Add a Roof Inspection to Your Fall To-Do List

Your roof is one of the most critical parts of your home, yet many homeowners don’t think about it until there’s a problem. That’s why I recommend conducting a thorough roof inspection twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall. If there are any issues now, the cold and snow of winter could turn a small problem into a major headache.

Start with a Visual Check

Take a good look at your roof. Do the shingles appear to be in good shape? Is there any sagging or discoloration? Dark spots on the exterior or ceiling cracks and yellowing inside your home can be red flags signaling roof deterioration. Addressing these issues early can save you from costly repairs down the road.

Consider the Age of Your Roof

The lifespan of most roofs is around 20 years, but that can vary depending on the quality of installation, insulation, and ventilation. A well-installed roof with proper insulation and ventilation can last longer, but if your roof is approaching or has surpassed the 20-year mark, it’s time to consider a replacement. This is especially important if you’ve recently bought your home or are planning to purchase one. Knowing the age of the roof can help you plan for future maintenance or replacement.

Check for Shingle Damage

Are your shingles curling, splitting, or falling off? This kind of wear and tear often comes with age and exposure to the elements. Damaged shingles make your roof more vulnerable to leaks, which can lead to significant damage inside and outside your home. Look at where your downspouts deposit water—if you notice a lot of granules on the ground, it’s a sign that your shingles are deteriorating and may need to be replaced.

Watch for Moss and Mold

Moss or mold growth on your roof can be more than just a cosmetic issue. While it might be something a good cleaning can fix, it could also indicate trapped moisture and rotting plywood beneath the shingles. A professional inspection can help you determine if it’s a simple cleaning job or if more extensive repairs are needed.

Inspect Your Ceilings for Water Damage

If you notice yellowish-brown stains or cracks on your ceilings, it could be a sign of water damage coming from your roof. This is an issue you don’t want to ignore. Leaks tend to worsen over time, leading to more extensive and costly damage. Addressing them early can prevent a minor issue from becoming a major one.

Get a Professional Opinion

If you’re unsure about the condition of your roof, many roofing professionals offer free inspections. A qualified roofer can assess your roof’s current state and give you an estimate of how much longer it might last. One of the most common reasons roofs fail prematurely is poor ventilation and insulation, which can lead to early aging and rot. A good roofer will explain your options and help you make the best decision for your home.

If you need a roof inspection or any home improvement advice, don’t hesitate to reach out. A little preventative maintenance now can save you a lot of time, money, and stress later on.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. For questions, email info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” Questions may be selected for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visitwww.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Ceiling Cracks - A Cautionary Tale

After nearly 50 years in the remodeling business, I've seen my fair share of scary stuff inside people's houses. Some of these stories might hit home for those of you who put off fixing problems because you're afraid of what you might find. While big issues can be a pain and expensive, letting them go can lead to even bigger headaches down the road—and could even mess with your health.

One summer, I got a call from a woman in Bristol who said her roof was leaking. It was seemingly normal, except that it hadn’t rained in a month. I mentioned this to her, and she said, "I don't know where the water’s coming from, but my dining room ceiling just caved in."

I headed over to her house right away. Sure enough, there was a pile of sheetrock and plaster on her front lawn. Inside, the ceiling had completely collapsed, leaving a soggy mess all over her dining room.

I asked to see the bathroom on the second floor, but there wasn’t one. So, I climbed into the attic and was hit by a blast of intense heat. I also saw two air conditioning units running full blast in the dining room windows. The homeowner said she kept them on constantly because the top floor was so hot.

It didn’t take long to figure out why her ceiling fell in. The attic had no insulation or ventilation, turning it into an oven. The homeowner tried to cool things down by cranking the A/C, which created major condensation in the walls and ceiling.

When hot and cold air meet, they create moisture that seeps into plaster, sheetrock, and wood. That moisture leads to mold that literally eats away at the ceiling and walls. Her 1950s Cape Cod home, like many in our area of Connecticut, had poor insulation and ventilation, making it prone to rot. Ceiling cracks were the first sign of trouble. Instead of calling me then, her husband tried to cover them up with those 12x12 ceiling panels you see in doctor's offices. Nice try, but all it did was add another layer for moisture to soak into.

Here’s the bottom line: if your home has temperature issues, don’t ignore them. Deal with the humidity and moisture before it turns into major structural damage or worse. If that’s not enough to convince you, mold and mildew are big culprits behind asthma and breathing problems, especially for kids and the elderly. Is it worth risking your family’s health?

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company since 1975. Got a question for Bob? Email him at info@odonnellbros.com with "Ask the Pro" in the subject line. Your question might be featured in a future post. Need remodeling help? Call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Remember, advice is just for guidance.

A Backyard Fence Upgrade That's Worth The Investment

Having a comfortable, enjoyable backyard is one of my favorite parts of being a homeowner. After a long day or week, it’s fantastic to relax and enjoy a barbecue dinner, a swim in the pool, or an evening drink by the fire pit. But having an at-home retreat also means taking steps to ensure that the backyard is private and secure, especially when there is a pool or water feature involved. So today, I’d like to give you a peek into a range of fencing options to protect your yard and provide seclusion without forgoing great design.

Wood

Many homeowners love the aesthetic of a beautiful, timeless wood fence. They look elegant, provide fantastic privacy, and are easy to install. The downside, of course, is maintenance. With our hot summers and brutal winters, a wood fence will need regular staining or painting, a job that every homeowner dreads. On the positive side, if you like to update the look of your backyard frequently, wood can be painted in any color imaginable and it’s one of the most affordable options on the market. A six-foot panel will run around $25-$50 depending on the type of wood.

Composite

If you love the look of wood, but the upkeep has you thinking twice about the material, you might want to think about composite fencing. Composite is made from engineered wood, and while it mimics the look of natural stuff, its lifespan is much longer with very few maintenance requirements.  The cost will vary based on the design and type, but you can expect to pay $100-$150 per six-foot section.

Chain-Link

If you want something sturdy and maintenance-free, a chain-link fence might be a good option. While they generally aren’t the most stylish in terms of design, a chain link fence will keep your backyard protected and it can be slightly customized in different colors and gauges. If you need more privacy, you can upgrade a chain link fence with metal slats. Best of all, it’s the cheapest of options, coming in at $100 or less for a 50-foot roll. If you like the idea of a metal fence but prefer something a little more upscale, go for an aluminum option, which is powder-coated and needs very little maintenance. A six-foot panel will run you $50-$75 depending on the height.

Glass

Finally, if you want something that will protect your pool without making it feel enclosed, there’s nothing like glass. A glass or plexiglass panel fence is beautiful for enclosing water without shutting out the rest of your property. Glass fences are durable, but they do tend to scratch easily and need to be cleaned regularly. They are also generally the most expensive fencing option, especially if they need to enclose a large area or in-ground pool. You’ll be looking in the ballpark of a few hundred dollars per panel. 

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.