Six Spring Home Tasks You Can Start Now

March is a funny month for homeowners. One day it feels like winter still has a firm grip on things, and the next day you’re thinking about open windows and backyard barbecues. While it may be too early for some outdoor projects, there are plenty of practical things you can do now to get your home ready for spring.

A little attention in March can prevent headaches later when the weather really warms up. Here are six simple spring home tasks you can start now, plus a few things that are better to wait on.

1. Clean and Check Your Gutters

Even if there’s still some snow around, this is a good time to take a look at your gutters. Winter storms often leave behind debris like twigs, leaves, and shingle grit. When the spring rains arrive, clogged gutters can quickly turn into overflowing water that runs down your siding or pools near your foundation.

If the weather cooperates, clear out debris and make sure downspouts are directing water away from the house. It’s also a good time to check that gutters are securely attached and not sagging from those ice dams.

2. Replace Your Furnace Filter

Your heating system has been working hard all winter. One of the simplest things you can do for your home and your indoor air quality is to replace the furnace filter.

A fresh filter helps your system run more efficiently and keeps dust from circulating through the house. If you have pets or allergies in the household, this small task can make a noticeable difference.

3. Check Windows and Doors for Drafts

March is a perfect time to track down drafts before the heating season ends. Walk around your home and check windows and doors for cold air leaks. You might notice worn weatherstripping, small gaps, or caulking that has cracked over time.

Sealing these areas now can help lower energy bills and keep your home more comfortable year-round. Most fixes are inexpensive and quick, but they can make a surprisingly big difference.

4. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

This is one of those tasks that homeowners often mean to do but forget. Take a few minutes to test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the house.

Replace batteries if needed and make sure units are working properly. If your detectors are more than ten years old, it may be time to replace them entirely. It’s a small step that plays a big role in keeping your family safe.

5. Look for Signs of Winter Damage

Winter weather can be tough on a home. Walk around your property and look for any visible damage from snow, ice, or wind.

Pay attention to things like loose shingles, damaged siding, or areas where ice may have built up during the winter. Catching these issues early can prevent small problems from becoming bigger repairs once spring storms arrive.

6. Start Decluttering Indoor Spaces

While it might be too early to tackle yard work, March is a great time to focus on the inside of the house. Closets, mudrooms, and storage areas tend to collect a lot of winter gear.

Take some time to organize boots, coats, and winter equipment. Donate items you no longer use and make space for the warmer months ahead. A little indoor organization now makes the full spring cleaning push much easier later.

What to Wait On

A few spring tasks are better saved for slightly warmer weather. Exterior painting, power washing, deck staining, window cleaning, and major landscaping work typically need consistently mild temperatures to be done properly.

For now, focus on inspection, maintenance, and indoor projects. Once Connecticut settles into real spring, you’ll be glad you got the early work out of the way.

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.

The Great Thaw, A Homeowners Guide

After weeks of frozen ground, packed snow, and temperatures that barely cracked freezing, the first stretch of warmer days can feel like a gift. The sun comes out. The air softens. You can finally see your lawn again. But here’s what most homeowners don’t realize. Winter damage rarely shows up during the storm. It shows up during the melt.

When everything begins to thaw at once, your home goes through one of the most stressful transitions of the year. And if you know what to look for, you can prevent small issues from turning into expensive repairs.

Let’s talk about what’s actually happening. During deep winter, the ground freezes solid. That means when snow starts to melt, the water has nowhere to go. Instead of soaking into the soil, it runs across the surface. If that water pools near your foundation, it can find its way into tiny cracks or gaps that you didn’t even know were there. That’s why basements often leak during the first warm spell, not during the blizzard. 

Take a walk around your home during this thaw. Look for standing water near the foundation. If you see it, that’s a grading issue. The soil should slope away from your house, not toward it. Over time, soil settles, mulch builds up, and landscaping shifts. The thaw exposes those subtle changes.

Next, check your downspouts. During heavy snow months, they often get buried or knocked loose. When meltwater starts rushing through clogged gutters, it can overflow right next to your foundation. Make sure downspouts extend at least a few feet away from the house. If water is pouring over the edge of your gutters instead of flowing through them, they may be clogged with debris or shingle granules loosened over the winter.

Speaking of roofs, the thaw is when ice dam damage reveals itself. Ice dams form when warm air from your attic melts snow on the roof, which then refreezes at the colder edges, and this season has been the worst for them. During the melt, you might notice staining on ceilings, damp insulation in the attic, or granules collecting near downspouts. Even lifted shingles or small flashing separations can become visible once the snow clears.

It’s also common to see foundation cracks that weren’t noticeable before. Freeze-and-thaw cycles cause expansion and contraction in concrete and masonry. Small hairline cracks are normal. Wider cracks that appear suddenly or show signs of shifting are worth a closer look. The thaw doesn’t create all the damage, it simply reveals what winter stressed.

Driveways and walkways can also show signs of frost heave this time of year. If sections look uneven or edges are crumbling, that’s freeze expansion at work. It may settle back down, but it’s a good time to assess whether repairs will be needed in warmer months.

And don’t forget about your sump pump. If you have one, now is the time to test it. Pour a bucket of water into the pit and make sure it activates properly. The first heavy spring rain combined with melting snow is not the moment you want to discover it isn’t working.

Here’s the bottom line: the first thaw is a diagnostic window. It’s your opportunity to see how your home handled the winter. Most issues we see in early spring started months earlier. The difference between a manageable repair and a costly problem often comes down to catching it early. A small gutter adjustment, a downspout extension, sealing a minor crack, these are simple fixes when addressed promptly.

Winter in Connecticut is tough on homes. That’s just reality. But the homes that weather it best are the ones that get a little attention when the seasons shift. So enjoy the warmer air. Open a window. Take that walk around the yard. And while you’re at it, let the great thaw show you what needs a little care before spring rains arrive.

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. For remodeling or home improvement needs, call (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

When (and How) to Shovel Your Roof After Heavy Snow

If it feels like we’ve been living inside a snow globe lately, you’re not imagining it. Connecticut has taken a serious beating this week, and while most of us have been focused on clearing driveways and walkways, there’s another place snow quietly causes trouble: your roof.

Last week, we talked about ice dams, those thick ridges of ice that form along the roof edge and trap melting snow, often forcing water back under shingles. One of the best ways to prevent ice dams is also one of the most overlooked winter maintenance tasks: roof shoveling.

So when should you shovel your roof, why does it matter, and how do you do it safely (or decide not to do it yourself at all)?

When to shovel your roof

There’s no hard-and-fast rule like “six inches equals shovel time,” but there are some clear signals. If your roof has accumulated a foot or more of snow, especially heavy, wet snow, it’s worth paying attention. The same goes if you’re seeing icicles forming along the eaves, uneven snow melt, or signs of ice dams starting to build.

Older homes, homes with flatter or low-pitch roofs, and houses with less insulation or ventilation tend to be more vulnerable. And if we’re in one of those cycles where snow melts during the day and refreezes at night (hello, New England winter), snow buildup becomes more than just a cosmetic issue. It becomes a structural and water-infiltration risk.

Why roof shoveling matters

Snow is deceptively heavy. A roof holding several inches of wet snow can be supporting thousands of extra pounds. Over time, that stress can contribute to sagging, cracks, or long-term damage, especially if your roof was already nearing the end of its lifespan.

But the bigger issue for many homeowners is water. Snow melts, water moves, and when it refreezes at the roof edge, it has nowhere to go. That’s how you end up with leaks, stained ceilings, peeling paint, and mold growth, sometimes weeks after the snow is gone.

Roof shoveling reduces the amount of snow available to melt and refreeze, helping to prevent the ice dam cycle we talked about last week before it starts.

How to shovel your roof safely

If you’re going the DIY route, safety comes first. You should never climb onto a snow-covered roof. Instead, use a roof rake with a long extension and work from the ground. Pull snow down gently, starting at the roof edge and working upward a few feet at a time.

The goal isn’t to scrape the roof bare. In fact, you don’t want to. Leave a thin layer of snow to avoid damaging shingles. And always be aware of what’s below—snow and ice come down fast and heavy, and no one wants a surprise avalanche landing on them or their landscaping.

If your roof is steep, high, or difficult to access, or if ice has already formed, that’s your cue to stop.

When to call a professional

There’s no prize for doing this yourself. Roof shoveling can be dangerous, and every winter, people get hurt trying to save a few dollars. A professional has the right tools, safety equipment, and experience to remove snow and ice without damaging your roof or themselves.

Many local home improvement companies like ours offer roof shoveling during heavy snow seasons. We already understand roofing systems inside and out, can assess whether snow removal is necessary and handle it safely when it is. That kind of experience matters, especially when ice dams or existing roof issues are in play.

Roof shoveling isn’t something most homeowners think about until there’s a problem. But paired with good insulation, ventilation, and awareness (like spotting ice dams early), it’s one more way to protect your home during a tough Connecticut winter.

If you’re unsure whether your roof needs attention, trust that instinct or call a pro. It’s always better to address snow buildup proactively than to deal with water damage once everything melts.

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.