A Backyard Fence Upgrade That's Worth The Investment

Having a comfortable, enjoyable backyard is one of my favorite parts of being a homeowner. After a long day or week, it’s fantastic to relax and enjoy a barbecue dinner, a swim in the pool, or an evening drink by the fire pit. But having an at-home retreat also means taking steps to ensure that the backyard is private and secure, especially when there is a pool or water feature involved. So today, I’d like to give you a peek into a range of fencing options to protect your yard and provide seclusion without forgoing great design.

Wood

Many homeowners love the aesthetic of a beautiful, timeless wood fence. They look elegant, provide fantastic privacy, and are easy to install. The downside, of course, is maintenance. With our hot summers and brutal winters, a wood fence will need regular staining or painting, a job that every homeowner dreads. On the positive side, if you like to update the look of your backyard frequently, wood can be painted in any color imaginable and it’s one of the most affordable options on the market. A six-foot panel will run around $25-$50 depending on the type of wood.

Composite

If you love the look of wood, but the upkeep has you thinking twice about the material, you might want to think about composite fencing. Composite is made from engineered wood, and while it mimics the look of natural stuff, its lifespan is much longer with very few maintenance requirements.  The cost will vary based on the design and type, but you can expect to pay $100-$150 per six-foot section.

Chain-Link

If you want something sturdy and maintenance-free, a chain-link fence might be a good option. While they generally aren’t the most stylish in terms of design, a chain link fence will keep your backyard protected and it can be slightly customized in different colors and gauges. If you need more privacy, you can upgrade a chain link fence with metal slats. Best of all, it’s the cheapest of options, coming in at $100 or less for a 50-foot roll. If you like the idea of a metal fence but prefer something a little more upscale, go for an aluminum option, which is powder-coated and needs very little maintenance. A six-foot panel will run you $50-$75 depending on the height.

Glass

Finally, if you want something that will protect your pool without making it feel enclosed, there’s nothing like glass. A glass or plexiglass panel fence is beautiful for enclosing water without shutting out the rest of your property. Glass fences are durable, but they do tend to scratch easily and need to be cleaned regularly. They are also generally the most expensive fencing option, especially if they need to enclose a large area or in-ground pool. You’ll be looking in the ballpark of a few hundred dollars per panel. 

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 10-Point Roof and Gutter Inspection Checklist

Maintaining a healthy roof and gutter system is an important step in protecting your home from weather-related damage. Regular inspections can help identify potential issues early on, allowing for timely repairs and avoiding more extensive and costly problems down the line. Let’s walk through the steps a homeowner can take to conduct a thorough inspection of their roof and gutters:

1. Safety First: Before you begin any inspection, prioritize safety. Use a sturdy ladder that's properly positioned on level ground, and always have someone else there to assist you. Wear appropriate footwear with good traction and consider using safety harnesses for added security, especially if your roof is steep or high.

2. Exterior Inspection: Start by examining the roof from the ground. Look for any signs of damage such as missing, cracked, or curling shingles. Check for areas where the roof may be sagging, as this could indicate structural issues. Binoculars can be handy for a closer look at hard-to-reach areas.

3. Roof Surface: If it's safe to do so, carefully climb onto the roof to conduct a more detailed inspection. Walk the entire surface, checking for any loose or damaged shingles, as well as signs of wear and tear. Pay attention to areas around chimneys, vents, and skylights, as these are common trouble spots.

4. Flashing and Seals: Inspect the flashing around roof penetrations such as chimneys and vents. Look for any signs of deterioration or gaps where water could penetrate. Check the seals around these areas and reapply caulk if necessary to maintain a watertight barrier.

5. Gutters and Downspouts: Now have a look at the gutters and downspouts. Remove any debris such as leaves, twigs, and dirt that may have accumulated, as clogged gutters can lead to water damage and ice dams in the winter. Ensure that the gutters are securely attached to the fascia board and that downspouts are directing water away from the foundation.

6. Gutter Alignment: Check the alignment of the gutters to ensure they're sloping slightly towards the downspouts for proper drainage. Use a level to confirm the slope and adjust hangers as needed to maintain the correct angle.

7. Fascia and Soffits: Inspect the fascia boards and soffits for signs of water damage, rot, or insect infestation. Pay attention to any discoloration, peeling paint, or soft spots, as these could indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed.

8. Attic Inspection: If accessible, venture into the attic to inspect the underside of the roof deck. Look for signs of water stains, mold, or mildew, which could indicate a leaky roof. Ensure that attic vents are clear of obstruction to allow for proper ventilation.

9. Documentation: Take photographs of any damage or areas of concern as you conduct your inspection. This documentation can be useful for reference and communication with roofing professionals if repairs are needed.

10. Professional Evaluation: While DIY inspections are valuable, it's also wise to have your roof inspected by a professional roofing contractor once a year. They have the expertise and experience to identify hidden issues and provide recommendations for maintenance or repairs.

By following these steps, homeowners can get more familiar with roof and gutter maintenance, preserving the integrity of their home and avoiding costly repairs. Remember, regular inspections are key to keeping your roof and gutters in optimal condition and protecting your investment for years to come.

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.

Give Windows a Spring Clean

Window washing is a dreaded task that most homeowners don’t bother doing it. But there is nothing like clean glass to help bring the outdoors in and make your house feel really clean. If it has been a while since you gave your windows some love, here are ten of my favorite tricks, tips, and hacks to simplify the job and get your glass gleaming again.

1. Never clean windows when it’s too cold or too warm. A cloudy, overcast day is your best bet for this job. 

2. Instead of relying on reams of paper towels, stop into your local hardware store and grab an eight-inch squeegee for those small panes. They make the job a lot easier with much less waste.

3. Don’t forget to wipe your squeegee blade between swipes to remove access cleaning solution and dirt. Otherwise you’ll just be spreading it around.

4. Here is a great DIY window cleaning solution. Combine one cup of hot water and one cup of white distilled vinegar. Mix in a spray bottle and there you have it. For very grimy windows, clean with hot soap and water first, followed by the vinegar mixture for a nice shine. 

5. To get rid of really pesky streaks, use a dryboard eraser. Unlike paper towels, an eraser can do away with streaks without leaving lint behind. 

6. If you really hate washing windows, take an extra step, and apply a window protectant. The clear polymer coating will help protect the glass from dust, dirt, and grime for longer. 

7. Hard water spots can be tough to remove with a regular window cleaner. A dryer sheet will do the trick, just buff in circular motions. It works on mirrors and shower doors too. 

8. Caterpillars love building nests in window tracks. Clean them out with a thin screwdriver and then follow up with a firm, toothbrush-sized bristle brush. 

9. Hate cleaning blinds? Wrap a pair of kitchen tongs in two microfiber cloths and secure them with an elastic band on either side. Run the tongs between each slat to remove dust and pet dander. 

10. Have a can of WD-40 in the garage? A quick coat on freshly cleaned window sills will prevent dirt and grime from sticking.

If you swear that this round of window washing will be your last, consider upgrading to vinyl windows. The seamless, tilt-in design makes them so easy to clean and they are energy efficient too. It’s one of the best upgrades you can make to your home to save both time and money in the long run. 

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