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 This problem is often a result of outdated building standards—homes built decades ago weren’t designed to handle the harsh winters of Connecticut.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.

Understanding Indoor Air Quality During Winter

As winter tightens its grip, homeowners often seal their residences to keep the cold at bay. While this practice conserves heat, it can inadvertently compromise indoor air quality, leading to discomfort and potential health issues. Understanding the challenges and implementing effective strategies can ensure your home's air remains fresh and healthy throughout the colder months.

Understanding the Winter Air Quality Challenge

During winter, increased use of heating systems and reduced ventilation can lead to a buildup of indoor pollutants. Common culprits include dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from household products. Exposure to these pollutants may cause symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and respiratory issues, often referred to as "sick building syndrome."

Effective Strategies to Enhance Indoor Air Quality

1. Regular Ventilation: Even in cold weather, it's essential to allow fresh air to circulate. Briefly opening windows or doors can help disperse indoor pollutants. Utilizing exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms further aids in expelling contaminants. 

2. Maintain Optimal Humidity Levels: Aim to keep indoor humidity around 50%. Excess moisture fosters mold growth, while overly dry air can irritate respiratory passages. Using humidifiers or dehumidifiers as needed can help maintain this balance.

3. Regular HVAC Maintenance: Ensure your heating system is serviced annually. Clean or replace filters every 1-3 months to prevent dust and allergen accumulation. Consider having your air ducts inspected and cleaned to remove any built-up debris that could circulate throughout your home.

4. Consider Using Air Purifiers: Air purifiers can be a powerful tool in maintaining indoor air quality during winter. Look for models equipped with HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, which are designed to capture small particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander. Many purifiers also include activated carbon filters to remove odors and VOCs from the air. Placing a purifier in frequently used spaces, like the living room or bedroom, can significantly reduce airborne pollutants and help create a healthier home environment.

5. Incorporate Indoor Plants: Certain houseplants can naturally purify indoor air by absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen. Plants like sansevieria (snake plant) are known for their air-cleaning properties and can be a beneficial addition to your home with very low maintenance needs.

6. Use Natural Cleaning Products: Traditional cleaning agents can emit VOCs, degrading air quality. Opt for natural or eco-friendly cleaners to minimize chemical exposure. Additionally, store chemicals safely and ensure proper ventilation when using them.

7. Monitor for Radon and Carbon Monoxide: Install detectors to monitor levels of these colorless, odorless gases. Regularly test and maintain these devices to ensure they function correctly, safeguarding your household from potential hazards.

8. Keep Your Home Clean: Regular dusting and vacuuming can significantly reduce indoor pollutants. Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter ensures that dust and allergens are effectively captured and not redistributed into the air.

9. Be Cautious with Scented Products: Air fresheners and scented candles can emit VOCs. Opt for unscented or naturally scented alternatives, and ensure proper ventilation when using them.

By implementing these strategies, you can maintain a healthy indoor environment during the winter months, ensuring that your home remains comfortable and safe.

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.

Attic Ventilation is Key for the Home

I recently did work for a homeowner who got the shock of her life when we removed her old roof and found sheet after sheet of black, rotten plywood. The homeowner couldn’t believe it and asked me how the plywood could be so damaged if she had never had a roof leak. 

The answer is quite simple and a lot more common than you think. In our area of Connecticut, nearly all attics don’t have enough insulation and aren’t ventilated properly. I meet people who need a new roof and want me to just lay an extra layer of shingles over top of what they already have to save money. What they don’t realize is how much deterioration exists that they simply can’t see.

With a roof, airflow is absolutely crucial. Attic ventilation allows your home to “breathe” by taking in air from the outside and letting out air from the inside. Too many homes that I work in aren’t properly ventilated, in fact, most have their bathroom and even dryer vents going into the attic instead of outside. In order to have proper ventilation, your home needs a system that includes intake ventilation through the soffit or a new product called SmartVent which is installed on top of the roof near the gutter edge. Louver vents were typically used at an exhaust vent in the 1950’s and 1960’s but now ridge vents are more common. If your house has both louver vents and ridge vents, the louver vents should remain closed, otherwise, the louver will act as an intake vent and will only cool the top third of the attic. 

In the colder months, it’s not uncommon for me to see frost on attic plywood because of subpar insulation. Insulation and ventilation work hand in hand - the ventilation controls the airflow and the insulation controls the temperature. You’re probably familiar with insulation - it’s a cotton-looking fiberglass material that often comes in pink or yellow rolls. It can also be loose-filled into tough to reach areas with a blowing machine. Remodeling professionals use insulation between walls, in attics and in basements to retain heat in the house in the winter and keep it cooler in the summer. However, without proper ventilation, the insulation is just as susceptible to moisture and deterioration as the plywood.

My customer didn’t venture into her attic, so she never noticed the problem. What she thought was a simple roof replacement ended up being a bigger job simply because after years of decay, the plywood she had was no longer strong enough to properly support the new roof. Ignoring the problem would have voided the new roof’s 30-year warranty.

The lesson for this week? If you’re going to reroof your home, make sure that the plywood is healthy and that your contractor has given you a thorough plan to ensure that your home is properly insulated and ventilated. It might cost a bit more today, but it will regulate the heat and cooling in your home for years to come, saving you on energy costs and giving you more comfort as well as peace of mind for the health of your house.

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.