Dealing with Moisture and Mold in the Home

Mold is a problem that most homeowners have to deal with at one time or another. It’s the damaging by-product of excess moisture that can wreak havoc on your home, and more importantly, your health. So with summer on the way, now is a good time to inspect your house for mold and get rid of it before it does any kind of serious damage. 

You might be familiar with mold or mildew from your shower or bathtub. Since the shower is often wet and the tiles are waterproof, water can sometimes seep into the grout. If the grout is old and can’t handle its repelling duties properly, it becomes a breeding ground for mildew which can generally be cleaned with a good scrub. But what happens when mold starts to grow in the places you can’t clean as easily – places like your ceiling, inside your walls, or in the attic? You’re probably saying, “Not in my house”. Well, guess again.

At least half the homes I visit for remodeling projects have a major mold problem and the owners don’t even know it. How? Because mold generally grows in places that you can’t see – like inside the walls and in the attic. What most people don’t realize is that mold reproduces, or grows, by releasing spores that you’re breathing in day after day.

How common is this? If you’ve ever had a leak, you’ve most likely had a mold problem. So what can you do about it? You can prevent mold by ensuring your home stays dry. Here are my top tips:

1. Keep your gutters and downspouts clean and clear so water can drain away from your house.

2. Don’t let a leaky roof go unfixed.  Get it patched up immediately and ask your contractor to inspect for any mold growth.

3. Make sure the ground around your house doesn’t slope inward towards the foundation where water can idle.

4. Inside the house, beware of any discoloration on the ceiling.

5. Ensure high moisture areas like bathrooms are well-ventilated with good ceiling fans that don’t vent into the attic.

6. If a leak happens in a carpeted area, don’t just leave it to dry. A damp area can attract mold in less than 48 hours.

7. Ensure large appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines have a catchment tray in case of a malfunction.

8. If you use a humidifier, make sure it’s cleaned and the water is changed regularly.

9. If you feel that your house or basement has a high level of moisture, consider purchasing a dehumidifier to regulate the humidity and remove any excess moisture from the air.

If you’ve had a mold problem that you’ve tried to control by scraping, cleaning, and repainting the area, don’t make the same mistake twice. If the mold keeps coming back, that means the issue runs deeper than the eye can see. It’s time to call in the pros.

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.

Watch for Ice Dams

With a week of snow, ice, and temperatures all over the place, it’s a great time to remind homeowners about ice dams. 

Ice dams occur when the heat from the inside of a house melts the snow on the roof, causing water to run down and refreeze at the edge of the roof. Over time, this can create a thick layer of ice that can cause damage to the roof and even leak into the house.

The first sign of an ice dam is often the formation of icicles on the edge of the roof. While icicles may look pretty, they are a warning sign that water is not draining properly and may be backing up under the roof shingles. Other signs of an ice dam include water stains on the ceiling or walls, peeling paint or wallpaper, and damp insulation.

Preventing ice dams is much easier than dealing with them after they form. Here are some steps you can take to make sure your home isn’t susceptible to the problem:

1. Keep your gutters clean. Gutters filled with debris can cause water to overflow and freeze on the edge of the roof, leading to ice dam formation.

2. Insulate your attic. A well-insulated attic will keep the heat inside your house from melting the snow on the roof.

3. Ventilate your attic. Proper ventilation will help prevent heat buildup in the attic, which can contribute to ice dam formation.

4. Consider installing an ice and water shield. This is a type of roofing material that is designed to prevent water from seeping into the house if an ice dam forms.

If you already have an ice dam, there are a few things you can do to remove it:

1. Use a roof rake to remove snow from the edge of the roof. This can prevent more water from backing up and freezing.

2. Fill a pair of pantyhose with calcium chloride ice melt and lay it across the ice dam. This can help melt the ice and create a channel for water to escape.

3. Hire a professional. Removing an ice dam can be dangerous, especially if you have to climb on a ladder or walk on a slippery roof. It's best to leave this job to the professionals.

Ice dams are both a common and serious issue that can cause damage to your roof and home. Taking steps to prevent ice dams from forming is the best way to avoid this problem. If you do have an ice dam, there are ways to remove it, but it's important to be cautious and seek professional help if necessary.

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.

Outdoor Work in Winter That's a No Go

It may seem surprising but I get a lot of calls from homeowners who want to put on a new roof or update their vinyl siding during this quieter time of the year. People often think winter is a good opportunity to make outdoor improvements since it’s past the holiday period and before the busy spring sets in. As much as I hate to disappoint, now is actually a pretty dangerous time of year to do any exterior projects. Here are seven reasons why:

1. When the weather is below 40 degrees, the composition of building materials can really change. As it gets colder, products such as shingles can get brittle and crack or split easily. Materials such as vinyl siding shrink, which can lead to misalignment or potential for leaks when they later expand as the weather warms.

2. Another big issue is shingle adherence. Shingle sealant is activated by sun and heat. If there is not enough of either, the hold won’t be as strong as it should be, which could cause problems down the road. If the weather is too cold, we are often forced to hand seal, which can add time and cost to a generally simple process.

3. Most contractors use an air nail gun for external remodeling, which works by pressure. If humidity turns to ice in the airline, it can under or overdrive the nails instead of putting them in flush. Compressors face the same potential problem. 

4. Being on a roof or ladder in winter is dangerous. Even the most seasoned professionals must take care as black ice can cause serious injury. While we take every precaution, there is a lot that can go wrong during cold conditions. It’s often not worth the risk. 

5. Winter weather is unpredictable. When it rains in the warmer months, we tarp a job thoroughly to ensure there aren’t any leaks. Snow is more difficult as it adds both moisture and weight to a job. Imagine having a roof open in February and a foot of snow falls from the sky?

6. A cold weather installation could void your warranty. Many products specify a proper installation environment, which is usually above 40 degrees. 

7. Winter jobs almost always take longer as roofers need to take extra precautions and more frequent breaks while working in cold conditions. The last thing you want is someone on a roof who can’t feel their toes. There is also less daylight, which will add time to an installation.

Sometimes, a winter repair or replacement is inevitable and leaving the job until spring might make things worse. If this is the case for you, be sure that you’re working with an experienced contractor who has a solid track record in winter conditions and discuss all the precautions and extra steps that will be taken to ensure the job is done correctly. The last thing you want is someone getting injured or a situation where corners have to be cut to accommodate less-than-fair conditions. In the end, is it really worth it? 

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.