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.

Is Fall Mold Creeping Onto Your Roof

As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves start to fall, most homeowners are focused on pumpkin decor and raking their yards. But there’s something sneaky that may be settling in overhead: roof mold. Yes, fall is prime time for mold to make itself at home on your shingles, and ignoring it could lead to bigger (and more expensive) problems down the road.

Let’s break down what roof mold is, why it thrives in the fall, and what you can do to kick it to the curb before it spreads.

Why Fall Is Mold’s Favorite Season

Mold is a fungus that loves moisture, shade, and organic debris - all of which come together perfectly during autumn in New England. Here’s why:

• Falling Leaves: Leaves that land on your roof can trap moisture and block sunlight, creating damp, shaded pockets where mold thrives.

• Cooler Temperatures: As temperatures drop, homeowners may not notice excess moisture buildup because it’s not evaporating as quickly.

• Shorter Days: Less sunlight means less natural drying power for your roof.

• Clogged Gutters: Leaf-filled gutters lead to poor drainage and water pooling on the roof. Mold eats this up, literally.

What Mold Does to Your Roof (It’s Not Just Ugly)

Roof mold might seem like just a cosmetic issue, until it isn’t. Here’s what can happen if mold takes hold:

• Shingle Damage: Mold can deteriorate asphalt shingles and shorten your roof’s lifespan. It eats away at the granules that protect your roof from UV rays and weather damage.

• Wood Rot: If moisture seeps beneath the shingles, it can lead to rotting of the underlying wood structures, threatening your roof’s structural integrity.

• Insulation Issues: Mold creeping into your attic or insulation can ruin energy efficiency, sending your heating bills through the roof - pun intended.

• Health Concerns: Mold spores can make their way into your home’s air, potentially triggering allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues for your family.

How to Stop Fall Mold Before It Starts

The good news? Roof mold isn’t inevitable. With a little proactive maintenance, you can keep your roof mold-free all season long. Here’s how:

1. Clean Your Roof (and Gutters)
   Leaves, twigs, and debris are mold’s favorite housewarming gifts. Clear your roof and gutters regularly, especially after a big wind or rainstorm.

2. Check Your Attic Ventilation
   Poor airflow in the attic can trap moisture and encourage mold growth from the inside out. Make sure vents are clear and consider installing an attic fan if airflow is limited.

3. Trim Back Overhanging Branches
   Shade is great for picnics, not for roofs. Cutting back branches allows more sunlight to hit your roof and dry up any lingering moisture.

4. Inspect for Leaks and Damaged Shingles

   Take a walk around your home and look for signs of water damage, cracked shingles, or dark streaks. If you spot anything suspicious, call in a pro.

5. Consider Copper or Zinc Strips
   These metal strips, installed near the peak of your roof, naturally kill mold and algae as rainwater washes down over them. It’s a smart investment for long-term mold prevention.

6. Book a Professional Roof Inspection
   Fall is an ideal time to have a professional take a look. They can spot early signs of mold or damage you might miss from the ground.

When in Doubt, Call It Out

If you already see mold growing on your roof, don’t panic, but don’t ignore it either. DIY solutions may help with small patches, but for widespread or stubborn growth, it’s best to bring in the experts. Professional mold removal will ensure it’s safely and thoroughly taken care of, without damaging your roof in the process.

A clean, mold-free roof isn’t just about curb appeal. It’s about protecting your investment, your home’s structural integrity, and your family’s health. So this fall, while you’re sipping cider and enjoying the foliage, take a few minutes to look up. Your roof might be trying to tell you something.

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.

Attic Ventilation is Key for the Home

As summer gives way to cooler fall nights here in Connecticut, your attic becomes one of the hardest-working (and most overlooked) parts of the house. Trapped heat, lingering humidity, and poor airflow can quietly damage your roof from the inside out. The solution is simple but powerful: proper insulation and ventilation. When done right, this combination protects your roof, lowers energy costs, and delivers a return on investment that lasts for decades.

In our area, many attics are under-insulated and poorly ventilated. I still meet homeowners who want to save a few bucks by shingling over an old roof. The problem is, what you can’t see can hurt you - trapped moisture and heat can quietly rot plywood, cook shingles, and shorten a 30-year warranty roof to something far less.

Airflow is non-negotiable. A healthy attic “breathes”: fresh air in at the eaves and stale, warm, moisture-laden air out at the peak. Intake typically comes through continuous soffit vents or a product like SmartVent, which installs near the gutter line. For exhaust, modern ridge vents beat old louver (gable) vents. If you have both, keep the louvers closed - mixing systems turn those louvers into unintended intakes that only cool the top third of the attic and leave the rest to sweat it out.

Insulation and ventilation are a package deal. Ventilation manages airflow; insulation manages temperature. Fiberglass batts (yep, the pink or yellow stuff) and blown-in insulation reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. But without balanced ventilation, even the best insulation can absorb moisture, slump, and underperform - especially as temperatures swing this time of year. That’s when we see telltale signs like musty smells, rusty nails, and in cold snaps, even frost on the underside of roof decking.

A quick seasonal checklist can save you from expensive surprises:

• Make sure bath fans and dryer vents exhaust outside, not into the attic.

• Confirm continuous intake at soffits (baffles help keep insulation from blocking airflow).

• Use a continuous ridge vent for exhaust; don’t mix with open gable louvers.

• Air-seal attic penetrations (wires, pipes, light boxes) before adding insulation.

• Aim for appropriate insulation depth and even coverage, especially over the living areas.

Thinking about re-roofing? Ask your contractor for a ventilation and insulation plan - not just a shingle quote. Upgrading airflow and R-value when you replace a roof is the definition of smart timing. It protects the new shingles, preserves the roof deck, keeps comfort consistent, and trims energy costs season after season. In other words, it’s one of those un-flashy upgrades that pays you back quietly, year after year, while your neighbors wonder why their AC and furnace never seem to get a break.

As summer winds down and the furnace season creeps in, set your attic up to win. Proper insulation and ventilation will regulate temperatures, manage moisture, extend roof life, and safeguard warranties. It’s a modest upgrade with long-term dividends and comfort you can feel with savings you can count on.

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.