MADAWASKA, Maine — As summer moves into fall, many homeowners are thinking of last minute remodeling or other home improvement projects or perhaps addressing needed repairs before the winter sets in.
James Whetmore, with Madawaska’s Central Building Supply, said the store sells all sorts of building supplies and materials for end of the season projects, from dimension lumber to insulation.
Whetmore said Roxul, a relatively new insulation product, has been gaining popularity in the past couple years.
The mineral fiber batting is more water repellent and fire resistant than fiberglass insulation, he said. Also, it offers higher R-values than other insulation materials. The product comes in preformed sections, which can be easily cut, are not itchy like fiberglass to work with, and do not sag or require stapling.
“The contractors that have used it are ordering it,” said Whetmore. “Not many homeowners are familiar with it yet.”
Like other hardware stores, Central also sells wood pellets and coal. Whetmore commented that inquires and orders for these alternative heating sources are on the increase this time of year.
Fort Kent contractor Gary Michaud said last week that he has been working on all sorts of home repair jobs lately, including constructing decks and installing new windows.
He recommends homeowners take at look at making sure their house is properly insulated from winter’s cold and from year-round water.
“Water is the biggest killer of your home,” Michaud said. It can infiltrate around windows, along roof lines and behind exterior siding, causing swelling, mold and other problems. Caulking around windows and doors, checking gutters and sealing cracks around chimneys are all important end-of summer projects, he said.
“By the time you see the water damage, it’s too late,” Michaud said.
Michaud said fall is also a good time for sealing driveways, before the ice of winter has a chance to filter through cracks and lift up the pavement. Also, pruning bushes and trimming trees is another popular home improvement project this time of year.
