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.

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.

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.