes combined) are leading causes of clogged pipes in the bathroom. This is typically an easy fix for our Greenwich property management team. Clogs can occur when animal fat derivatives from bar soap mixes with minerals to cause build up. Sometimes the soap deposits on their own are enough to slow the flow of water. More significant issues, however, typically occur when soap residue combines with hair. This can lead to clogs severe enough to virtually stop the flow of water.

Sometimes, if the issue is occurring towards the top of the drain, we can remove the top portion of the stopper assembly and reach the hair with needle nose plyers to remove the blockage. Other times, if the hair is further down the drain, we will use a snake to remove the clog.

We advise our Greenwich property management clients to always wipe up loose hairs in and around the sink, and avoid cleaning hair brushes over the sink.

Pipe Scale

Deposits from calcium, magnesium and metallic elements in the water can build up on the inside of pipes and eventually reduce the flow. This is a natural occurrence caused by hard water that contains dissolved mineral compounds. In addition to pipe scale issues, hard water can also lead to buildup on the inside of appliances and on the surface of sinks, showers and faucets.

Our Greenwich property management team will typically treat pipe scale by recommending the installation of a water softener system. Softeners consist of a tank that is connected to the main water line of the home. Inside the tank, thousands of resin beads attract and capture the mineral and metallic elements, allowing the soft water to pass through.

Tree Roots

Tree roots can cause severe drainage issues to water or sewer main lines. Old pipes can eventually deteriorate, allowing roots to burrow into the pipe and block flow. The roots seek out water and waste in the lines. Gurgling sounds in your pipes can be an early sign of a potential root problem.

The first step in diagnosing a tree root issue is to have your Greenwich Property Management plumbing professional scan the drain with a camera. Once the issue has been identified, there are a range of potential solutions. Some include removing roots using a snake, administering chemical root killers, and fixing any visible leaks that could lead to problems down the road. This is typically an issue that is best handled by home maintenance professionals.

Wipes and Trash

Unfortunately, paper towels, dental floss and other trash items do make their way into drains. Since these items do not break down, they can cause significant clogs in main drain lines and septic systems. They can even lead to issues for public sewer works. Even wipes that are labeled as “flushable” should typically not be flushed. They just don’t break down enough for certain systems.

It’s important to note that the only items that should be flushed, or put down the drain, are human waste and toilet paper. Toilet paper is specially designed to completely break down. If an issue does occur within the pipes, the drain will be snaked to remove the clog.

Clogged drains can be a disruption and can sometimes lead to costly issues. If you’re experiencing slow water flow, or a stoppage, call the Greenwich property management team at Duffy Home Solutions. Our Greenwich, CT plumbers can diagnose and fix issues large and small.

Some home maintenance projects are easily handled by homeowners, but others require the experience and skills of a trained professional. At Duffy Home Solutions our Greenwich Property Management team consists of home maintenance journeymen. We also have relationships with some of the best service professionals in Greenwich. They’ll be the first to tell you that certain jobs are better left to the pros. Let’s take a look at a few of them.

Well Water & Irrigation Issues

Greenwich, CT residents are directly affected by well and irrigation issues. The back country area of town has a high concentration of ledge rock. As a result, well water can be sparce. This makes it hard to irrigate gardens, fill pools, and it can even affect the water supply to indoor and outdoor faucets.

This is the type of job that requires Greenwich Property Management professionals. Our team has solved these types of problems across town. We bring in well and irrigation system specialists that can identify the location and depths of well water and we work together to develop a plan to solve the issue.

Generator and HVAC Service and Maintenance

Generators and HVAC systems require annual maintenance to remain at peak efficiency. Regularly scheduled maintenance can also head off issues before they become bigger, more expensive repairs. And if an issue does arise, the repair work is typically not an appropriate job for a homeowner. When it comes to maintaining and repairing a generator or HVAC system, it’s important to bring in a trained and licensed Greenwich Property Management professional to properly diagnose and fix the problem.

Basement Flooding and Drainage Issues

The water table can be high for properties close to the shore in Greenwich, CT. Depending on the situation, the installation of a sump pump may be sufficient to solve water in the basement. For more serious cases, exterior drainage work may be required. In these instances, the water may need to be redirected away from the house. This can be accomplished with re-grading and potentially adding curtain drains, trench drains and/or a dry well.

Excavation, drainage and sump pump installation and servicing require experience, technical know-how and sometimes heavy equipment. The Duffy Home Solutions Greenwich Property Management team is equipped to handle these types of jobs. Our team can provide a full assessment of your water issue and develop a plan to solve the problem.

Plumbing and Electrical Issues

Although the Duffy Home Solutions Greenwich Property Management team handles small jobs, such as powerwashing and cleaning outdoor furniture, homeowners are really glad to have us when a major system malfunctions – such as a plumbing or electrical issue. Although not all of these jobs are big, they almost always require the skill of an experienced, licensed trade person.

Plumbing problems can range from leaky faucets to burst pipes. Low water pressure, water heater beakdowns and leaking toilets are also common issues that our Greenwich Property Management team faces. These are some of the most pressing home maintenance issues since water leaks can lead to wood rot and mold over time.

It goes without saying that electrical work can be dangerous. Let’s leave this one to the Property Management pros. Common electrical issues that homeowners face include overloaded circuits, surges or dips in the power, and outlets that are not functioning. Electrical needs, of course, aren’t always a result of an issue. Our Greenwich Property Management team helps homeowners with new indoor and outdoor lighting installation, replacement of lighting fixtures, and even changing of lightbulbs.

Roof Repairs

Roof issues can be stressful. They often lead to leaks and require attention right away. Some issues, however, can go unnoticed. When they do, they can lead to serious damage. Regular roof inspections can help identify issues before they become bigger problems. Storm and tree damage, ice build-up, and temperature fluctuations can all lead to cracked slate, wood or asphalt roofing. And over time these materials can simply degrade. When this occurs, it can lead to leaks in locations that you may not be aware of.

Conclusion

When it comes to these bigger jobs (and some smaller jobs too) it’s always good to have a local professional on hand. The challenge that we often see, however, is that many of these maintenance needs require a separate trade or pro to handle the job. Greenwich Property Management services are designed to provide Greenwich, CT homeowners one source for all of your home maintenance needs. When you’re a Duffy Home Solutions Property Management customer you’ll have one contact to handle it all.

Winter in Greenwich, CT can feel like a time of dormancy and stillness, but this season can also provide a wonderful opportunity to make progress on the performance, aesthetics and market value of your home. This time of the year, after the holidays and before the warmer months, provides the downtime needed to focus on the home maintenance and home repair projects you’ve been meaning to tackle.

Another reason winter in Greenwich, CT can be a smart time for home maintenance and remodeling projects is that tradespeople are not as busy as other times of the year. In busy renovation months, like spring and summer, even simple renovations can take months to complete. Reach out to Duffy Home Solutions property management team to discuss the following projects.

Increase the Usable Square Footage of Your Home

There are likely a number of unfinished spaces in your home that would be excellent candidates for refinishing. Attics and basements, for example, can be remodeled quite efficiently. These spaces are perfect for a home office, gym, playroom, pantry or media room. Storage is also something to consider. Finished, climate-controlled rooms are excellent for storing items, particularly those of value.

The residential property management team at Duffy Home Solutions provides full build-out services for unfinished space. Our professional team of luxury home remodeling and home design experts can handle the full scope of your project including conceptual planning, project execution and fully fitting out your new space.

Bathroom Renovations

According to HGTV columnist Kathy McCleary,kitchen or bath remodeling is a sure-fire investment, often returning more than 100 percent of the cost. And winter is a great time to tackle a bathroom remodel.

The Duffy Home Solutions property management team can guide and facilitate Greenwich homeowners through bathroom renovations of any scope. We will ensure the project is handled with efficiency and an eye for detail. Our streamlined process ensures that you avoid the headaches associated with coordinating unreliable contractors, changing timeliness and unexpected costs. Our team will provide:

Your project can also be coordinated and scheduled around an upcoming winter or spring vacation for increased efficiency and convenience.

Kitchen Renovations

It doesn’t take long for a kitchen to lose its luster or simply go out of style. And sometimes you just want the space to function better as your needs evolve. Oftentimes kitchen renovations don’t require a full gut job. Kitchen remodels can be effective with just a refresh that may include new countertops and/or backsplash, additional cabinet or island space, fixtures or new cabinets. Items such as flooring, moldings, and plaster or wallboard can remain in place in a refresh.

This winter the Duffy Home Solutions Design-Build team can help you strategically scope a kitchen refresh project that will update the style, comfort and functionality of your kitchen without the expense of a full renovation.

Furniture Makeovers

Given today’s extremely long lead times on new furniture, it may make sense to repair certain existing pieces. The Duffy Home Solutions Property Management team’s in-house designers can orchestrate the repair and updating of your existing furniture. Re-upholstering otherwise good quality chairs, sofas and headboards can be a fun and exciting way to upgrade the look and comfort of your favorite furniture items. We can also oversee the repair and refinishing of your wood furniture using expert furniture finishers.

Interior Painting

Paint color is one of the most obvious design elements that can make a room look dated. Newly updated color-schemes can dramatically enhance the aesthetics of your home. The Duffy Home Solutions Property Management team can guide you with a new palate for a particular room or for the entire home. We also coordinate accessories to tie it all together! The cold winter months in Greenwich, CT are an opportune time to repaint while painters generally have less work.

In Conclusion

Winter in Greenwich, CT means that trades are more available for renovation projects. When you’re a Duffy Home Solutions property management customer you have one point of contact for all of your home renovation, remodel, repair and maintenance needs. Handling home maintenance work this way provides peace of mind, makes things run easier and smoother, and ensures that all of your home projects will be handled by local experts in their field.

The leaves are starting to turn and it’s time to start thinking about buttoning up the property for winter. It’s always sad to see the summer go, but making sure your property maintenance needs are taken care of will ensure your home stays looking and functioning well through the winter and beyond. The Greenwich Home Management Property Management team is hard at work on fall maintenance projects that include winterizing water spigots, cleaning and storing outdoor furniture and cushions, and gutter cleaning, among others. Let’s take a look at some of the home maintenance projects you should be taking care of this time of year. 

Exterior Paint Touch Ups

The spring and summer months can cause paint to chip and peel. When left unattended these spots can lead to rot. Nip any potential issues in the bud by sanding, scraping, priming, and painting or staining these spots. This is the type of job that a homeowner can handle, but high spots require tall ladders, and severe peeling paint is most efficiently handled by power equipment. Greenwich Home Management has the equipment for these tricky and time-consuming projects.

Cleaning and Storing Outdoor Furniture

One of the most appreciated home maintenance tasks that the Greenwich Home Management Property Management Team handles for Greenwich, CT homeowners is the cleaning and storing of outdoor furniture and cushions. Mildew, dirt and even food spills can build up over the summer. It’s always a pleasure to have fresh, clean cushions in the springtime when it’s time to start enjoying outdoor spaces again.

Generator and HVAC Preventative Maintenance

Your boiler or furnace and your generator should be serviced yearly. Regular HVAC and generator maintenance will help ensure your most valuable home equipment is running at peak efficiency. Cleaning and maintaining these systems will also help prolong the life of the equipment and help avoid bigger mechanical issues down the line. When you’re a Greenwich Home Management Property Management client we schedule these appointments for you, and ensure that the best Greenwich, CT area maintenance professionals are taking care of the work.

Winterize Water Spigots and Hoses

Water left inside hoses and water spigots throughout the winter can freeze and crack the equipment. To avoid this issue it’s always a good idea to drain them around this time. If there are turn valves inside the basement for outdoor faucets, make sure to turn these off and then drain the pipe by opening the spigot until it runs dry. Drain hoses and then put them away in the basement, garage or storage shed. 

Clean Gutters and Inspect Downspouts

Clogged gutters can lead to serious issues. Water cannot properly drain when leafs and debris pile up inside gutters. When water cannot drain properly the gutters can overflow and damage the roof. Overflowing water can also pour down against the foundation, which can lead to flooding issues in the basement. Furthermore, debris can be a nesting place for rodents and bugs.

Gutter cleaning is a task typically handled by a home maintenance professional. The Greenwich Home Management Property Management team has the proper ladders to reach high spots. After cleaning the gutters we test the water flow of your downspouts to ensure they are not clogged. If they are clogged we will make sure to remove the blockage and restore proper flow.

Roof Inspection

It’s always a good idea to have your roof inspected to ensure that no issues are occurring in places that cannot be seen day to day. Inspections can uncover curling or missing shingles, damaged or missing flashing, and/or inadequate attic, eve and soffit ventilation. All of these potential issues, when left untreated, can lead to serious problems down the line. Points of entry for moisture can cause rot and mold. Greenwich Home Management provides full roof inspections to give you peace of mind as we move into winter.

Conclusion

Fall is a special time of year in Greenwich, CT. As we think about moving into winter, tackling these jobs now will help you rest easy when the snow starts falling. But we know you’re busy, and want to spend time with family and friends. When you sign up for the Greenwich Home Management Property Management program, all of your home maintenance needs can be taken care of, year round. We employ the most trusted pros in the Greenwich area to ensure your home maintenance needs are not only taken care of, but taken care of the right way.

Certain home maintenance and renovation projects can be a disruption to life at home. The perfect time to schedule this type of work is while you’re away on vacation. This way you can avoid having work done on the spaces that you enjoy day to day, particularly in the summer.

At the moment Greenwich Home Management property management team is working on a kitchen facelift in Greenwich, CT. Just one of the many projects we have in progress around the Fairfield County area. This includes repainting cabinets, and replacing the outdated hardware, backsplash and countertops. This is a quick, high impact renovation that can be done easily when you’re on a trip. Here are a few others:

1) Paving The Driveway

This is a really good home maintenance project to complete while on vacation since you should avoid driving on fresh pavement for the first three to five days after the job is completed. Ideally you should wait up to two weeks before parking on a new driveway. And when you do park, for a short period after that, try to avoid placing the car in direct sun where the asphalt is hottest.

Hiring the right pavement contractor is critical because the job requires following the right application process, using the right materials, and implementing proper drainage. These steps are important to maintaining the longevity of the surface. Greenwich Home Management works with the best pavement contractors in the Greenwich, CT area.

2) Pool Repairs

We’ve had a couple of hot days this year in Greenwich and some pool maintenance needs may have already become apparent. Instead of losing out on quality swimming days during repairs, schedule the maintenance during your next trip. The Greenwich Home Management property management team is hard at work repairing cracked, faded or rough pool surfaces and tile, leaking and malfunctioning pool pumps and filters, and broken pool heaters. These projects will help ensure back yard parties go off without a hitch.

3) Hardwood Floor Refinishing

Refinishing hardwood floors can put a whole level of the home out of commission. The process requires several days for sanding and multiple coats of stain. This is a great time to be on vacation. And newly finished hardwood floors are a pleasure to come home to.

One advantage of working with a property management company like Greenwich Home Management is that we can not only refinish the floors, but we’ll carefully move and stow your furniture and belongings and then return them in perfect condition so that it was as if nothing ever happened.

4) Sealing and Polishing Kitchen and Bathroom Countertops

Marble, granite, soapstone and quartz countertops can get dingy and faded. Without treatment some materials can become susceptible to staining. Of course kitchen work is one of the most disruptive of the home maintenance projects. Although countertop sealing and polishing does not require a lot of time, it’s a good one to have done while you’re away. Coming home to nicely polished countertops is always a good thing.

5) Bathroom Regrouting

Bathroom tile grout can crack and deteriorate over time. This is unsightly, but can also cause problems. Cracks in the grout can allow water to seep behind the tile. When this happens it can cause mold and rot. It can also compromise the integrity of the tile work, leading to more issues. Regrouting and/or sealing will help avoid serious potential issues and bring the tile back to life, giving it a fresh appearance.

6) Carpet and Rug Cleaning

Rug and carpet cleaning projects are another one of those property maintenance jobs that take over large areas of the home. While you and the family are lounging on the beach our crew will take care of it for you.

Care and attention should be placed on cleaning rug and carpet surfaces. The right chemicals and cleaners need to be used, and attention needs to be placed on the specific material the rug is made from. Certain area rugs require hand washing. Greenwich Home Management handles cleaning of delicate, heirloom, vintage and antique rugs to ensure the proper steps are being taken to clean these cherished items appropriately.

In Conclusion

Vacation is a perfect time to complete home maintenance projects. When you are a Greenwich Home Management property management client we are key holders and a single source of contact for your Greenwich, CT home maintenance needs. This means we can handle all of your interior and exterior projects. Having a trusted partner for maintenance is priceless. Particularly when you’re away.

Spring is here and with it comes a laundry list of spring cleaning and home maintenance tasks. The Greenwich Home Management property management team in Greenwich, CT has put together a checklist of essential to-dos. These tips will help ensure your property is looking its best and help you keep your equipment running efficiently for the months to come. Homeowners can tackle some of these tasks, however, some are best handled by a home maintenance professional.

 

The following provides more information on some of the key tasks that demand attention:

Gutter Cleaning

Gutters can trap leaves and debris over the winter – even if they were cleaned in the fall. Cleaning your gutters in the spring helps to ensure water is always directed away from the house. Clogged gutters can lead to water backup that can be pushed under shingles and cause serious moisture issues that lead to rot and mold. This is a task that Greenwich, CT homeowners often look to Greenwich Home Management to handle. It requires high ladder work. For this reason gutter cleaning is often best handled by a pro.

Schedule Sump Pump Service or Assess Basement for New Equipment Installation

April and May are typically some of the wettest months of the year. Spring rains can be a scary time for Greenwich homeowners that have had wet basement issues in the past. If you have a sump pump, March and early April are the time to have the equipment inspected to ensure everything is working properly. Inspections can also help expand the lifespan of the pump.

If you have water issues in the basement, but don’t have a sump pump, reach out to Greenwich Home Management to discuss how to eliminate the wet basement once and for all. We can provide a full assessment and determine the cause of the issue. We may recommend installing new drainage, or consider the value of adding a sump pump to remove and water.

Inspect The House Exterior for Paint Issues

The winter months are harsh on home exteriors. Springtime is typically when we see signs of peeling paint. If you do see paint flaking or fading, it’s always a good idea to get ahead of it. Sumer heat can exacerbate the issue. Once wood is exposed to moisture it starts becoming susceptible to rot. This is when having a property management professional like Greenwich Home Management on your side can pay off. We can handle any and all home maintenance tasks, and our master painters can handle the inspection and get the job done.

Clean Dryer Vent and Refrigerator Coils

Lint can build up over time inside dryer vent tubes. When this happens it becomes a fire hazard. Lint is extremely flammable. Keeping the dryer vent clean also helps the machine work at peak efficiently. When clogged, the unit has to work harder to push air out. This uses more energy and causes more ware and tear on the equipment.

Clogged refrigerator coils are not necessarily a fire hazard, but they can affect the efficiency and function of a fridge. When the coils are clogged it can be hard for them to release heat efficiently. The compressor then works harder. This causes stress to the unit which can shorten its lifespan, and it will use more energy.

The Greenwich Home Management property management team vacuums dirt and dust from refrigerator coils. For dryer vents, the crew uses a special brush with a long extension. Both jobs are relatively easy, however it can be nice to have someone handle these types of projects for you.

Pressure Washing

The winter weather leaves deck, patio, driveway and siding surfaces dirty and covered with debris. Power washing, otherwise known as pressure washing, is an excellent way to clean these surfaces in the spring. Pressure washing, however, requires equipment and knowledge of technique. Improper or overly aggressive use of the machine can result in damaged surfaces. The pressure setting should be in line with the type of surface that is being washed. Some machines can put a hole through asphalt. When done properly, however, pressure washing can make surfaces look like new.

In Conclusion

Spring is a great time of year. Kick it off with a thorough spring cleaning and maintenance plan. Having the property ready for outdoor fun with the family, and ensuring your mechanical systems are in top working order, will help ensure that you can relax and enjoy your home for the months to come. The Greenwich Home Management property management team will be busy helping Greenwich households with their checklists. Please reach out to us if you would like help getting your home ready for the season.

This is an unusual time for us all. Like many you’re probably trying to figure out how to juggle family, work, and home tasks. Although some projects can be put on hold, certain home maintenance needs will require attention. Many New York City residents are coming to their second homes in Greenwich, CT to avoid the city. As a result we’re seeing an uptick in demand for properties that need to be ready for full time occupancy. So how should you approach residential property management during this time? Following are some ideas on how to keep your family and your home maintenance professionals healthy.

Maintenance Project Types

At Greenwich Home Management we provide residential property management services. As a result we dispatch the full range of home maintenance professionals. During this time of year in Greenwich, CT we are starting to handle outdoor work, such as spring-cleaning, masonry, and pool installs and openings. These workers pose lower health risk than others that need to be indoors. Indoor projects, of course, still require attention. When it comes to AC maintenance, appliance repair and plumbing issues, you’ll want to take additional care.

Communication

If you plan to have workers on your property it’s important to maintain close, remote communication with your property management company to ensure certain protocol can be implemented. You should feel comfortable asking questions and providing any guidelines that you feel are necessary to maintain the health of your family. In addition you may need to let your management team know when you want certain work to be done. And always inform crews before hand if you have someone in the house that is showing signs of sickness.

Taking The Necessary Health Precautions

At Greenwich Home Management we are taking a range of precautions daily. Before dispatching a handyman, HVAC repair professional or landscape crew to someone’s house we ensure that nobody has fever, cough or shortness of breath. We instruct our crews to handle only the tools and equipment needed to accomplish the job. In addition our crew will regularly be using hand sanitizer, thoroughly washing hands, and avoiding contact with mouth, eyes and nose. We also employ facemasks and booties to cover footwear.

The New England Journal of Medicine states that coronaviruses do not survive well on clothing surfaces. As a result it is unlikely that a worker would carry the virus on their clothes into a home.

Maintaining Social Distancing

We are social animals and it’s instinctual to reach out and shake someone’s hand when they arrive up at your home. During this time, however, skip the handshake, and maintain six feet of distance to work crew. In some instances you may be more comfortable leaving instructions with your property management company that allows them to enter the home on their own.

At Greenwich Home Management our residential property management services are set up well for this type of situation. You have one point of contact for all of your home maintenance needs. And your management contact will have key access to allow workers into the home if needed. If it makes you more comfortable we can let the tradesman into the home even if you are there. This way you can avoid any potential contact.  And we can work closely with you to establish schedules that you’re comfortable with.

Home Office Considerations

Many Greenwich residents are now working from home. As a result a home office space needs to be fully functional. For those using weekend homes, dedicated offices may not be in place. And of course the kids are home now full time. This all leads to more usage of equipment and appliances as well as special requirements that may need maintenance and/or setup. Your property management company can help you establish a comfortable workspace.

Planning for Spring Maintenance

It’s spring and so there are likely several projects that need to be completed. And of course things always come up unexpectedly. To help make the process easier during this stressful time, our property management team can tackle all of your spring maintenance needs. These may include AC tune-up and cleaning, spring yard cleanup, roof repair, wet basement issues, driveway repair, gutter cleaning, etc.

In Conclusion

Making smart decisions when it comes to social distancing can make all the difference in this unique situation. Our Greenwich, CT residential property management team will do our part to help keep you and your family healthy. Eventually we’ll get through this and we’ll do it by working together.

Doors and windows are constantly being opened and closed, and sometimes not so gracefully. Wear and tear can lead to issues. Some are minor, such as squeaking or misalignment. Some problems, however, can lead to water infiltration or loss of warm or cool air. At Greenwich Home Management our residential property management team has repaired and replaced numerous doors and windows in and around the Greenwich, CT area. Home renovation can be an excellent time to replace windows and doors, but sometimes you just need a quick fix. Let’s take a look at some of the more common issues.

Door Squeaking and Misalignment

If your doors are making squeaking noises, the solution may be as easy as applying WD40 to the hinges. If noise persists, and you’re also experiencing rattling and/or the door is not opening and closing smoothly, then you may need to tighten and/or adjust the hinges to realign them. These are the types of jobs that a property management company can help with.

Drafty Doors and Windows

Door and window parts break down over time, particularly in the Greenwich, CT climate. Homes are subject to ever changing conditions such as heat, cold, snow, ice and rain across all seasons. Door weather stripping can degrade and come off. Doors can also become misaligned, allowing gaps at the bottom that let air in. Window sashes, gaskets and weather stripping can shrink and degrade and older window glazing can break down and fall off.

If you’re conducting a home renovation, this is a great time to have your property management team install new, energy efficient windows and exterior doors. Making an investment in high quality products will make all the difference here. If you’re just looking to repair a single drafty door or window, call your residential property management team. For short term fixes they can replace glazing and weather stripping or make adjustments to the door to eliminate gaps.

Fixing a Sticky Door

Interior or exterior doors can become stuck, making it a challenge to open and close them. One of the main causes of a stuck door is summertime humidity. The wooden door absorbs moisture and swells. Fixing this issue starts by identifying where the door is getting stuck. If the point of contact is the door jam, your property management team may shave just a bit off with a hand planner. Sometimes the door hinge mortise’s may need to be deepened to pull the door away from the jam a bit.

When planning wood from a door, it’s important not to remove too much. The wood will shrink back in the wintertime. Also, to help avoid moisture from getting into the door again, any unfinished wood surfaces should be painted – including the top and bottom of the door. Sometimes it’s just more efficient to replace a stuck door. Just make sure all sides are sealed with paint before the door is hung.

Window Condensation

Several issues can cause window condensation. If you’ve just built a new renovation or home addition the space may be too air tight. This can be good for keeping warm and cool air in, but the downside is lack of ventilation. Warm, humid air from cooking or showers can cause condensation on the inside of windows when the moist air hits the cold glass in the wintertime. If homes are too tight, trapped moisture, in places other than on windowpanes, can cause mold. Home ventilation systems can help circulate the air and eliminate the issue.

If condensation if building up inside multi-pane windows, you likely have a broken seal. If the windows are relatively new they may be covered under warranty. If they are older windows they’ll likely need to be replaced. Check with your residential property management company to help assess and repair any moisture issues.

In conclusion

The ever changing and harsh climate of Greenwich, CT can make even high quality windows and doors function improperly over time. Greenwich Home Management provides year round residential property management services. For jobs large and small we’ll bring in a skilled handyman or experienced local tradesman to help get the problem fixed.

Winter is fast approaching. When harsh weather hits, maintenance issues are typically not far behind in homes across Fairfield County, CT. Homeowners can handle some of these tasks themselves; however, others require the experience of a residential property management professional. Here are a few of the more common winter maintenance challenges, and how they can be fixed.

Ice Dams

An ice dam occurs when warm air escapes from the roof and melts the snow. Water running down the roof surface refreezes as it hits the colder edges. As a result a thick band of ice builds up. Ice dams can be a major problem if not addressed. Water can eventually back up and be pushed under shingles, causing infiltration into the home. The short term fix when dealing with ice dams is to remove resting snow from the roof. Homeowners can handle this with a roof rake, or this can be a good job for a handyman. Getting at the root of the issue, however, will require the expertise of a residential property management professional. Ice dams are typically caused when poor insulation allows hot air to escape. Bring an expert in to repair or install new insulation and/or ventilation as needed.

Garage Door issues

Garage doors are made of metal components that can become compromised when exposed to cold temperatures. Metal contracts in the cold, which can cause springs, and other parts, to break more easily. Lubricant can also dry up after time. Without proper lubricant, excess friction and wear can occur. To help avoid garage door issues, have your handyman regularly lubricate the metal tracks, springs and hinges. If an issue does occur, your property management company can replace parts as needed.

Frozen Pipes

Chances are you’ve experienced frozen pipes if you’re a homeowner. Pipes often freeze during extended cold spells when temperatures reach sub 20 degrees for several days. This can lead to big problems. Water expands when frozen, leading to cracked pipes. When thawed, water can be released through the compromised areas and flood interior spaces. Flood damage can be very costly. Frozen pipes typically occur to plumbing that runs along an exterior wall. These spaces are naturally more exposed to the cold. To solve for this you may need to better insulate behind the pipes, as well as wrap the pipe itself in insulation. When extreme cold spells are forecasted, it’s always a good idea to keep the heat a little bit higher than normal overnight.

Fireplace Repair

Moisture is a major offender when it comes to chimney damage and problems can occur in the winter months. Any moisture issues within the chimney can cause cracking as water expands and contracts during freezing and thawing. Moisture typically enters the chimney through deteriorated mortar, a broken or missing crown, a damaged chimney cap, or damaged flashing. Yearly winter maintenance inspections should help identify damage. If issues do occur, however, this is a job best handled by a professional.

Heating System Breakdowns

In Greenwich, CT and surrounding Fairfield County, your heating system will run for approximately seven months out of the year and it will run non stop, day and night, for about five of those months. This puts constant ware on your heating equipment. Furnace breakdowns can be expensive and can leave you without heat for a period of time. To help eliminate major breakdowns you should have your furnace inspected and serviced every year. Cleaning and tuning up the equipment will extend its life and help things run more efficiently.

In Conclusion

Greenwich, CT winters can be brutal on homes. Luckily the residential property management professionals at Greenwich Home Management are a quick phone call away. Our programs cover all of your maintenance needs – from furnace repair to deck staining to changing light bulbs. No issue is too big or too small. As we await the start of winter, now is a good time to plan for coverage. Hard water can be an issue in Greenwich, CT and surrounding Fairfield County towns, particularly in mid country Greenwich. As a local home maintenance company we get a lot of calls regarding clogged plumbing and other issues that range from difficult to clean tubs to fading laundry. There are several factors to consider when dealing with hard water. The following will help you determine how to manage the problem.

What is Hard Water?

Rain starts off as soft water. It becomes hard as it travels thought the ground and into water systems. Along the way it picks up minerals. Calcium and magnesium are two primary minerals that are to blame for certain plumbing issues, but hard water can also contain lime, chalk, and others deposits.

Why is Greenwich, CT Known for Hard Water?

Mid Country Greenwich, in our experience, seems to be an area where there is a high concentration of underground minerals. Our home maintenance professionals have had a higher concentration of service visits to this particular region of the town. The geological conditions of the ground, and the fact that many in this area are on wells, are contributing factors.

Problems Resulting from Hard Water

Mineral rich water can lead to a host of household issues. One of the most serious problems can be clogged plumbing. Mineral deposit buildup can restrict water flow. It can also clog water heaters, dishwashers and other equipment, and cause low flow in showers and sinks. This is not only inconvenient it can also be lead to big expenses. Appliance lifespan can be shortened, and unclogging plumbing can be a timely job. Reaching out to a residential property maintenance company before the issue gets too severe can help you save in the long run. When hard water settles on bathtubs, toilets and sinks it can leave visible mineral scale deposits. This film can be very hard to clean off and can be unsightly.  Other issues include dingy laundry, hard to clean hair, and skin irritation. Heavy metal and/or bacteria can also occur in household water supplies that run on wells. Ingesting these deposits can lead to serious health problems if not dealt with. At Greenwich Home Management our water experts can test your water as a first step to determine the condition of your water supply.

How To Solve The Problem of Hard Water

The most common fix is to install a water softener system. The softener removes minerals such as magnesium, calcium, iron and manganese and replaces them with sodium ions in a process called ion exchange. Softener tanks contain negatively charged media that pulls in positive charged minerals as water passed through. The collected water that contains hard minerals is eventually flushed out of the system. To determine the type of system you’ll need, a property management company can bring in a water treatment professional to first analyze your water conditions. This will allow them to determine the size and type of water softener equipment to install. During the analysis process it’s always a good idea to test for bacteria and heavy metals as well. If there is an issue you’ll want to consider a water filtration system. Whole house systems can continually filter the entire water supply to the home.

How to Clean Stubborn Deposits

If you have hard water you likely have tubs, toilets and sinks with mineral deposit buildup. This residue is not easily removed.  One way to clean these areas is with vinegar. Soak a rag in white vinegar and place the rag over the affected area. Let it sit for one hour. This should loosen the minerals. You can then scrub with a sponge.

In Conclusion

For residents of Greenwich, CT and surrounding Fairfield County towns, hard water can be a persistent issue. The good news is that it can be dealt with. To make sure you achieve the appropriate resolution have your property management service bring in a water treatment professional. They will test the water and make sure that you have the right equipment for your specific needs.