Does Your House Need Gutter Guards

September is one of those months when I start looking up at the trees around my house and thinking about what’s coming. Right now, the leaves are still mostly where they belong. Give it another few weeks, though, and they’ll be on the lawn, in the driveway, and, of course, filling up the gutters.

That makes now a good time to ask a question I hear from homeowners pretty regularly: Does my house need gutter guards?

My answer? It really depends on your house. Gutter guards are designed to keep leaves and other debris from getting into your gutters while still allowing rainwater to flow through. They can be a great addition to many homes, particularly here in Connecticut, where many of us have large, mature trees close to our houses. But that doesn’t mean every house needs them.

To decide if yours is one of them, the first thing I’d do is simply look around your property. Do you have large trees close to the house? If branches extend over or near your roof, your gutters are probably collecting more than just leaves. Pine needles, acorns, seed pods, twigs, and other debris can all end up there. If you're cleaning your gutters several times between September and December, gutter guards may make that job considerably easier.

Next, think about how difficult your gutters are to reach. A ranch with easily accessible gutters is one thing. A two- or three-story house with steep rooflines is another. Cleaning gutters from a ladder can be dangerous, and the harder your gutters are to reach, the more valuable it can be to reduce how frequently they need attention.

Another thing to think about is if your gutters clog regularly. This is probably the biggest clue. If you notice water spilling over the sides of your gutters during a rainstorm, don't ignore it. Sometimes the problem is as simple as a clog, although there can be other causes. Either way, water isn't being directed through your gutter and down your downspout; that's something worth addressing.

Lastly, what kind of debris are you dealing with? Not every property has the same problem. Big maple and oak leaves are different from pine needles or smaller debris. There are several styles of gutter guards available, and what works well for one house isn't necessarily the best choice for another.

There's also an important misconception I always like to clear up: Gutter guards don't mean you can forget about your gutters forever. Even with guards, leaves and debris can collect on top. Smaller material can sometimes get through. Gutters and downspouts should still be checked periodically to make sure water is flowing properly. The goal is to reduce maintenance, not eliminate it.

If you're thinking about adding gutter guards, now is a particularly good time to take care of it. Start by having the gutters cleaned and inspected. Make sure they're secure, that there aren't damaged or sagging sections, and that your downspouts are draining properly. There's no sense putting a new system over gutters that already have a problem.

Then take a look at the trees around your house and think back to last fall. Were you constantly cleaning gutters? Did you have overflowing water every time it rained? Are your gutters high enough that cleaning them has become a job you'd rather not tackle now, or in the future as you and your house age?

If you're answering yes to those questions, your house may be a very good candidate for gutter guards. It's a lot nicer to figure that out on a September afternoon than halfway up a ladder with a handful of wet leaves in November.

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.” For your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for general guidance only.

What's Under Your Roof Matters

When you’re getting estimates for a new roof, most of the conversation naturally revolves around the things you can see, including the shingles, color, style and, of course, the final price.

There is another part of your roof that deserves just as much attention, even though you will probably never see it once the job is finished: the plywood underneath.

The plywood, also called roof decking or sheathing, is essentially the foundation of your roofing system. The underlayment and shingles are installed over it, so the decking needs to be solid, dry and structurally sound enough to properly support the new roof. The tricky part is that we often do not know exactly what condition that plywood is in until the old roof comes off.

A roof can look relatively normal from the outside while hiding deteriorated plywood underneath. Years of small leaks, condensation, poor ventilation, or moisture intrusion can leave sections of the decking soft, rotten, moldy or otherwise compromised. Once the old shingles and underlayment are removed, the roofing crew finally gets a good look at what has been happening underneath.

Does that mean every roof replacement needs all-new plywood? Not necessarily. If the existing decking is dry, solid, properly installed, and in good condition, there may be no reason to replace it. However, if portions have deteriorated, replacing those sections is an important part of doing the roof correctly.

This is also one of the areas where homeowners can get caught off guard by cost. Plywood is expensive, and depending on how much needs to be replaced, it can add a noticeable amount to the final bill. When you are already making a major investment in a new roof, it is understandable to wonder whether the old plywood can simply stay in place.

Putting brand-new roofing materials over deteriorated decking is a little like installing beautiful new hardwood floors over a damaged subfloor. You may save money that day, but you have not solved the underlying problem.

Weak or damaged decking may not hold roofing fasteners as securely as sound material. It can also contribute to uneven or sagging areas and leave the roofing system more vulnerable to problems in the future. Most importantly, you are installing a product designed to last for decades over a foundation that may already be deteriorating.

There is also the issue of the manufacturer’s warranty. Roofing manufacturers generally require shingles to be installed according to their specifications and over an appropriate, sound roof deck. Installing shingles over compromised or improperly prepared decking can potentially affect warranty coverage. The exact requirements vary by manufacturer and product, which is another reason the condition of the decking should be addressed during installation rather than ignored.

I always encourage homeowners to look beyond the big number at the bottom of a roofing estimate and review what is actually included. Ask your contractor what the estimate says about plywood or roof decking, whether any replacement is included and what the additional cost will be if deteriorated sections are discovered after the old roof is removed.

This is especially important when comparing estimates from different contractors. One contractor may appear considerably less expensive than another, but the two estimates may not include the same scope of work. If one accounts for replacing damaged decking and another barely mentions it, the lower price may not tell the whole story.

Nobody likes unexpected costs during a home improvement project, and contractors do not particularly enjoy delivering that news either. However, when we uncover rotten or deteriorated plywood, replacing what needs to be replaced is usually money better spent than covering up the problem and hoping for the best.

A new roof is a significant investment in your home, and ideally, you should be able to install it and not worry about it again for a very long time. When the old shingles come off, homeowners should understand what is underneath, review the condition of the decking with their contractor and know how any necessary replacement will affect the project.

Saving money is always worthwhile, but cutting a corner that could compromise the life of your new roof rarely is.

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.” For your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for general guidance only.

When you’re getting estimates for a new roof, most of the conversation naturally revolves around the things you can see, including the shingles, color, style and, of course, the final price.

There is another part of your roof that deserves just as much attention, even though you will probably never see it once the job is finished: the plywood underneath.

The plywood, also called roof decking or sheathing, is essentially the foundation of your roofing system. The underlayment and shingles are installed over it, so the decking needs to be solid, dry and structurally sound enough to properly support the new roof. The tricky part is that we often do not know exactly what condition that plywood is in until the old roof comes off.

A roof can look relatively normal from the outside while hiding deteriorated plywood underneath. Years of small leaks, condensation, poor ventilation, or moisture intrusion can leave sections of the decking soft, rotten, moldy or otherwise compromised. Once the old shingles and underlayment are removed, the roofing crew finally gets a good look at what has been happening underneath.

Does that mean every roof replacement needs all-new plywood? Not necessarily. If the existing decking is dry, solid, properly installed, and in good condition, there may be no reason to replace it. However, if portions have deteriorated, replacing those sections is an important part of doing the roof correctly.

This is also one of the areas where homeowners can get caught off guard by cost. Plywood is expensive, and depending on how much needs to be replaced, it can add a noticeable amount to the final bill. When you are already making a major investment in a new roof, it is understandable to wonder whether the old plywood can simply stay in place.

Putting brand-new roofing materials over deteriorated decking is a little like installing beautiful new hardwood floors over a damaged subfloor. You may save money that day, but you have not solved the underlying problem.

Weak or damaged decking may not hold roofing fasteners as securely as sound material. It can also contribute to uneven or sagging areas and leave the roofing system more vulnerable to problems in the future. Most importantly, you are installing a product designed to last for decades over a foundation that may already be deteriorating.

There is also the issue of the manufacturer’s warranty. Roofing manufacturers generally require shingles to be installed according to their specifications and over an appropriate, sound roof deck. Installing shingles over compromised or improperly prepared decking can potentially affect warranty coverage. The exact requirements vary by manufacturer and product, which is another reason the condition of the decking should be addressed during installation rather than ignored.

I always encourage homeowners to look beyond the big number at the bottom of a roofing estimate and review what is actually included. Ask your contractor what the estimate says about plywood or roof decking, whether any replacement is included and what the additional cost will be if deteriorated sections are discovered after the old roof is removed.

This is especially important when comparing estimates from different contractors. One contractor may appear considerably less expensive than another, but the two estimates may not include the same scope of work. If one accounts for replacing damaged decking and another barely mentions it, the lower price may not tell the whole story.

Nobody likes unexpected costs during a home improvement project, and contractors do not particularly enjoy delivering that news either. However, when we uncover rotten or deteriorated plywood, replacing what needs to be replaced is usually money better spent than covering up the problem and hoping for the best.

A new roof is a significant investment in your home, and ideally, you should be able to install it and not worry about it again for a very long time. When the old shingles come off, homeowners should understand what is underneath, review the condition of the decking with their contractor and know how any necessary replacement will affect the project.

Saving money is always worthwhile, but cutting a corner that could compromise the life of your new roof rarely is.

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.” For your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for general guidance only.

10 Summer Projects to Tackle Before the Weather Turns

10 Summer Projects to Tackle Before the Weather Turns

Summer always seems to pass faster than expected, and before long, the warm days give way to cooler nights and the start of another heating season. While the weather is still on our side, now is a good time to handle a few projects that can protect your home, improve its appearance and prevent headaches later. Here are 10 practical jobs worth checking off the list before the season begins to change.

1. Inspect the roof

After the brutal summer storm season we’ve had, inspecting the roof should be near the top of the list. You don’t need to climb up there to do a basic check. From the ground, look for missing, curled or damaged shingles, along with loose flashing around chimneys and vents. After a hard rain, check the attic for damp spots, staining or other signs of a leak. Small roof problems have a way of becoming expensive ones once snow, ice and freezing temperatures arrive.

2. Clean the gutters and downspouts

Gutter cleaning usually gets saved for late fall, but a midsummer check is a smart move, especially after heavy rain or storms. Remove leaves, twigs and other debris, and make sure downspouts direct water several feet away from the foundation. If water is spilling over the sides or pooling near the house, it’s time to find out why.

3. Seal gaps around windows and doors

Take a walk around the house and inspect the caulk around windows, doors and exterior trim. Cracked or missing caulk allows water and outside air to work their way in. Replacing it is a relatively inexpensive project that can help prevent moisture damage and make the house more comfortable when heating season begins.

4. Repair the deck or porch

Summer is the ideal time to replace loose boards, reset popped fasteners and tighten shaky railings. Watch for soft or discolored wood, particularly where posts and stairs meet the ground. If the surface is dry and in good condition, consider applying a fresh coat of stain or sealer. Just allow enough rain-free time for the product to cure properly.

5. Touch up exterior paint

You may not need to repaint the entire house. Focus on peeling or bare areas around trim, fascia boards, doors and windows. Paint does more than improve curb appeal; it protects wood from sun and moisture. Prep matters, so remove loose paint, clean the surface and let it dry before applying anything new.

6. Check outdoor drainage

The next time it rains, pay attention to where the water goes. Soil should slope gently away from the foundation, and window wells should be clear of leaves and debris. Low spots near the house may need additional soil. Correcting drainage now can help prevent basement leaks, foundation trouble and icy patches later in the year.

7. Freshen up the entry

The front entrance is one of the hardest-working areas of the house. Adjust a door that sticks, replace worn weatherstripping, tighten the handle and lubricate the hinges. A fresh coat of paint, updated light fixture or new house numbers can also make a noticeable difference without turning into a major remodeling project.

8. Service the heating system

No one wants to discover a furnace problem on the first cold night of the year. Schedule professional maintenance before the fall rush, replace the filter and make sure vents aren’t blocked by furniture. If you have a fireplace or wood stove, arrange for the chimney and flue to be inspected and cleaned as needed.

9. Get the garage under control

Pick a cooler morning and spend a few hours sorting the garage. Dispose of old paint and household chemicals according to local rules, move seasonal equipment where it’s easy to reach and clear the area around the electrical panel and mechanical equipment. It’s also a good time to test the garage door’s auto-reverse safety feature.

10. Plan the bigger projects

Maybe the kitchen needs more storage, the bathroom is showing its age or the family has outgrown the current layout. Summer is a good time to start those conversations, even if construction won’t begin right away. Planning, design, product selection and permitting can take longer than homeowners expect. Getting an early start gives you more time to make good decisions without feeling rushed.

You don’t have to complete everything in one weekend. Choose the projects that protect the house first, then tackle the cosmetic improvements as time and budget allow. A little work now can mean fewer surprises, and a much more comfortable home, when the weather starts to turn.

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.