Transform Your Home with Low-Maintenance Vinyl Siding

After nearly 50 years in the remodeling business, one of the most common things I hear from homeowners is the desire for a home that’s easier to take care of—without sacrificing how it looks. 

When vinyl siding first came out, it wasn’t exactly known for its visual appeal. But things have changed. Thanks to advancements in technology, today’s vinyl siding combines durability with a variety of design options, making it a popular choice for those looking for both practicality and style. If you’re thinking about updating your home’s exterior with something that requires little upkeep, vinyl siding is worth a closer look.

It Looks Better Than Ever

Gone are the days when vinyl siding was just a flat, uninspired option. Today’s vinyl siding comes in a range of styles and textures that can suit any aesthetic. You can choose from profiles like fish scale, shake, and scalloped designs—or even opt for products that mimic the look of wood or other natural materials. The variety of options allows you to create a home exterior that’s both stylish and low-maintenance.

Built to Withstand the Elements

Connecticut weather is no joke, with its scorching summers and cold winters. Vinyl siding is designed to hold up in all conditions—resistant to fading, cracking, or warping. It can even withstand winds up to 110 mph. Most products come with warranties that last up to 50 years, offering you peace of mind knowing your investment will last.

Maintenance is a Breeze

One of the biggest perks of vinyl siding is how easy it is to care for. Forget about repainting, staining, or caulking your home every few years. With vinyl siding, all you need is a garden hose and a little soap for an occasional wash. And unlike wood, vinyl doesn’t rot, split, or attract insects, saving you from future headaches.

It Saves You Money on Energy Bills

Insulated vinyl siding adds an extra layer of protection to your home, acting like a blanket over your walls and studs. Many homes, especially older ones, are under-insulated, meaning your heating and cooling systems are working harder than they need to. By upgrading to insulated vinyl siding, you can improve energy efficiency and maintain a more consistent temperature inside—cutting down on those high energy bills.

It’s an Investment That Pays Off

With long-lasting durability, minimal maintenance costs, and energy savings, vinyl siding practically pays for itself over time. In fact, vinyl siding projects often rank among the highest in terms of return on investment when it comes to home renovations. Plus, the added curb appeal can boost your home's market value.

If you’re considering giving your home a fresh look, vinyl siding is definitely worth exploring. With so many design options and benefits, it's a smart choice that simplifies home maintenance while enhancing its appearance.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a home improvement company based in Bristol since 1975. For remodeling inquiries, call (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Send your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with "Ask the Pro" in the subject line for a chance to have them answered in print. All advice is for general guidance only.

Avoid These Outdoor Projects in the Winter

Lots of folks think winter is a great time for outdoor upgrades. It feels like a good plan after the holiday hustle and before the contractors get super busy with the warmer weather. But, truth be told, it's not the safest time for big exterior projects like roofing and siding. Here's why:

• When the weather is below 40 degrees, the composition of building materials really changes. 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.

• 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.

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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?

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

• 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.

How To Treat Mold on Siding

Here in Connecticut and most of New England, vinyl siding is a popular cladding option for many homeowners. Starting in the 1950s, it became a favorite aluminum replacement due to 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 area that’s most susceptible because it gets the least amount of sun exposure. Constant shade, high vegetation, or anything that stops a house from getting regular sunlight is an invitation for mold to grow in that area, whether it’s clad in vinyl or not.

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, causing constant dampness. Either way, a moisture problem is something you’ll 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 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. Any of this debris will quite literally make a meal for spores to feast on. 

So what can you do to keep mold 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.