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.

Avoid These Outdoor Projects in the Winter

Lots of folks think winter is a great time for outdoor upgrades. It feels like a good plan after the holiday hustle and before the contractors get super busy with the warmer weather. But, truth be told, it's not the safest time for big exterior projects like roofing and siding. Here's why:

• When the weather is below 40 degrees, the composition of building materials really changes. As it gets colder, products such as shingles can get brittle and crack or split easily. Materials such as vinyl siding shrink, which can lead to misalignment or potential for leaks when they later expand as the weather warms.

• Another big issue is shingle adherence. Shingle sealant is activated by sun and heat. If there is not enough of either, the hold won’t be as strong as it should be, which could cause problems down the road. If the weather is too cold, we are often forced to hand seal, which can add time and cost to a generally simple process.

• Most contractors use an air nail gun for external remodeling, which works by pressure. If humidity turns to ice in the airline, it can under or overdrive the nails instead of putting them in flush. Compressors face the same potential problem. 

• Being on a roof or ladder in winter is dangerous. Even the most seasoned professionals must take care as black ice can cause serious injury. While we take every precaution, there is a lot that can go wrong during cold conditions. It’s often not worth the risk. 

• Winter weather is unpredictable. When it rains in the warmer months, we tarp a job thoroughly to ensure there aren’t any leaks. Snow is more difficult as it adds both moisture and weight to a job. Imagine having a roof open in February and a foot of snow falls from the sky?

• A cold weather installation could void your warranty. Many products specify a proper installation environment, which is usually above 40 degrees. 

• Winter jobs almost always take longer as roofers need to take extra precautions and more frequent breaks while working in cold conditions. The last thing you want is someone on a roof who can’t feel their toes. There is also less daylight, which will add time to an installation.

Sometimes, a winter repair or replacement is inevitable and leaving the job until spring might make things worse. If this is the case for you, be sure that you’re working with an experienced contractor who has a solid track record in winter conditions and discuss all the precautions and extra steps that will be taken to ensure the job is done correctly. The last thing you want is someone getting injured or a situation where corners have to be cut to accommodate less-than-fair conditions. In the end, is it really worth it? 

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.

What to Know About Ice Dams

This winter has been fairly mild but the season is still in full swing and it won’t be long until we get another storm to remind us that we live in New England. Before that happens, I always like to talk about the dangers of ice dams and the reason why so many homes in our area get damaged by them. 

An ice dam is a solid mass that forms when heavy snow blankets the roof, creating an extra layer of unwanted insulation. As warm air rises from your house and up through your attic, it causes the snow to melt and the water to slide down into the gutters. This would typically be just fine, but because so many homes in our area aren’t properly insulated, the melting ice will often make contact with the cold eaves of the roof and freeze again instead of draining off through the gutters. This forms a large ice mass at the gutter line, which will grow if not taken care of.

Solid ice is heavy and can easily pull gutters loose. The dam can even get strong enough to lift up your roof shingles, creating gaps that let the water through and into the attic. This is when people start to see leaks in their ceilings and walls. 

The only way to prevent ice dams from forming is to have your home properly insulated and ventilated. More than 75% of homes in our area are under-insulated which causes the heat from your home to shoot right through the roof. Because insulation and ventilation weren’t regulated when most of the homes were built in this area, a lot of us have houses that are better suited for Florida winters than our cold Connecticut climate. 

Having appropriate insulation and ventilation will not only keep your home free from ice dams but will also keep you much more comfortable in both the winter and the summer. You’ll feel the difference immediately, and you’ll see the benefit in your energy bills too. A house that can breathe and can properly regulate its own temperature will also be less like to accumulate mold and mildew which is not only damaging to your house but also to your health. It’s a simple solution to keep your family, your home, and your wallet healthy. 

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.