Prep Gutters for Fall Leaves

It may only be early September but leaf maintenance season is right around the corner. Over the next two months, leaves, branches, and other debris will begin falling onto your roof and down into your gutters, building up over time. As winter approaches, this buildup can contribute to the formation of ice dams, a heavy mass of ice that settles onto the edge of your roof where the gutters are installed.

The main function of a gutter is to create a pathway for water to move away from your home and through a downspout to deposit in a safe place away from your home’s foundation. This system is vital to a house; it makes sure water can flow freely and not cause leaks in your roof, attic, and walls. But if your gutters are blocked up, the water has nowhere to go and will flow over, creeping up into your roof shingles and down through your siding. This kind of damage is both costly to repair and entirely preventable. 

To give your gutters a good clean you’ll need a ladder, a lawn bag or bucket, a small hand rake (or scoop) and a hose. Don’t be tempted to spray debris down the downspout with water; it’s likely that branches and leaves will get stuck inside, clogging it up and leaving you with a whole new mess to deal with.  Start at the downspout opening and work your way backward, collecting gunk away from the downspout and disposing it into your bucket. Work in small sections and don’t let your bag get too heavy – it could throw you off balance and land you in the emergency room. 

While you’re making your way around the house, check for any gutter damage, such as sections coming loose. You want to make sure you get those fixed while the weather is good. Once you’ve finished cleaning, you can give each section a good spray with the hose to check and make sure the water is running through and you don’t have any hidden build-up in those downspouts.

If gutter cleaning is a job you’d rather not take on, hire a contractor to complete the maintenance and then speak to them about putting gutter guards on your home. These wire or mesh overlays are installed on top of the gutter and prevent debris from entering the channel in the first place. They offer a great solution to a messy job and will provide you with peace of mind for years to come. If you see me around town installing them for homeowners, feel free to say hello and ask any questions you may have. 

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.

Put a Roof Inspection on Your Fall Maintenance List

Most people don’t realize their roof is in trouble until they have a problem which is why I always suggest conducting a bi-annual inspection in the spring and fall. If there is a problem now, I can almost guarantee that cold and snow are going to make it worse. 

Let’s start with the basics. When you look at your roof, what do you see? Are the shingles intact? Is any part sagging or discolored? Are there dark spots on the outside or ceiling cracks and yellowing inside? These can all be signs of a deteriorating roof and it’s a good idea to get on top of it before it gets on top of you. Here are some things to think about when it comes to roof replacement.

1. How old is your roof? Roofs generally last about 20 years, and the reason I say generally is that the life of the roof depends on how it was installed and if it has proper insulation and ventilation. If a roof is done correctly, it can often last longer than 20 years. If you don’t know, it’s worth finding out, especially if you recently purchased your house or are thinking about buying one.

2. Are your shingles curling, splitting, or falling off? This could be due to age and general wear and tear. If this is happening, your roof will be much more susceptible to leaks, which can cause major problems both inside and out. Take a look at where your downspouts deposit onto the ground. If there are lots of granules, that’s a sign of shingle deterioration.

3. Do you see moss or mold growing on your roof? This is a problem that could be fixed with a simple roof cleaning, or it could be a sign that you have rotting plywood and damaging moisture trapped under the shingles. A simple inspection will tell you if it’s a quick cosmetic fix or something more complex that needs to be repaired.

4. Are there yellowish-brown stains or cracks on the ceiling inside the house? This might be water damage coming from the attic which is a problem you don’t want to ignore. If leaks are already happening, they are only going to get worse. 

Many remodelers will do a roof inspection for free, so if you’re unsure about how your roof is holding up, consult with an expert. I always tell the homeowners how long I think their roof will last based on its current condition and the external environment. The number one reason roofs don’t make it through their warranty is because of poor ventilation and insulation, which will lead to premature roof aging and rot. If you’re dealing with a good roofer, they will explain all the options available to you, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. 
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.

Interior Design Colors of the Year 2024

Every autumn, all the major paint brands and color influencers choose a specific shade that sets the mood for the year to come. Influenced by what’s happening in the world around us as well as trends in fashion, design, and pop culture, the “Color of the Year” is chosen to give people inspiration for how to design and decorate their homes. While each major brand goes its own way, there are sometimes overlaps or themes that really set the tone for the upcoming season. Here is a sneak peek of what we will soon see in homes across social media, according to the big names in color. 

Limitless by Glidden for PPG

Anything but white, this creamy neutral shade is warm and inviting, the perfect pick-me-up that still pairs well with a wide-ranging palette. A beautiful canvas for warmer tones, it works well for walls, trims, and cabinets, setting the stage for more dramatic design elements. If you love neutral colors but are tired of dominant whites and grays, this is the hue for you. 

Renew Blue by Valspar

A sleepy shade of soft sky blue, this shade for 2024 offers off-season coastal vibes when the weather turns, the beach is quiet and everything feels calm and meditative. Think fog, mist, clouds, and everyday earthy elements that lean towards restoration and reflection.  This color looks beautiful when paired with other blue and gray tones and really pops with a contrast of gold. 

Cracked Pepper by Behr

A deep charcoal hue that adds style and elegance to any room and makes for a perfect alternative to black. The softness enables this color to fit in as comfortably in a modern farmhouse aesthetic as it would in a more industrial and modern apartment. If you’ve ever wanted to paint a whole room black but your nerves got the best of you, this is the color that fits the bill. 

Persimmon by HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams

The most vibrant of the picks so far, this color offers the warmth of a Tuscan country estate. A far cry from Barbie, this is pink all grown up with a sophistication that feels elegant and inviting. Warm orange tones bring a nice balance to this color, especially when paired with tans, mossy greens, and deep gray-blues. It’s unique and unexpected but won’t go out of style anytime soon. 

Ironside by Dutch Boy

Army green with an upscale edge, this 2024 pick feels ultra-earthy and sets the stage for settling in. We like the way Dutch Boy uses Ironside as an alternative trim color to typical white or black tones, pairing the deep green with peach and blue hues for a look that’s unique. We would pick this for a masculine retreat, office, or as a way to bring nature into the home. 

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.