Storm Damage? Do Your Homework Before You Hire a Roofer

I was driving through town the other day behind a roofing truck with a company name I had never heard of before. Then I noticed the license plate and the phone number, both from nearly a thousand miles away in the Midwest. That’s a pretty long commute to Connecticut, and it’s not the first one I’ve seen this summer.

After a stretch of severe weather, it’s common to see an influx of contractors from outside the area. In the roofing business, they’re often called “storm chasers.” They follow damaging storms from one area to the next, looking for neighborhoods where homeowners may need roof repairs or replacements.

And to be fair, being from out of state doesn’t automatically make someone a bad contractor. There are good contractors and bad contractors everywhere. But when someone knocks on your door after a storm offering to inspect your roof, especially if they’re promising a very low price or telling you that you need to act immediately, it’s worth slowing down and doing a little homework.

Your roof is too important, and too expensive, to make a decision based solely on who can get there first or give you the lowest estimate.

Why does hiring local matter?

One of the biggest reasons is simple: we’re still here when the job is over and for years after that.

A roof is designed to last for decades, and even a properly installed roof can occasionally have an issue. Maybe you notice a leak during the next big rainstorm. Maybe flashing needs to be adjusted. Maybe you have a question about your warranty a year from now. You want to know who you’re calling and that you can get in touch with them.

A reputable local contractor has a business and a reputation in the community to protect. We run into our customers at the grocery store, at restaurants, and at our kids’ and grandkids' swim meets and music concerts. If something goes wrong, we can’t just pack up and head to the next storm. That kind of accountability matters, especially when you’re in business in the same town for decades.

Is the lowest roofing estimate a good deal?

If I were a homeowner, I’d want to understand why an estimate is much lower. Roofing estimates can vary because contractors are using different materials, installation methods, warranties or even different interpretations of what needs to be replaced. A substantially lower price doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting the same roof for less money.

Ask what’s included. What shingles are being installed? What about underlayment, flashing, ventilation and cleanup? Who is actually doing the work? Is the contractor licensed and properly insured? What warranties come with the job, and who handles a warranty issue later?

You don’t need to become a roofing expert. You just need to ask enough questions to understand what you’re buying.

How can I check a contractor’s reputation?

This is one area where the internet has made life considerably easier.

Look at reviews, but don’t stop at the star rating. See how long the company has been receiving reviews in your area. Look at their website and physical address. Ask your neighbors, the local chamber of commerce, even your town Facebook group. Check whether they’ve been doing business locally for years or whether their presence appeared shortly after the last hailstorm.

And ask for references. A reputable contractor should be able to point you toward plenty of local homes where they’ve done similar work recently and for some time.

I’d also be cautious about anyone using high-pressure tactics. Storm damage can feel urgent, but unless your home is actively taking on water or there’s an immediate safety issue, you generally have time to get another opinion and compare estimates.

We’ve had plenty of wild weather in Connecticut this summer, and unfortunately, that means there are plenty of roofs that legitimately need repairs. Just remember that you’re not only choosing a roof. You’re choosing the company standing behind it.

A good price matters, but good workmanship matters more, and knowing who will answer the phone if you need help later is worth quite a bit, too.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Have a question? Email info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” For your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for general guidance only.

10 Summer Projects to Tackle Before the Weather Turns

10 Summer Projects to Tackle Before the Weather Turns

Summer always seems to pass faster than expected, and before long, the warm days give way to cooler nights and the start of another heating season. While the weather is still on our side, now is a good time to handle a few projects that can protect your home, improve its appearance and prevent headaches later. Here are 10 practical jobs worth checking off the list before the season begins to change.

1. Inspect the roof

After the brutal summer storm season we’ve had, inspecting the roof should be near the top of the list. You don’t need to climb up there to do a basic check. From the ground, look for missing, curled or damaged shingles, along with loose flashing around chimneys and vents. After a hard rain, check the attic for damp spots, staining or other signs of a leak. Small roof problems have a way of becoming expensive ones once snow, ice and freezing temperatures arrive.

2. Clean the gutters and downspouts

Gutter cleaning usually gets saved for late fall, but a midsummer check is a smart move, especially after heavy rain or storms. Remove leaves, twigs and other debris, and make sure downspouts direct water several feet away from the foundation. If water is spilling over the sides or pooling near the house, it’s time to find out why.

3. Seal gaps around windows and doors

Take a walk around the house and inspect the caulk around windows, doors and exterior trim. Cracked or missing caulk allows water and outside air to work their way in. Replacing it is a relatively inexpensive project that can help prevent moisture damage and make the house more comfortable when heating season begins.

4. Repair the deck or porch

Summer is the ideal time to replace loose boards, reset popped fasteners and tighten shaky railings. Watch for soft or discolored wood, particularly where posts and stairs meet the ground. If the surface is dry and in good condition, consider applying a fresh coat of stain or sealer. Just allow enough rain-free time for the product to cure properly.

5. Touch up exterior paint

You may not need to repaint the entire house. Focus on peeling or bare areas around trim, fascia boards, doors and windows. Paint does more than improve curb appeal; it protects wood from sun and moisture. Prep matters, so remove loose paint, clean the surface and let it dry before applying anything new.

6. Check outdoor drainage

The next time it rains, pay attention to where the water goes. Soil should slope gently away from the foundation, and window wells should be clear of leaves and debris. Low spots near the house may need additional soil. Correcting drainage now can help prevent basement leaks, foundation trouble and icy patches later in the year.

7. Freshen up the entry

The front entrance is one of the hardest-working areas of the house. Adjust a door that sticks, replace worn weatherstripping, tighten the handle and lubricate the hinges. A fresh coat of paint, updated light fixture or new house numbers can also make a noticeable difference without turning into a major remodeling project.

8. Service the heating system

No one wants to discover a furnace problem on the first cold night of the year. Schedule professional maintenance before the fall rush, replace the filter and make sure vents aren’t blocked by furniture. If you have a fireplace or wood stove, arrange for the chimney and flue to be inspected and cleaned as needed.

9. Get the garage under control

Pick a cooler morning and spend a few hours sorting the garage. Dispose of old paint and household chemicals according to local rules, move seasonal equipment where it’s easy to reach and clear the area around the electrical panel and mechanical equipment. It’s also a good time to test the garage door’s auto-reverse safety feature.

10. Plan the bigger projects

Maybe the kitchen needs more storage, the bathroom is showing its age or the family has outgrown the current layout. Summer is a good time to start those conversations, even if construction won’t begin right away. Planning, design, product selection and permitting can take longer than homeowners expect. Getting an early start gives you more time to make good decisions without feeling rushed.

You don’t have to complete everything in one weekend. Choose the projects that protect the house first, then tackle the cosmetic improvements as time and budget allow. A little work now can mean fewer surprises, and a much more comfortable home, when the weather starts to turn.

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.

A Crack in the Ceiling? Here’s When to Worry

You’re sitting in the living room, you happen to look up, and there it is… a crack in the ceiling. Maybe it’s brand-new, or maybe you’re just noticing it for the first time. Either way, it’s natural to wonder whether your ceiling needs a little patching or your house is trying to tell you something.

The good news is that most ceiling cracks aren’t a reason to panic. Houses move a little over time. Wood expands and contracts, drywall settles, and changes in temperature and humidity can cause small cracks to appear.

Still, some cracks deserve a closer look. The trick is to pay attention not only to the crack itself, but also to what’s happening around it.

First, Look at the Pattern

A thin, fairly straight crack often follows the seam between two sheets of drywall. The tape or joint compound covering that seam may have loosened as the house moved. If the ceiling is otherwise flat, dry and solid, this is usually a cosmetic repair.

Cracks also show up where the ceiling meets an interior wall. Sometimes this is caused by seasonal movement in the roof trusses. You may notice the gap more during the winter and less during warmer months. It can look alarming, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the roof is failing.

Older plaster ceilings tend to develop their own collection of fine cracks. A few small, stable cracks may simply be part of the home’s age and character. Loose, sagging or bulging plaster is a different story and should be checked.

Here’s a good rule of thumb: a small crack that hasn’t changed in years is usually less concerning than one that appeared overnight or keeps getting longer.

Take a Look Around

Before grabbing the spackle, give the whole area a quick inspection. Is the ceiling flat and firm? Do you see a stain, bubbling paint or peeling? Does anything feel damp or soft? Has the crack grown? Are doors suddenly sticking, or are new cracks showing up on nearby walls?

One little crack may not tell you much. Several changes happening together can.

For example, if you have ceiling cracks along with sloping floors, sticking doors or cracks around windows, there may be movement elsewhere in the house. That doesn’t automatically mean you have a major structural problem, so don’t assume the worst. It does mean you should have someone take a look before simply covering everything with paint.

Don’t Ignore Water Stains

If there’s discoloration around the crack, water moves to the top of the suspect list. The source could be a roof leak, damaged flashing, an upstairs bathroom, a plumbing line or even condensation around ductwork.

Remember, the stain isn’t always directly below the leak. Water can travel along a pipe or ceiling joist before it finally finds a place to show itself. A brown ring, musty smell or bubbling paint should be investigated even if it feels dry today. Some leaks only appear during a hard rain, when snow melts or when someone uses a particular sink, shower or bathtub.

If the ceiling is sagging, bulging or holding water, keep everyone, including your pets, out of the room. Don’t stand underneath it, and don’t poke the bulge with a broomstick. Wet drywall can be surprisingly heavy and may come down without much warning. Water near a light fixture can also create an electrical hazard.

When Should You Call Someone?

It’s time to bring in a qualified contractor, home inspector or structural engineer if:

• The ceiling is sagging, bowing or pulling away

• A crack appeared suddenly or is growing quickly

• The crack runs across the ceiling and continues down a wall

• Several new cracks appear around the same time

• The drywall feels soft or the plaster is coming loose

• You see water stains, dampness or active dripping

• The damage appeared after a storm, roof impact or heavy snow

• Cracks are accompanied by uneven floors or sticking doors

If you’re not sure whether a crack is changing, take a picture with a ruler next to it and write down the date. Check it again in a few weeks. A couple of small pencil marks at the ends can also help you tell whether it’s getting longer. Of course, monitoring is only appropriate when the ceiling is dry and solid. If it’s wet, sagging or dropping material, don’t wait.

Most ceiling cracks turn out to be ordinary wear and tear. The important thing is to slow down, look at the whole picture and use a little common sense. A coat of paint can hide a crack, but it can’t stop a leak or correct movement behind the ceiling.

And if your gut tells you something doesn’t look right, make the call. It’s usually easier, and less expensive, to check a small problem today than repair a much bigger one tomorrow.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Have a question? Email info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” For your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for general guidance only.