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.

A Great Grass Cleanup

After a mild winter and with spring already shooting up in the form of early flowers, now is a great time to start getting your lawn in order. It may seem early, but there are a few steps you can take to make sure your grass looks great and green all season long. Here is what you need to know.

Start by performing a soil test. Grass can be finicky and the pH level of your soil will help you better understand how to treat it. Experts suggest that the pH level should be between 6.0 and 7.0 and your reading will help you determine what nutrients your lawn needs. A soil test is always a smart first step so you don’t go out and buy fertilizer and seed that isn’t the right match. A soil test can be done by a professional landscaper or you can purchase a test kit at any hardware store.

Next, it’s time for clean-up. Start by removing any winter debris such as sticks, leaves, and needles. Then give your yard a good rake, even if it’s free of debris. Raking will dethatch the lawn, releasing the dead matter that collects on the bottom of the grass blades closest to the ground. During the winter, thatch is good because it acts as a layer of warmth and protection. But as the temperature rises, it can block new grass from coming up. 

Once the lawn has been dethatched, it’s time for aeration. An aerator is a bit like a manual lawn mower but instead of cutting the grass, it pokes holes in the ground. Aeration is important because all grass needs sun, air, and water to grow. Aerating the lawn allows for better air and water flow and lets nutrients get to the roots of the grass more easily. Most people skip this step but I think it’s essential. 

Now I like to treat my lawn with a pre-emergent to help contain weeds. As I mentioned before, grass can be very temperamental, but weeds are strong and will grow in pretty much any condition. If left untreated, they will pop up all over your lawn and compete with grass for sunlight and water. Plus, they spread very easily. Depending on your soil test and the kind of law you have, a pre-emergent will help to keep those weeds at bay which will help your lawn to flourish.

Once your weeds have been treated, it’s time to reseed any bare spots. Thinning is normal with mature lawns, so you may want to reseed the entire lawn or just portions of it. The type of seed you use will depend on your lawn and your soil, so make sure you consult with the expert at your local hardware store before you buy your grass seed. A spreader makes this job quick and easy but the key is to keep the ground moist to allow the seeds to germinate. 

Finally, it’s time for fertilizer. You’ve worked this hard so make sure to give your grass the best possible chance to survive and thrive. Again, fertilizer is not a one-size-fits-all all product, and what’s right for your lawn depends on several factors. The key is to make sure the fertilizer you select has the nutrients your lawn needs to grow lush and beautiful. 

With all these tips comes one warning. While you might be tempted to get the mower out, it’s better to start slowly and let the grass grow a bit longer in the early season. If you follow the steps above and give the lawn a good clean-up before mowing, you’ll have longer, thicker, healthier grass all season long. Happy growing!

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.

Bathroom Upgrades Worth Their Resale Value

The pandemic put plenty of homeowners into a remodeling frenzy but for some people, a home facelift is a seriously daunting prospect. One area of the home that can make a major difference without a huge cost or time commitment is the bathroom and the payoff is big both in terms of zen and resale value. Here are eight ideas to give your bathroom a boost without spending a fortune.

Health & Safety

If your bathroom doesn’t have proper ventilation, you will end up with mold and mildew growing on the walls and ceiling. A replacement fan will cost under $100 and you can install it yourself to ensure that the moisture caused by the shower is being extracted properly. Remember, you’ll need to measure the bathroom first to ensure you get the right fan for the job. 

Environmentally Friendly

If you want to do your part for the environment, you can update your bathroom with water-saving fixtures. Both Lowes and Home Depot carry eco-friendly lines that can cut water flow by upwards of 30 percent, making for a healthier planet and a happier utility bill. 

Neat & Tidy

If you can’t stand cleaning the shower, this one's for you. Today you can find shower doors that are finished with a water-resistant coating that sheds the droplets that leave unsightly little stains. If you’re constantly walking around with a squeegee in hand, this upgrade might just make your weekend cleaning routine just a little easier. 

Semi-Custom

If you’re looking to replace your cabinetry, take a look at some of the semi-custom options available from the major retailers. There are even companies that spruce up IKEA cabinets to make them look more personalized and stylish. If you can’t afford to replace the cabinets, a new lick of paint can breathe new life into old wood.

Get Organized

If your cabinets are in good shape but they are tough to reach or annoying to get into, a cabinet organizer might be for you. Most systems include sliding surfaces which make reaching items in the back a whole lot easier. No more digging in the dark. 

Lights and Mirrors

Dated mirrors or lighting fixtures can bring a bathroom down. Kick it up a notch and keep an eye on the sales flyers for accent pieces to give your bathroom a boost for very little effort.

Counters

Granite countertops are a pricey remodeling project, but these days you can get the look for less by getting creative. Talk to your local countertop expert about where to look for remnant slabs, or consider cheaper options like a preformed laminate finish.

Spa Touches

Make your shower more luxurious by replacing the old head. I personally love a rain shower, but a handheld sprayer can feel great after a long day and it makes cleaning a cinch. You can also replace your old shower curtain with a more modern update for less than $20. You won’t believe how a little change can make a big difference. 

This list is just the tip of the iceberg and I bet you have a few creative ideas on how to update your bathroom for less. I’d love to hear from you. Send me a message on Facebook at www.facebook.com/odonnellbros.

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.