Signs You Need A Roof Cleaning

Have you ever glanced up at your roof and noticed unsightly black streaks or patches of moss? It's not just about aesthetics – your roof might be trying to communicate something important about your home's health.

Dark markings on roof shingles are often signs of algae growth. Spores hitch a ride on the wind and, once they find a cozy spot on your roof with ample sunlight, warmth, and moisture, they start throwing a green party. Homes that skimp on insulation and ventilation are particularly prone to this issue, as they tend to hold onto moisture like a sponge. Before you know it, you've got a roof that resembles a botanical garden gone rogue.

Now, before you start worrying, it's essential to determine if your roof's issues are just skin-deep or if there's a deeper concern brewing. Think of it like a check-up for your home – ideally done at least once a year, preferably in late spring when nature's in full bloom. A roofing professional will meticulously inspect every nook and cranny, checking for signs of shingle deterioration, flashing cracks, and ensuring your gutters aren't staging their own mini waterfalls. Even something as seemingly trivial as debris buildup can spell trouble and potentially void your roof warranty. So, it's wise to call in the experts and let them work their magic.

Now, if your roof's stains are merely cosmetic, fear not – a roof cleaning session can work wonders. It's a relatively quick process, typically taking just a few hours, depending on the size of your roof. Plus, there's no need for aggressive pressure washing, which could harm your shingles. Instead, professionals use specialized cleaners that tackle the growth without harming your roof or the greenery below. And let's be real here – climbing onto your roof is not exactly a walk in the park. Leave this task to the pros unless you're a ladder-climbing aficionado with nerves of steel. Safety first, always.

But what if those stains are creeping into your attic space? Well, that's a red flag waving frantically in the breeze. It could mean your home's airflow is about as efficient as rush hour traffic. In such cases, it's wise to have a chat with a roofing expert about insulation and ventilation upgrades. Mold and algae setting up camp in your attic aren't just unsightly – they can also wreak havoc on your indoor air quality, which is especially concerning for vulnerable folks like the elderly or those with respiratory issues. Don't procrastinate on this – nip it in the bud before it becomes a full-blown issue.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Mold on Vinyl Siding Shouldn’t Be Ignored

In our area of Connecticut, vinyl siding is a popular cladding option for many homeowners. Starting in the 1950s, this aluminum replacement became a favorite for its low maintenance and high durability. With a wide variety of colors and textures, it continues to be a fantastic option, offering personalized style without having to worry about sanding, painting, or major maintenance. 

While vinyl siding is beneficial in so many ways, one complaint is the potential for mold growth, often on the north side of a home. To be clear, mold can grow anywhere, but the north side is the most susceptible because it gets the least amount of sun exposure. Mold, mildew, and fungus thrive in dark, damp places, which is why the north side is generally the most vulnerable. Constant shade, high vegetation, or anything that stops a house from getting regular sunlight is an invitation for mold to grow in that area. 

In addition to lack of sunlight, excess moisture is another mold inhibitor. The cause could be as simple as trapped rainwater that’s unable to drain properly. Another possible issue could be a faulty drain pipe or a gutter that’s dripping on the siding, cause constant dampness. Either way, a moisture problem is something you’ll definitely want to deal with as the water will continue to feed the mold, which will then spread. 

Another reason for mold growth on siding is a build-up of dirt, which is actually a food source for all different types of fungus. Something as simple as a dryer vent can cause dirt and dander to stick to the siding. Tree sap is also common and can be tough to remove. Homes on high traffic roads tend to get dirty more easily as well. All of these causes quite literally make a meal for mold spores to feast on. 

So what can you do to keep mildew at bay and ensure your vinyl siding looks great for years to come? Assessing your sunlight and moisture exposure is key, but what if you don’t want to cut down a tree or you happen to live in an area where moisture is a problem? A professional will be able to inspect your siding and treat the mold using a cleaner and blocker that removes spores and keeps them from coming back. It’s important to use a specially designed cleaner that is strong enough to tackle mold but not too harsh that it will damage the house. You also want to be careful not to use any bleach containing materials so as not to harm the vegetation surrounding your home. 

Once your house is cleaned, be sure to maintain your vinyl siding by assessing your home for moisture, treating leaks promptly, and keeping your gutters clear and free of debris. An annual inspection will help to ensure that any problems are dealt with promptly so they don’t get out of control. 

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

10 Hacks To Make Window Washing A Little Less Painful

This past weekend my family tackled the tough job of cleaning the windows in my daughter’s recently purchased historical home. After years of built-up dirt, this was no easy task and let me tell you, it made me appreciate my easy to clean vinyl windows a whole lot more. But with a house in a historic district, efficiency upgrades aren’t as simple as they are with other homes, so a morning of cleaning was inevitable. Luckily, with a few simple tricks, we got the job done and the windows look amazing. 

Window washing is a dreaded task, but a few hours can make all the difference. Here are 10 of my favorite tricks, tips, and hacks to simplify the job and get your glass gleaming again.

1. Never clean windows on a hot day. The glass will heat up, causing your washing solution to dry on the panes faster than you’ll be able to wipe it off. A cloudy, overcast day is your best bet for this job. 

2. Instead of relying on reams of paper towels, stop into your local hardware store and grab an eight-inch squeegee for those small panes. They make the job a lot easier with much less waste, just don’t forget to wipe the blade between swipes!

3. Here is a great DIY window cleaning solution. Combine one cup hot water and one cup white distilled vinegar. Mix in a spray bottle and there you have it. For very grimy windows, clean with hot soap and water first, followed by the vinegar mixture for a streak-free shine. 

4. To get rid of really pesky streaks, use a dry board eraser. Unlike paper towels, an eraser can do away with streaks without leaving lint behind. 

5. If you really hate washing windows, take an extra step and apply a window protectant. The clear polymer coating will help protect the glass from dust, dirt, and grime for longer. 

6. If you’ve run out of paper towels, old newspapers are a great alternative. The ink will get on your hands but you don't have to worry about lint getting left behind on the windows.

7. Hard water spots can be tough to remove with regular window cleaner. A dryer sheet will do the trick, just buff in circular motions. It works on mirrors and shower doors too. 

8. Caterpillars love building nests in window tracks. Clean them out with a thin screwdriver and then follow up with a firm, toothbrush-sized bristle brush. 

9. Hate cleaning blinds? Wrap a pair of kitchen tongs in two microfiber cloths and secure with an elastic band on either side. Run the tongs between each slat to remove dust and pet dander. 

10. Have a can of WD-40 in the garage? A quick coat on freshly cleaned window sills will prevent dirt and grime from sticking.

If after this round of window washing you swear it will be your last, consider upgrading to vinyl windows. The seamless, tilt-in design makes them so easy to clean and the energy efficiency can’t be beaten. It’s one of the best upgrades you can make to your home to save both time and money in the long run. 

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.