Put a Roof Check on Your Fall Maintenance List

When it comes to protecting your home, your roof is the unsung hero. It shields you from rain, wind, snow, and sun every single day. Yet most homeowners don’t think twice about it until a problem pops up. By then, it’s usually more than just a minor inconvenience. That’s why fall is the perfect time to give your roof some attention. Taking a little time now can save you a lot of stress and money once winter sets in.

Take a Quick Look

Start simple. Stand back in your yard and scan your roof from the ground. Do the shingles look flat and uniform? Or do you see sagging areas, dark streaks, or patches that just don’t look right? Those could be early warning signs of bigger problems.

Don’t forget the inside of your home either. Water stains on the ceiling, peeling paint, or small cracks in your walls can all signal that moisture is making its way in. Even if you don’t see active dripping, these issues usually start small and then spread. Catching them early is the key.

Remember the Roof’s Birthday

Age is one of the biggest factors in how your roof performs. Most roofs last about 20 years, but that number isn’t set in stone. The quality of the installation, insulation, and ventilation all make a difference. A roof that’s well-installed and properly ventilated can easily last a few extra years, while a poorly maintained one can wear out much sooner.

If your roof is pushing the two-decade mark - or if you’re not sure how old it is - it’s time to start planning ahead. This is especially important if you’ve recently bought your home. Knowing when your roof was last replaced can help you budget and avoid surprises down the road.

Check Those Shingles

Shingles are your roof’s first line of defense, and they’re also one of the easiest things to inspect. Look for shingles that are curling at the edges, splitting down the middle, or missing altogether. These issues often happen as roofs age and are exposed to the elements year after year.

While you’re at it, take a peek at your gutters and downspouts. If you notice piles of shingle granules collecting there, it’s a sign that the protective coating on your shingles is wearing away. Once that happens, your roof is much more vulnerable to leaks.

Don’t Brush Off Moss or Mold

It’s not unusual to see a little moss or dark staining on a roof, but don’t ignore it. Moss and mold thrive in damp, shaded areas, and they can signal that moisture is getting trapped under your shingles. Left unchecked, that moisture can lead to rotting plywood and costly structural damage.

Sometimes, the fix is as simple as cleaning the roof and improving ventilation. Other times, it may require replacing damaged areas. If you’re not sure which it is, calling in a professional is the safest route.

Look Inside, Too

Your ceilings and walls can often tell you what your roof can’t. Yellowish-brown stains, bubbling paint, or cracked drywall are all signs of water damage. Even if the issue looks small, it’s best not to wait. Roof leaks don’t heal themselves - they only get worse. Acting quickly can prevent a small drip from becoming a major repair job.

Call in the Pros

If you’re not comfortable judging the condition of your roof - or just want peace of mind - bring in an expert. Many roofing companies, ours included, offer free inspections. A roofer can tell you how much life your roof has left, point out any problem areas, and recommend the best next steps.

One of the most common reasons roofs fail before their time is poor ventilation and insulation. These issues can cause shingles to age faster, trap moisture, and even lead to rot. A good roofer won’t just look at the surface - they’ll check what’s going on underneath, too.

A little preventative maintenance this fall can make all the difference. Your roof protects everything beneath it. Giving it a checkup now means fewer surprises, fewer headaches, and fewer bills later on.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. For questions, email info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” Questions may be selected 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.

Signs That It's Time To Replace Your Roof

When was the last time you inspected the condition of your roof? If it has been a while, now is the time to do it. Most roof problems are caused by snow, wind, rain, and ice, making spring the perfect season to assess your home for damage. 

When you look at your roof, what do you see? Are the shingles intact? Is any part sagging or discolored? Are there dark spots on the outside or ceiling cracks and yellowing inside? These can all be signs of a deteriorating roof. But how long is a roof actually supposed to last, and is a new roof worth the investment? Here are some things to think about when it comes to roof replacement.

1. How old is your roof? Roofs generally last about 20 years, and the reason I say generally is that the life of the roof depends on how it was installed and if it has proper insulation and ventilation. If a roof is done correctly, it can often last longer than 20 years. If you don’t know, it’s worth finding out, especially if you recently purchased your house or are thinking about buying one.

2. Are your shingles curling, splitting, or falling off? This could be due to age and general wear and tear. If this is happening, your roof will be much more susceptible to leaks, which can cause major problems both inside and out. Take a look at where your downspouts deposit onto the ground. If there are lots of granules, that’s a sign of shingle deterioration.

3. Do you see moss or mold growing on your roof? This is a problem that could be fixed with a simple roof cleaning, or it could be a sign that you have rotting plywood and damaging moisture trapped under the shingles. A simple inspection will tell you if it’s a quick cosmetic fix or something more complex that needs to be repaired.

4. Are there yellowish-brown stains or cracking on the ceiling inside the house? This might be water damage coming from the attic which is a problem you don’t want to ignore. If leaks are already happening, they are only going to get worse. 

Many remodelers will do a roof inspection for free, so if you’re unsure about how your roof is holding up, consult with an expert. I always tell the homeowners how long I think their roof will last based on its current condition and the external environment. The number one reason roofs don’t make it through their warranty is because of poor ventilation and insulation, which will lead to premature roof aging and rot. If you’re dealing with a good roofer, they will explain all the options available to you, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. 
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.

New Solar Roofs Pave The Way for Greener Homes

If you’re thinking about a new roof and have ever contemplated solar, the best of both worlds has just landed on the market. Announced this week at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, roofing giant GAF unveiled the first-ever solar shingle that can be installed just like a regular roof.

The new product, called Timberline Solar Energy Shingle™, is poised to take on energy powerhouse Tesla, which rolled out its solar roofing option back in 2016. While aesthetically pleasing, the Tesla option is not only expensive, it also requires specialized installation which makes up a large portion of the cost. The GAF product can be installed by any qualified roofing contractor with a nailgun and was designed to merge seamlessly with traditional GAF shingles. While still more expensive than a regular roof, GAF says that their solution will cost roughly half that of the Tesla product. 

Impressively, the Timberline Solar Energy Shingle™ was honored at CES for Best of Innovation Award for Smart Cities, in addition to receiving innovation awards in the smart cities and smart home categories. It’s worth noting, however, that, unlike Tesla solar which looks like regular roof shingles, the GAF option is visible. The new product is much lower profile than a traditional solar panel and does blend in much better, making it more appealing for homeowners who dislike the look of the panels currently in the market. 

So how does it work? The top half of the solar shingle is nailed to the roof, while the bottom half overlaps the previous shingle, remaining exposed. The bottom, sun-facing section of the shingle is made of photovoltaic cells instead of traditional asphalt. Each shingle collects energy and then transfers it through wires that daisy-chain together. The cost depends on the size of the roof and the product comes with a 25-year warranty, which GAF believes is enough time for the roof to pay for itself in energy savings. 

More than five million residential roofs are installed in the U.S. each year and GAF is the largest player in the roofing space with roughly 25% market share. Solar roofs will become available here on the East Coast next week, with the rollout to expand west in the spring. 

Personally, I have always been a fan of solar, but the look of traditional panels leaves much to be desired, not to mention the fact that people’s roofs are often damaged during installation. I get plenty of calls from homeowners with roof leaks and animal nesting issues, so while the energy generated from solar panels is efficient and money-saving, the problems that arise can be costly. GAF Energy is exciting because it will enable homeowners to adopt solar more easily without diminishing curb appeal, which is a big win for the industry. 

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Will this new innovation entice you to consider solar? Do you think solar roofs will be the way of the future? Message me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/odonnellbros with your questions and comments.

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.