#2534 – Smart Attic Upgrades for Summer | Strategic Summer Landscaping | Eco-Friendly DIY Projects

SHOW NOTES: This hour, we're focusing on eco-friendly home improvements and design tips to help your money pit and Mother Nature, especially as we've just experienced a significant heatwave across the US. We're exploring how to save some green while going green this summer, with easy, affordable projects that can shrink your energy bills, cut back on waste, and help the planet. Here’s a look at the topics and calls we’ll cover: - Attic Upgrades: Your attic can either work for you or against you in the summer. We're sharing smart attic upgrades to keep your home cooler, cut energy costs, and protect your home from summer's worst side effects. - Strategic Landscaping for Cooling: You can cool your home without touching the thermostat by letting nature do the work. We discuss how strategic landscaping, such as planting shade trees, can naturally reduce heat and energy bills while giving your yard a green upgrade. - Eco-Friendly Design and DIY Projects: We're all about eco-friendly home upgrades that benefit both the planet and your wallet.   Q & A: - Mike from Alaska called in with a question about an upstairs window that leaks when it rains, noting drips from the soffits. We discussed potential causes, including backed-up gutters, failed sealant, or improper flashing. - Susan from California asked about options for her 38-year-old asphalt driveway that needs to be redone, but she doesn't want to resurface with blacktop. - Mark has a beautiful log cabin home that hasn't been stained in 8 years and is fading. We advise him on the process of cleaning the raw lumber, letting it dry, and then choosing a stain that includes UV protection. - Ed is dealing with a serious issue with his 1880s Victorian home's brick foundation, where the bottom layer of bricks is starting to bow out. For such a critical structural concern, we strongly recommend consulting a structural engineer to diagnose the problem. - Darlene from Texas has a flagstone patio with uneven stones and nothing between the cracks. - Carl from Massachusetts emailed us about a foul odor coming from his newly installed dishwasher. This is often due to bio-gas buildup, and we have tips on how to clean those trouble spots.   ASK A QUESTION: Need help with your own home improvement or décor question? We’d love to help! Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here: https://www.moneypit.com/ask. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices