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.

Asphalt Versus Metal Roofs

When thinking about a new roof, finding the right contractor, negotiating the best price, and deciding on the color and style are just a few of the options to navigate. But in the past, one thing homeowners often didn’t have to think about was the material, as asphalt roofs have been the most popular choice in our area for their cost-effectiveness and durability. But recently, metal has begun increasing in popularity. While metal roofs are more common in areas of the country with more extreme weather conditions, it’s always good to know about the different options available. So let’s take a deeper dive into the pros and cons of asphalt and metal roofs to help you make the best decision for your home.

The Asphalt Roof

Asphalt is the most popular choice with homeowners for a variety of reasons, but the single most important factor is almost always the price. The average cost to purchase the materials for an asphalt roof is nearly one-third of the cost of a metal roof. That cost differentiation gives asphalt the leg up almost every time. In addition to being the more cost-effective option of the two choices, there is a lot to love about asphalt. Individual shingles give a homeowner lots of color and design choices, and they are faster to install than a metal roof, often taking just a few days of labor. While most asphalt roofs come with a 30-year warranty, they are easy to repair if damaged, and a small section can be replaced without having to get a whole new roof. The material also performs exceptionally well in the rain, heat, sleet, and snow.

Of course, there are a few negative aspects of asphalt roofing that homeowners should be aware of. If you’re installing a new asphalt roof, I always recommend removing the old roof before installing new material, which does add to the labor cost. Another negative factor is the chance that mold, mildew, and algae will grow if a roof is shaded and stays damp for long periods of time. Also, while our Connecticut weather isn’t as severe as other parts of the country, very high winds can loosen shingles if they aren’t installed properly.

The Metal Roof

Even though they aren’t as common in our area, metal roofs have some very attractive qualities that make them worth considering. Firstly, the material is lighter than traditional asphalt roofs, and the metal sheets can often be installed right over regular asphalt as long as it doesn’t have water damage or rotten plywood underneath. Metal roofs also last longer than asphalt roofs, and maintenance is minimal. Mold and mildew cannot grow on metal so if you live in a damp area with lots of shade, this might be a worthwhile benefit. Another plus is that metal roofs are energy efficient all year round, helping to keep the house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Plus they perform very well in areas with very high-level snowfall.

Of course, there are a few cons that homeowners should be aware of, and the biggest one is cost. While metal roofs do last longer, the upfront cost can be three times as much as an asphalt roof. Additionally, if a metal roof needs to be repaired, that will also cost more as metal roofs are made in sheets and need to be replaced in that way. From an aesthetic perspective, metal roofs do come in different colors, but there aren't many more options in terms of design and aesthetics. Finally, it’s important to know that without the proper plywood installation and insulation, metal roofs can be noisy, which might not be a con for people who love the sound of rainstorms.

No matter which material you use, it’s important to do your research to find the best product for your individual home. The right roof with the right contractor at the right price will ensure that you live comfortably with peace of mind for many 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 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.