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Product Maintenance:
Below is some helpful advice on product maintenance taken from our quarterly newsletter:
Please call us for other questions you may have about exterior product maintenance.
Ice Dams
In cold climates, attic water damage is often due to ice dams, whic h form when temperatures outside are
freezing and attic temperatures are above freezing. The warmth of the attic melts the snow on the roof. This snow melt runs down the sloping roof, hits the colder eaves and refreezes. When this cycle repeats over several days, an ice dam forms.
Water damage occurs when water collects behind the ice dam, backing up under the roof covering. This water can leak into the attic or along exterior walls.
Ice Dam Facts:
- The perfect conditions for ice dams to form are when outside air temperatures are in the low 20's (F) for several days with several inches of snow on the roof.
- Research has shown sun exposure in the winter has little effect on attic air temperature.
- Warm air (from living spaces below) penetrating into the attic is usually the culprit in the formation of ice dams.
Ways to help prevent Ice Dams:
- Keep the attic air temperature below freezing by having:
Good attic ventilation to replace warm air in the attic with cold outside air.
Adequate attic insulation to reduce the transmission of heat into the attic from living spaces below. 
- Use a snow rake to remove the new fallen snow from the bottom 3' roof perimeter.
- Have your gutters cleaned in the fall
- Call Bartlett Brainard Products today for a free inspection of your roof and attic for the best way to avoid ice dams and water damage in your home.
Information and Diagram from The State Farm Website.
For more information: go to The State Farm Website or Mr. Fix it
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Cleaning Vinyl Siding:
The Vinyl Siding Institute recommends that you clean your vinyl siding every
year to prevent heavy dirt build up. It is easy!
- Pick a day that is not too hot. A fall overcast day is the perfect weather for this project.
- Rinse the siding with your garden hose, starting at the roof line and working your way down.
- Refer to your warranty for their specific cleaning recommendations.
CertainTeed, a leading siding manufacturer, offers this recipe for a cleaning solution to remove mold and mildew:
Combine 1/3 cup detergent (ex. Tide), 2/3 cup Trisodium Phosphate (ex. Soliax),
1 quart 5% Sodium Hypochlorite (ex. Clorox) and 3 quarts of water.
Caution: Greater concentrations may cause damage to vinyl siding. Always test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area before full use!
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Gutter Clean-up:
Fall is the perfect time to clean out those gutters.
- If weather allows, wait until the end of October.
- Clear out the debris in the gutter.
- Run water through the downspouts to make sure they are clear of debris. One stick can back up the whole system!
- Call Bartlett Brainard to find out about our Ground Control Leaf System and make this will be your final gutter cleaning!
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Care Tips for New Concrete Work
In New England, spreading sand/salt mixtures is part of most homeowners' outdoor chores. But caution should be taken regarding this application to new concrete work. Ed Re of Specialty Concrete advises homeowners to avoid applying any salt mixture to concrete that is less than one year old. He suggests that only sand be used. However if ice must be removed from new concrete, apply a salt mixture but scrape off the product as soon as it has done its job.
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How to Clean Tilt & Clean Windows:
Directions on cleaning Tilt & Clean Double Hung windows:
- Raise the lower sash about 3 inches.
- On the top of this lower sash, press both release buttons inward at the same time (the releases are located on the edges of the frame’s top). Gently pull the top of the sash toward you, letting it “tilt” into the room
- Go through the same process for the top sash. Lower the sash about 3 inches. Press the two releases (found on the edges of the frame’s top) and gently pull the top of the sash towards you. Both sashes should be hanging down in front of you.
- Clean the top sash. Gently “tilt” it back up until it the releases snap into place. Raise the sash back into the top frame.
- Clean the lower sash. Gently “tilt” it back up until the releases snap into place. Lower the sash into the bottom of the frame.
Clean the interior glass of the top and lower sash as you did the exterior side.
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Dear Ed,
I want to compliment you and your crew for your professionalism in siding
our home. Your quote was competitive, detailed and prompt. David & Tim,
the installers, were competent, accommodating and even tolerant of our
questions and changes. They were very prompt, efficient and thorough.
Sincerely,
Richard
 
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