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.

All the Colors for 2026

Every year, paint companies roll out their “Color of the Year.” Sometimes they’re bold. Sometimes they’re confusing. For 2026, the big takeaway is this: things are calming down. These colors are practical, livable, and meant for real homes, not show houses.

If you’re thinking about repainting a room, updating a front door, or planning a bigger renovation, these six colors from the most popular paint brands are worth a look.

1. Pantone – “Cloud Dancer”

Pantone surprised a lot of people this year by choosing a soft white. “Cloud Dancer” isn’t bright white and it’s not gray but it does sit comfortably in between. Think clean, calm, and easy.

Where it works:

• Inside: Living rooms, hallways, and kitchens, especially if your home doesn’t get a ton of natural light. It keeps things bright without feeling cold.
  
  

• Outside: Trim, porch ceilings, or even siding on smaller homes. It freshens things up without screaming “new paint job.”

This is a great option if you’re selling soon or just want something you won’t get tired of.

2. Benjamin Moore – “Silhouette” (AF-655)

This one’s a deep brown with charcoal undertones. It’s dark, but it doesn’t feel heavy. Think espresso, not black coffee.

Where it works:

• Inside: Offices, dining rooms, built-ins, or an accent wall behind a TV or fireplace.

• Outside: Front doors and garage doors. It pairs nicely with white trim, stone, or brick.

If you want contrast without going full black, this is a smart move.

3. Sherwin-Williams – “Universal Khaki” (SW 6150)

This is one of those colors that just works. It’s a warm beige-tan that doesn’t lean yellow or gray.

Where it works:

• Inside: Open floor plans, living rooms, and family rooms where you want continuity.

• Outside: Siding, especially on Colonials, Capes, and ranches. It plays well with almost any roof color.

If you’re nervous about color, this is your safety net.

4. Behr – “Hidden Gem”

A smoky green-blue that looks bold on a paint chip but surprisingly calm on the wall.

Where it works:

• Inside: Kitchen islands, bathroom vanities, or an accent wall in a bedroom.

• Outside: Shutters or front doors if you want personality without going too trendy.

It’s a good “one-room” color, just don’t put it everywhere.

5. Valspar – “Warm Eucalyptus”

This is a soft, muted green with gray undertones. It feels relaxed and grounded.

Where it works:

• Inside: Bedrooms, home offices, or reading nooks. It’s easy on the eyes.

• Outside: Trim or doors, especially if your yard has mature trees or landscaping.

If you like green but don’t want it to feel like a forest, this one keeps things balanced.

6. Glidden – “Warm Mahogany”

A rich reddish-brown that adds warmth without looking dated.

Where it works:

• Inside: Dining rooms, accent walls, or kitchen islands.

• Outside: Front doors and shutters—especially on lighter homes.

This color feels solid and classic, which is why it works so well on older New England houses.

My Advice

The 2026 colors are less about making a statement and more about making your home feel comfortable. Whites are warmer, neutrals are richer, and color shows up where it counts: doors, cabinets, and accents.

If you’re painting to enjoy your home, stick with the softer shades. If you want curb appeal, use the darker colors sparingly where they’ll stand out for the right reasons.

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.

Painting Over Mold? The Truth About ‘Quick Fixes’

Mold is unsightly, and I understand that nobody wants to stare at a dark, blotchy patch on their bathroom ceiling or basement wall. Sure, a quick coat of paint seems like an easy way to make the problem disappear. But here’s the thing about “quick fixes”: they’re rarely fixes at all. Especially when it comes to mold.

Painting over mold is one of those home myths that just won’t die. It looks better for a little while, sure. But underneath that shiny new layer of paint, the problem is still there and it’s growing, spreading, and getting ready to bubble its way back to the surface.

Let’s talk about why this happens, what it means for your home, and the right way to deal with it (so you’re not repainting again next month).

Why Paint and Mold Don’t Mix

Mold is a living organism, not a stain. It feeds on organic material like drywall paper, wood, dust, and anything else it can digest. It also thrives in damp, humid environments. When you paint over mold, you’re basically trapping that living organism under a layer of latex and giving it a warm, dark place to multiply.

Even paints labeled as “mold-resistant” don’t kill existing mold; they simply make it harder for new spores to take hold. Think of them as preventive, not curative. Once mold has already started to grow, those spores will continue doing what they do best - eating, spreading, and eventually breaking through the surface again.

That’s why the dark spots you “covered up” always seem to come back, no matter how many coats you roll on. You didn’t solve the problem. You just hid it temporarily.

The Real Risk Isn’t Just Cosmetic

Mold isn’t just an eyesore. Prolonged exposure to mold spores can aggravate allergies, trigger asthma, and cause respiratory irritation, especially in kids, older adults, and anyone with a compromised immune system. Even if your home’s air feels fine, hidden mold can create ongoing air quality problems that only get worse over time. And if it spreads into insulation, behind drywall, or under flooring, you’re looking at a much bigger repair bill later.

So no, it’s not “just a little spot.” It’s a sign of a deeper moisture issue that needs your attention.

How to Fix It the Right Way

Before you paint, you have to address two things: the mold itself and the source of the moisture that caused it. Here’s the right order of operations:

1. Find the moisture source. Is there a roof leak, poor ventilation, a plumbing issue, or a condensation problem? Fix that first. Otherwise, the mold will just come back.

2. Kill the mold. For small areas (less than 10 square feet), you can usually handle it yourself. Wear gloves, a mask, and goggles, and use a cleaner designed to kill mold, not just bleach. Bleach can discolor mold, making it look gone when it isn’t.

3. Remove damaged material. If the mold has eaten into drywall, insulation, or wood, those materials need to go. Scraping and cleaning won’t cut it if the spores have taken root inside porous surfaces.

4. Dry the area completely. Fans and dehumidifiers are your friends. Moisture left behind is an open invitation for mold to start over.

5. Seal and repaint. Once the area is clean, dry, and sound, use a high-quality primer made for problem areas before painting. Products designed for bathrooms or basements help prevent future issues.

Prevent, Don’t Patch

Once you’ve done the hard work, prevention is your best defense. That means improving ventilation, keeping humidity below 50%, and addressing leaks immediately. It also means thinking long-term. Proper insulation, vapor barriers, and routine roof and gutter maintenance all play a role in keeping moisture (and mold) out.

Final Thoughts

Painting over mold might make things look better for a while, but it’s the home-improvement equivalent of spraying air freshener in a garbage can. The only real solution is to stop the problem at the source.

So, before you pick up that roller, step back, figure out what’s causing the moisture, and deal with the mold properly. It’ll save you time, money, and maybe even your lungs.

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.