Put Roof Cleaning on Your Spring To Do List

A roof covered in black, streaky stains or moss growth could be much more than just cosmetically displeasing. It can also be a sign that your house can’t breathe properly. 

Algae spores get carried by the elements and once they get enough light, heat, and moisture, they begin to grow and spread. Homes that aren’t properly insulated and ventilated are most susceptible to the problem because they hold onto moisture a lot more easily than houses with proper airflow.  Once algae begin to grow on a home, it will spread very fast, resulting in black streaky staining or thick moss. 

If you have one of these problems, the first thing you want to do is find out if your issue is cosmetic or something more serious. Ideally, a homeowner should get a roof inspection at least once a year and late spring is one of the best times to do it. During an inspection, a roofing professional will check the entire surface area for shingle deterioration or damage, and cracking around the flashing. They will also ensure that water is draining properly through the gutters and downspouts. Something as simple as debris build-up can void the roof warranty, so it’s well worth having an expert come and take a look. They will be able to tell you if your stains are something that can be taken care of with simple cleaning or if there is a more significant issue.

If your staining is cosmetic, a roof cleaning takes a few hours depending on the size of the area and one application does the job without the need for pressure washing which can damage the shingles. A roofing expert will use a professional cleaner that adheres to the growth but doesn’t harm the roof or any vegetation below it. Working on a roof is a very dangerous job and I never recommend for a homeowner to do a task like this themselves unless they are very comfortable on a ladder and with heights. No home maintenance task is worth a trip to the emergency room. 

If your roof staining is showing up in the attic, your home is one of many in this area that doesn’t have the right airflow and you may want to discuss insulation and ventilation with a qualified roofing professional. Mold and algae in the attic can easily start to affect the air quality in your home, which is especially worrisome for elderly adults, young children, and anyone with respiratory issues. If you think your home might be affected, don’t put this problem on the back burner. Talk to an expert right away.

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.

Roof Cleaning for a Health Upgrade

If your roof has black, streaky stains or mold and moss growth, a roof cleaning might be just what you need to maintain both the look and the health of your home. 

A stained roof is generally one that has begun to accumulate algae. Spores get carried by the wind and birds and the issue is generally invisible until there is enough moisture, heat, and humidity for them to grow and spread. Homes that aren’t properly insulated and ventilated are also susceptible to the problem because they hold onto moisture a lot more easily than houses with proper airflow.  

If you have staining, the first thing you want to do is find out if your issue is cosmetic or something more serious. Ideally, I recommend that a homeowner gets a roof inspection at least once a year and late spring is one of the best times to do it. During an inspection, a roofing professional will check the entire surface area for shingle deterioration or damage, cracking around the flashing, and will also ensure that water is draining properly through the gutters and downspouts. Something as simple as debris build-up can void the warranty of a roof, so it’s well worth having an expert come and take a look. They will be able to tell you if your stains are something that can be taken care of with simple cleaning or if there is a bigger issue.

If your staining is cosmetic, a roof cleaning takes a few hours depending on the size of the area and one application does the job without the need for pressure washing which can damage the shingles. A roofing expert will use a professional cleaner that adheres to the growth but doesn’t harm the roof or any vegetation below it. Working on a roof is a very dangerous job and I never recommend for a homeowner to do a task like this themselves unless they are very comfortable on a ladder and with heights. No home maintenance task is worth a trip to the emergency room. 

If your roof staining is showing up in the attic, your home is one of many in this area that doesn’t have the right airflow and you may want to discuss insulation and ventilation with a qualified roofing professional. Mold and algae in the attic can easily start to affect the air quality in your home, which is especially worrisome for elderly adults, young children, and anyone with respiratory issues. Don’t put this problem on the back burner, talk to an expert right away.

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.

Early Spring Projects To Tackle Around the House

With a chill still in the air, you’re probably thinking about spring projects to dive into before you can launch into proper lawncare and garden planting. With milder temperatures on the way, this is a perfect weekend to tackle some lingering indoor and outdoor jobs. Here are a few projects that are perfect for this time of year.

Painting

This weekend is looking cool, which means it’s a great time to give the rooms inside your home an instant facelift with a coat of fresh paint. This job is great for this kind of weather because you can open up the windows to let the paint dry quickly, so long as it stays dry outside. If you’re wondering what’s on-trend this year, Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year is a soothing blue-green called Aegean Teal 2136-40 while Sherwin-Williams has opted for a warm, earthy gray called Urbane Bronze SW 7048

Yard Pick Up

With so many recent windy nights, your yard is bound to have sticks and fallen debris to take care of. It’s a rotten task but with a little early spring maintenance, you’ll be able to pick up what’s been left from winter and give the lawn a good thatching. Invest in an ergonomic rake so you don’t hurt your back and shoulders and consider composting to enjoy beautiful soil for flower and vegetable planting. 

Mulching

While it’s still a little early, it looks like winter weather is behind us so there is no reason to not get started on those beds now. Be sure to rake first and consider a weed treatment of your choice before you pick up your mulch. If you need some delivered, just give me a call. 

Wood Floor Treatment

If your floors are looking a bit dull, brighten them up by giving them a light sanding and a few coats of polyurethane. Wood can be tough to maintain because it’s used and abused so often, but if you have a maintenance schedule that you stick to every few years, you’ll not only keep them looking great, you’ll also lengthen their lifecycle. Keep those floors shining by putting felt pads on furniture legs and avoid any cleaners with ammonia, vinegar or harsh chemicals.

Deck Staining

Make sure no rain is in the forecast, as you’ll want a few sunny days to ensure your stain dries properly. Sweep or blow any leaves and pesky whirlybirds from the surface, cracks and crevasses of the deck. Apply cleaner or use a power washer to get rid of any mold and mildew and tighten up loose nails or screws. Always apply stain on a dry surface in thin coats to get the best result.

Do you have a weekend project that you’re tackling while it’s still cool? I’d love to hear about it. Send me a message on Facebook at www.facebook.com/odonnellbros.

 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 www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.