Local Mr. Handyman Offers Tips to Protect Homes against Extreme Summer Heat

Posted on August 19, 2008 by Pete Kosowski

Skin and hair aren’t the only things that take a beating from the extreme temperatures of the dog days of summer – the blistering sun and heat can also pose serious problems for homes, both inside and out.

Todd Recknagel, President & CEO of Mr. Handyman International, offers the following tips to help homeowners “beat the heat” of the late summer months, and potentially prevent unnecessary damage to their homes:

• Windows: A blistering sun, as well as heavy summer rain, can cause significant wear and tear on windows. Using a screen with more durable wiring and threading can block the sun from blazing through the windows. Screens can shade some of the sun out, which can also help with electrical costs by keeping the sun’s warmth from directly shining through the windows during the warmest hours of the day.
• Faucets: August's often muggy temperatures can drain the water supply. Often, homeowners can see the effects of that drain by reduced water pressure in their homes. To make sure you're getting all the water pressure you can, clean out the traps in the faucet's end every year. Often, the flow of water is impaired by mineral deposits and other debris stuck in the traps, which looks like a small screen. Unscrew the end of the faucet with a pair of pliers and remove the trap from the tip. Flush out the debris and replace the trap.
• Roofs: Clean attic and roof vents. These vents allow air to flow through the attic, keeping the temperature the same as the outside. Excessive heat can reduce the life of your roof, cause condensation, increase cooling bills, etc. Vents are often located at the gable ends or under overhangs.
• Fan: Install a whole-house fan. Used in the coolest parts of the day, typically morning and late evening, the fan draws in fresh air, expelling the stale air into the attic.
• Blinds/shades: Installing shades or blinds on the side of your home exposed to the sun can reduce the amount of radiant heat.
• Insulation: Adequate insulation in ceilings and walls will help retain the cool air inside your home.
• Caulk: Keeping a tight seal on windows and doors reduces the amount of cool air that leaks out of your home.

About Mr. Handyman
Mr. Handyman is made up of a network of independently owned and operated franchises with 300 locations nationwide that provide commercial and residential property maintenance and repair services. Founded in March 2000, Mr. Handyman is a member of Service Brands International, a group of service companies that provide a variety of timesaving services ideally suited for today’s active consumer. In the January 2008 issue of Entrepreneur magazine, Mr. Handyman was recognized as one of America’s fastest growing, service-oriented franchise systems and the No. 1 handyman service. Each franchise is individually owned and operated. Some services are subject to state or local licensing requirements, and may not be available at all Mr. Handyman locations.