A Spring Roof and Gutter Check

Spring is the ideal time to check in on your roof and gutters. With better weather and clear visibility, it’s easier to catch small issues early, before they turn into expensive repairs.

1. Start with Safety

Before anything else, set yourself up safely. Use a sturdy ladder on level ground, wear shoes with good grip, and avoid working alone. If your roof is steep or hard to access, this is your cue to call in a professional.

2. Do a Walkaround First

Stay on the ground and take a slow lap around your home. Look for missing shingles, uneven rooflines, or piles of debris left behind from winter storms. Binoculars can help you get a closer look without climbing up.

3. Take a Closer Look at the Roof

If conditions are safe, get up there for a better inspection. Freeze-thaw cycles can loosen shingles and weaken vulnerable areas. Pay extra attention to spots like roof valleys, chimneys, and skylights.

4. Check Flashing and Seals

Flashing around vents, chimneys, and joints can crack or shift during the winter. Look for rust, gaps, or worn sealant. These small issues are often where leaks begin.

5. Clear the Gutters

Gutters tend to collect everything winter throws at them like leaves, twigs, and shingle grit. Clean them out thoroughly and make sure downspouts are draining properly. If water can’t move away from your home, it will find somewhere else to go, like your foundation.

6. Make Sure Gutters Are Sloped Correctly

Water should flow easily toward your downspouts. If you notice standing water or overflow, check the pitch and adjust the hangers if needed. A slight slope makes a big difference.

7. Inspect Fascia and Soffits

These areas often show early signs of trouble. Look for peeling paint, soft spots, or signs of pests. Moisture damage here can quietly spread if left unchecked.

8. Check the Attic

Head inside and look up. Water stains, mold, or a musty smell are red flags. While you’re there, make sure vents are clear so your attic can breathe. Trapped moisture is never your friend.

9. Document What You See

Take photos of anything that looks off. It makes it easier to track changes, explain issues to a contractor, or support an insurance claim if needed.

10. Bring in a Pro

A yearly professional inspection is worth it. Contractors know where problems like to hide and can catch issues early, before they turn into major repairs.

Spring is all about resetting and your home deserves the same treatment. Your roof put in a long shift this winter. Give it a once-over now so it’s ready for everything the next season brings. A little attention today beats a big repair bill tomorrow.

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.

Siding Trends for 2022

One of the best ways to instantly transform your home is with siding. As a durable, easy to clean, and highly customizable option, it’s no wonder why siding, and vinyl, in particular, is such a popular choice for savvy homeowners. Let’s have a look at what trends are popular now and what we’ll be sure to see in the years to come. 

Bold and Beautiful

While white will always be a classic color, darker shades of maroon, navy, green, gray, and brown are making a serious comeback. Popular in the 1980s, the dark look is being seen more and more in new construction and homeowners are making the choice to go bold with a deeper shade. Consider pairing a dark hue with a lighter trim for a nice contrast that will make the home stand out. 

Black and White

If a dark house isn’t your cup of tea, you might want to try the reverse. We’re seeing more and more light and white homes embrace dark color trims, especially black and charcoal. If you prefer to stick to a neutral siding tone, darker accents around doors, windows, soffits, and porch banisters can still add personality without being over the top. 

Texture

Another trend that’s gaining popularity is a textural finish on vinyl siding. Flat, smooth panels are making room for everything from wood shakes to stone and stucco finishes. Many people opt to use a designer finish in certain areas of the house to distinguish certain architectural features which add character and give a more polished, upscale look. 

Shading

While contrast certainly makes a statement, many people are opting to stick to one color family for a more subtle dimension. Plan to see siding, trim, and roofing in various shades of grays, browns, and greens, which give a home a warmer contrast that feels subdued yet polished. 

Vertical

Finally, now might be the time to consider vertical vinyl siding. This is a fantastic approach that gives a home height and it can be used in conjunction with horizontal siding for a unique look. Vertical siding is also easy to clean and slightly less resistant to mold growing in the seams. It’s slightly more expensive to install, so keep that in mind if you’re considering this look.

Speaking of cost, one last thing to consider is the cost of materials these days. Remodeling projects are in high demand and so too are supplies. Between manufacturing, transportation, and logistics, your project might take a little longer and cost a little more than you would expect. Ask your contractor about any potential delays or price increases while you’re getting your quotes to be sure your project runs as smoothly as it should. 

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.