Spring Moisture and Mold Season

Every spring, Connecticut homes go through a quiet transition, and it is not just the obvious one happening outside. While we are noticing greener grass and warmer days, our homes are dealing with something else entirely: moisture buildup.

When that moisture finds its way into your home, even in small amounts, it can create the perfect conditions for mold to take hold. Here is the problem: mold does not need a flood or a major leak. It simply needs a little dampness and a place to sit undisturbed. That could be inside a wall, beneath a floor, or up in an attic with poor airflow. Once it starts, it spreads quietly.

A lot of homeowners assume mold is easy to spot. Sometimes it is, but more often, it remains hidden. It might show up as a faint stain overhead, a patch of peeling paint, or a room that always smells a little off, no matter how much you clean it.

In my line of work, we see it all the time. We frequently open up a wall during a project and find mold that has clearly been there for years, completely unnoticed. It is much more common than people think, especially in older homes or spaces that lack proper ventilation.

Contrary to popular belief, it is not just about the health of your home. Mold affects indoor air quality, which means it can impact how you feel day to day, especially if you are already dealing with allergies or respiratory issues.

So, what actually helps? In most cases, it comes down to managing moisture before it becomes a major problem.

A few things worth paying attention to this time of year include:

• Check your grading: Ensure water always moves away from your house by verifying that your yard is graded properly.

• Clear your gutters: Keep gutters and downspouts free of debris, and make sure they extend far enough from the foundation.

• Fix the roof: Address small roof issues early and thoroughly, as they rarely stay small.

• Check ventilation: Verify that bathroom fans vent outside rather than into the attic, where moisture easily gets trapped.

• Inspect for leaks: Take a closer look at any new signs of water on your ceilings or walls.

• Dry it out: Dry or remove wet materials quickly, particularly carpets.

• Use a dehumidifier: Run a dehumidifier in your basement, as these spaces tend to hold moisture longer during the spring.

• Monitor appliances: Place simple trays under your appliances to catch slow leaks and identify issues early.

One of the biggest mistakes we see is treating mold like a surface problem. If it keeps coming back after cleaning or painting, it means the source has not been addressed. Until the underlying moisture is fixed, the mold will keep returning.

That is when it is worth digging deeper, sometimes literally, and getting a professional involved. They can help figure out where the moisture is coming from and how to stop it permanently.

Spring is the time when a lot of homeowners shift into "fix-it" mode, which is a great thing. If you can stay ahead of moisture now, you will avoid much bigger headaches later in terms of both repairs and air quality.

Ultimately, when it comes to mold, it is rarely about one big event. It is the small, consistent moisture issues that do the most damage over time.

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.” Questions may be considered for publication. To learn more, call (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

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.

Power Washing Done Right

When it comes to giving your home’s exterior a fresh, clean look, few things are as satisfying as a good power wash. Over time, siding, decks, patios, and walkways collect layers of dirt, mildew, pollen, and grime—especially after a long New England winter and a wet spring. Power washing can bring surfaces back to life, but it’s not as simple as pointing and spraying. In fact, using the wrong pressure or technique can cause real damage.

So before you rent a machine or hire someone to tackle the job, here’s what you need to know to do it safely and effectively.

What Exactly Is Power Washing?

Power washing, sometimes called pressure washing, involves using a high-pressure stream of water to clean outdoor surfaces. Some machines use hot water (true “power washers”), while others use cold. Either way, the goal is the same: remove built-up dirt, mold, algae, and stains.

It’s commonly used on vinyl siding, wood decks, fences, concrete walkways, and driveways. Done properly, it can restore surfaces to like-new condition. But when done poorly, it can strip paint, dent siding, damage wood, or even force water behind your walls, causing moisture problems you won’t notice until later.

Why Technique Matters

The biggest mistake homeowners make with power washing is using too much pressure or holding the nozzle too close to the surface. While it might feel like you’re getting a deep clean, what you’re really doing is wearing away layers of your home.

Wood decks, in particular, are easy to damage. Softwoods like pine can splinter if blasted too hard. Vinyl siding can crack or become loose. Even concrete patios can show streaks or etching if the pressure is too high. Window seals, trim, and exterior caulking are all vulnerable to water intrusion if the spray angle is too aggressive.

The key to successful power washing is using the right amount of pressure and keeping a safe distance. Professionals typically start several feet away from the surface and gradually move closer, testing as they go. They also choose the correct spray tip for the job - wider angles for delicate surfaces, narrower ones for tough stains.

When It Works and When It Doesn’t

Power washing works well on most exterior materials - vinyl siding, concrete, brick, and certain types of wood. But it’s not ideal for everything. Asphalt roofing, older masonry with loose mortar, and painted surfaces that aren’t in great condition can be easily damaged. It’s also important to avoid spraying near electrical outlets, light fixtures, or windows.

Some surfaces benefit from using a cleaning solution before washing. Mildew and algae, common in shady areas or near trees, may require a cleaner designed for siding or decks. These help break down organic growth so that the power washer can rinse it away gently.

Know When to Call in a Pro

If your home is two stories tall, has delicate finishes, or hasn’t been cleaned in years, hiring a professional might be the safer option. A reputable company will know how to get the job done without harming your home’s exterior or landscaping. They’ll also have the right equipment for harder-to-reach areas.

Power washing can be a great way to refresh your home’s curb appeal, but it’s not a job to take lightly. With the right tools and a little know-how, you can do it yourself safely. And when in doubt, a professional can help protect your investment.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Have a question? Email info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” 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.