Ice Dam Prevention This Winter

If this winter feels unpredictable, you’re not wrong. We’ve been experiencing a familiar but frustrating pattern: cold temperatures and snow followed by milder daytime weather, then freezing again overnight. That constant freeze-thaw cycle is the perfect recipe for ice dams, even in years when snowfall totals are relatively modest.

Ice dams form when snow accumulates on a roof and begins to melt during warmer daytime temperatures. Heat escaping from the home, often through an under-insulated attic, warms sections of the roof just enough to melt the snow. The water then runs down toward the eaves and gutters, where roof temperatures are colder. As nighttime temperatures drop, that water refreezes. When this melting and refreezing happens repeatedly, a thick ridge of ice builds up along the roof edge, creating an ice dam.

These icy barriers don’t just sit harmlessly at the edge of your roof. They block proper drainage, forcing melting snow to back up under shingles. That water can seep into the attic, soak insulation, stain ceilings, damage walls, and create conditions that encourage mold growth. The weight of the ice itself can also pull gutters away from the house or loosen shingles, opening the door to even more water damage.

Homeowners should watch for early warning signs. Large icicles hanging from gutters, uneven snow melt across the roof, or water stains appearing on interior walls during winter are all indicators that heat is escaping and ice dams may be forming.

When ice dams appear, many homeowners are tempted to take matters into their own hands, but this is where things often go wrong. One of the most common mistakes is hacking away at ice with a shovel, axe, or ice chopper. While it may feel productive in the moment, this can easily damage shingles, puncture the roof, or dent gutters, leading to repairs that cost far more than the ice dam ever would have. Another risky approach is climbing onto an icy roof without proper safety equipment. Slips and falls are a serious hazard during winter and can result in severe injury.

Chemical deicers can also cause problems if used improperly. Products not designed specifically for roofs may damage shingles, kill nearby landscaping, or corrode metal gutters. Even roof-safe deicing products should be used cautiously and viewed as a temporary measure, not a long-term solution.

The real fix for ice dams isn’t on the roof at all. It starts in the attic. Proper insulation and ventilation help keep roof temperatures consistent, preventing snow from melting unevenly in the first place. Unfortunately, more than 75% of New England homes are under-insulated, often because they were built before modern energy standards were in place. As a result, heat escapes easily, setting the stage for ice dam formation.

Improving insulation helps keep warm air inside the living space where it belongs, while proper ventilation allows cold air to circulate in the attic and keeps the roof surface cold. Together, these upgrades not only reduce the risk of ice dams but also improve comfort year-round and lower energy bills. They can also help reduce moisture buildup in the attic, decreasing the likelihood of mold and mildew.

With today’s increasingly unpredictable winter weather, ice dams are no longer just a problem after major snowstorms. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles mean they can form quickly and unexpectedly. Addressing insulation and ventilation now, before damage occurs, is one of the smartest investments a homeowner can make.

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.

What You Don’t See Can Affect You When It Comes To Winter Air Quality

When winter settles in, most of us do the same thing: shut the windows, seal the drafts, and crank the heat. It’s great for comfort and energy efficiency, but not always great for the air we breathe. With homes closed up tight for months at a time, indoor air quality can quietly take a hit, leading to discomfort and even health concerns.

The good news? A few smart habits and simple upgrades can make a noticeable difference.

Why Indoor Air Quality Suffers in Winter

Cold weather means less fresh air circulating through your home. At the same time, heating systems kick into high gear, stirring up dust and other particles that might otherwise stay settled. Common indoor pollutants during winter include dust, pet dander, mold spores, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from cleaning products, paints, and furnishings.

When these pollutants build up, people may experience headaches, fatigue, sinus irritation, or respiratory issues - symptoms often lumped under the term “sick building syndrome.” If you’re feeling off all winter, your indoor air might be part of the problem.

Practical Ways to Improve Winter Air Quality

Let Fresh Air In, Yes, Even in Winter

You don’t need to leave windows wide open. Short bursts of fresh air, just a few minutes at a time, can help flush out stale indoor air. Using kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans also helps remove moisture and airborne contaminants right at the source.

Keep Humidity in the Sweet Spot

Indoor humidity should hover around 40–50%. Too much moisture encourages mold growth, while air that’s too dry can irritate your nose, throat, and skin. A humidifier or dehumidifier can help keep things balanced, especially in older homes.

Stay on Top of HVAC Maintenance

Your heating system keeps you warm and moves air throughout your home. Change filters every three months and schedule annual maintenance to keep things running efficiently. Dirty filters and neglected systems can spread dust and allergens instead of trapping them.

Use Air Purifiers Where You Spend the Most Time

A quality air purifier with a HEPA filter can significantly reduce airborne particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander. Units with activated carbon filters also help absorb odors and chemical fumes. Bedrooms and living areas are usually the best places to start.

Add a Few Low-Maintenance Houseplants

Some plants help improve indoor air quality while also making your home feel more alive during the gray winter months. Snake plants, for example, are hardy, low-maintenance, and known for their air-filtering benefits.

Choose Cleaning Products Carefully

Many conventional cleaners release VOCs that linger in indoor air. Switching to natural or low-VOC products can reduce chemical exposure. When stronger products are necessary, proper ventilation is key.

Install and Maintain Gas Detectors

Carbon monoxide and radon are invisible, odorless, and potentially dangerous. Make sure detectors are installed and functioning properly, and test them regularly, especially during heating season.

Keep Dust Under Control

Regular dusting and vacuuming go a long way. Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter prevents allergens from being kicked back into the air while you clean.

Go Easy on Scents

Candles, plug-ins, and air fresheners may smell nice, but many release VOCs. If you use them, do so sparingly and make sure rooms are well ventilated.

Breathe Easier All Winter Long

Winter doesn’t have to mean stale air and stuffy rooms. With a few proactive steps, you can protect your indoor air quality, improve comfort, and create a healthier home environment for everyone under your roof.

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 visithttp://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

New Year’s Resolutions for the Healthy Homeowner

Every January, we make promises to ourselves: move more, eat better, stress less. But what about the place where we spend most of our time: our home?

If you’re a homeowner who plans to stay put (and enjoy it), 2026 is the perfect year to treat your house like the long-term investment it is. A healthy home isn’t about flashy upgrades or chasing trends, but it is about safety, comfort, efficiency, and a little future-proofing. Here are nine resolutions that will quietly pay off all year long.

1. Upgrade the Air You Breathe

Indoor air quality has officially moved from “nice to have” to “non-negotiable.” Modern whole-house air purifiers, smart ventilation systems, and high-efficiency filters can significantly reduce dust, allergens, and airborne pollutants. If your HVAC system is more than 10–15 years old, this is the year to assess whether it’s working for you or just limping along.

2. Make Bathrooms Safer (and Smarter)

Bathrooms are one of the most common places for household injuries. Small updates like curbless showers, grab bars that don’t look institutional, slip-resistant flooring, and better lighting can make a big difference. Bonus: today’s designs look like luxury spa upgrades, not hospital rooms.

3. Test, Then Retest

Radon, carbon monoxide, and water quality are all non-issues until they are an emergency. Annual testing is simple, affordable, and often overlooked. If you haven’t tested your home in years (or ever), make this your baseline year and set a reminder going forward.

4. Declutter With a Purpose

This isn’t about minimalism or Marie Kondo guilt. It’s about safety and ease. Clear walkways, organized storage, and fewer “just in case” piles reduce fall risks and make daily life smoother. If you haven’t used it in five years, it probably doesn’t need to stay.

5. Invest in Smart but Simple Technology

Smart home tech has grown up. Today’s systems focus on security, energy efficiency, and peace of mind: smart thermostats, leak detectors, lighting on timers, and video doorbells. The key is choosing tech that works quietly in the background, not something that requires a manual and a tech support hotline.

6. Tackle Preventive Maintenance Early

Waiting until something breaks is stressful and expensive. A healthy home runs on prevention: roof inspections, gutter cleaning, foundation checks, and exterior maintenance before New England weather does its thing. Scheduling these early in the year can save money and sanity.

7. Improve Lighting Everywhere

Good lighting isn’t just aesthetic, it’s functional and protective, especially as we homeowners age. Layered lighting, brighter bulbs in stairways and hallways, and motion-sensor exterior lights all improve safety. As eyesight naturally changes, lighting upgrades are one of the most underrated improvements you can make.

8. Rethink Entryways and Exits

Your home should welcome you in and let you exit safely in all seasons. Consider railings, improved steps, better drainage, and ice-management solutions. Small upgrades here reduce slips, improve curb appeal, and make daily routines easier year-round.

9. Plan for Aging in Place (Before You Need To)

The smartest homeowners plan ahead. Even if you feel great now, thinking about future mobility, access, and maintenance needs allows you to make thoughtful upgrades instead of rushed decisions later. A home that adapts with you is a home you can enjoy longer.

A healthy home doesn’t need to be perfect but it does need to support the life you want to live. In 2026, resolve to make your house safer, smarter, and more comfortable. Your future self will thank you… probably while enjoying lower energy bills and fewer emergency repair calls.

If you want help prioritizing which improvements make the most sense for your home, that’s where experienced professionals (and honest advice) come in. Because the best resolutions are the ones you actually keep.

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.