Late Winter Tasks for Homeowners

As Connecticut homeowners brace for the final stretch of winter, it’s a good time to focus on a few important tasks before spring arrives. With the unpredictability of late winter weather, these tasks will help ensure your home is prepared for both the lingering cold and the transition into warmer months. Here are some key tasks to consider in late winter:

1. Inspect Your Roof and Gutters

Winter storms, snow, and ice can cause damage to your roof. Before the snow melts completely, it’s important to inspect your roof for any missing or damaged shingles, especially if you experienced heavy snow or ice buildup. Be sure to check your attic for any signs of leaks. It's also a good time to clear out your gutters. Ice and snow can cause gutters to clog with debris, which can lead to water damage when the snow begins to melt.

2. Check Windows and Doors for Drafts

Late winter is a good time to check your home for drafts. Cold air can slip through gaps around windows and doors, which can increase heating costs and decrease comfort. Walk around your home and feel for drafts. If you find any, consider adding weatherstripping or caulking to seal the gaps. This small effort can make a big difference in maintaining an even temperature and reducing energy use.

3. Prepare Your Heating System for the Final Stretch

In late winter, your heating system has been working hard for several months. To ensure it continues to operate efficiently, change the filters in your furnace or heating system. Dust and debris can clog filters, forcing the system to work harder. Check your heating vents and baseboards for any blockages to make sure warm air flows freely throughout your home. If you haven’t had a professional checkup yet, consider scheduling one before the coldest months are behind you.

4. Check for Ice Dams

Ice dams are a common issue in Connecticut during late winter, and they can cause significant damage to your roof and attic. They occur when snow on the roof melts, but the water refreezes at the eaves, creating a barrier that traps water on the roof. This water can seep into your home and cause leaks. If you notice ice buildup along the eaves of your roof, take action by using a roof rake to clear snow or contact a professional to safely remove the ice dams.

5. Prepare for the End of Snow Removal Season

Even though the snow might be thinning out, it’s important to stay prepared for any late-season snowstorms. Make sure your snow removal tools are in good condition. If you use a snowblower, check the fuel levels and ensure that it's ready for use. Stock up on ice melt or sand to help with slipping hazards as temperatures fluctuate.

6. Take Care of Winter Wear and Gear

With the end of winter on the horizon, it’s a good time to inspect and organize your winter gear. Clean snow shovels, salt spreaders, and other tools that you’ll be putting away until next year. Ensure that your winter clothing, like jackets, boots, and gloves, are in good condition for the final stretch of cold weather.

7. Inspect Your Pipes for Potential Freezing

While Connecticut winters are generally mild compared to other parts of the country, freezing pipes can still become a concern, especially during extreme cold snaps. Check any exposed pipes, particularly in areas like basements, attics, and garages. If you notice any cracks or weak spots, consider wrapping the pipes in insulation to protect them from freezing. If you’ve already had issues with frozen pipes, it may be a good idea to check for any damage to the plumbing that could cause leaks as the weather warms.

8. Clean Your Fireplace and Chimney

If you use a fireplace for heat or ambiance during the winter months, make sure to clean the chimney before the season is over. Creosote buildup in the chimney can be a fire hazard, so consider scheduling a professional cleaning if you haven’t done so recently. This is especially important before you begin to use the fireplace less frequently in the spring.

By focusing on these late winter tasks, homeowners can stay ahead of potential issues and ensure their home remains comfortable and efficient as the seasons transition. While spring may feel a little way off, a bit of late winter prep can make the changeover smoother when the time comes.

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.

Ice Dam Prevention

While we haven’t had much snow this season, winter is still in full swing and this week’s freezing temperatures were a stark reminder that the worst is likely yet to come. It won’t be long before another storm rolls through to remind us why proper home maintenance is so critical this time of year. 

One common winter issue homeowners face is ice dams—and they can wreak havoc on your home if you’re not prepared. An ice dam forms when snow blankets your roof, creating an extra, unwanted layer of insulation. As warm air rises from your home into the attic, it melts the snow on your roof. The water then slides down to the eaves and gutters, where the colder surface temperatures cause it to refreeze. Over time, this process creates a growing mass of ice at the edge of the roof, commonly known as an ice dam.

These icy buildups are more than a minor inconvenience—they can cause significant damage. Heavy ice can tear gutters away from your home or even lift roof shingles, leaving gaps for water to seep into your attic. From there, leaks can spread to ceilings and walls, creating a costly mess.

The key to preventing ice dams is ensuring your home is properly insulated and ventilated. Unfortunately, many homes in our area lack adequate insulation. In fact, more than 75% of New England homes are under-insulated, allowing heat to escape straight through the roof. This problem is often a result of outdated building standards—homes built decades ago weren’t designed to handle the harsh winters of Connecticut.

By upgrading your home’s insulation and ventilation, you’ll do more than just protect your roof. A well-insulated home is more comfortable year-round, keeping you warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. You’ll notice the difference immediately and see the impact on your energy bills too. Proper ventilation also helps reduce the risk of mold and mildew buildup, which can harm both your home and your health.

Investing in these upgrades is a simple yet powerful way to protect your family, your house, and your budget. Don’t wait for the next big storm to highlight what’s missing—take steps now to keep your home safe and comfortable all year long.

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.

A Fall Maintenance To Do List

As the days get shorter and outdoor projects become harder to tackle, now’s the perfect time to take care of a few key tasks before the colder weather sets in. Here are my top five tips to prepare your home for fall and winter.

1. Clear Those Gutters Falling leaves are just around the corner, and they’ll quickly clog your gutters and downspouts. If you've been thinking about installing gutter guards, now’s the time! These will prevent debris buildup and spare you the hassle of frequent clean-outs. Clean, functional gutters are essential to channel water away from your home and avoid potential damage.

2. Check Your Doors Stiff, hard-to-open doors are a sign that cooler temperatures are already having an effect. As the weather shifts and wood contracts, gaps can form, allowing cold air to seep inside. Make sure your door sweep is in top shape, and consider adding weather stripping to seal any cracks between the door and its frame.

3. Assess Your Insulation Many homes I visit are under-insulated, which creates discomfort in both winter and summer. Adequate insulation helps maintain a steady temperature throughout the house. If your second floor is consistently warmer than the first, it’s a good indication that your home could benefit from more insulation.

4. Inspect Your Roof Now is an ideal time to check your roof for any damaged shingles or issues around the chimney flashing. Snow lingers on roofs far longer than rain, making it easier for leaks to develop during the winter. Addressing small roof problems now can prevent larger, more expensive repairs later.

5. Evaluate Your Windows Using a thermal camera, I often find homes losing a lot of heat through old wood sash or aluminum windows. Replacing them with energy-efficient vinyl windows can make a noticeable difference. And the added bonus? Many vinyl windows come with tilt-in sashes for effortless cleaning, which we love at my house.

6. Get Your Hot Water Heater Tuned It’s not an outside project but if your hot water heater isn’t working when you need it, it’s going to make life very uncomfortable. Make an appointment now to have your systems flushed and inspected before the season gets too busy, or DIY it if you’re comfortable doing the work. Either way, don’t wait until it’s too late.

Owning a home means regular upkeep, but it’s an investment that pays off in comfort and energy savings. By taking a few simple steps now, you can enjoy a cozier home this winter—and keep those utility bills in check.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company founded in 1975. Have questions? Email info@odonnellbros.com with “Ask the Pro” in the subject line. All inquiries 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.