Put a Roof Inspection on Your Fall Maintenance List

Most people don’t realize their roof is in trouble until they have a problem which is why I always suggest conducting a bi-annual inspection in the spring and fall. If there is a problem now, I can almost guarantee that cold and snow are going to make it worse. 

Let’s start with the basics. 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 and it’s a good idea to get on top of it before it gets on top of you. 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 cracks 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.

Rebate Programs for Connecticut Home Improvements

If you’ve ever thought about renovating your home but you’re conscious about the planet, it’s worth making sure you’re up to speed on some of the rebates and incentives offered by EnergizeCT. As conscientious consumers, making smart decisions about your home remodeling while doing good for the planet is always a great idea. Here are some of the programs available this summer:

• Heat Pump: there are big savings for people looking to upgrade their heat and air conditioning. Work with a qualified contractor for your equipment and installation and you can get up to $15,000 in combined incentives.

• Pool Pumps: a summer of swimming is always fun but maintenance? Not so much. If you’re in the market for a new pool pump, Eversource customers can get a rebate of up to $100. The offer says you can save up to $290 a year in energy costs since the new ones use up to 18 percent less energy than a standard pump.

• Air Purifiers: these became a hot item after COVID and they continue to be popular amongst homeowners. You can snag $40 off a qualifying unit through the program and save money long-term too. ENERGY STAR® certified air purifiers are more than 25% more energy-efficient than standard models

• Dehumidifiers: during the summer months, I dump my basement dehumidifier twice a day. Excess moisture is a real problem in many homes and it can lead to mold and mildew if not dealt with. The average dehumidifier costs about $300 but you can get up to $25 off per qualifying unit with this incentive program

• Insulation: If you’re a regular reader, you’ll know how important having enough insulation is in the home. In addition to warmer winters and cooler summers, insulation is also a valuable improvement upon resale. You can get up to $1.70 per square foot for your insulation project which includes both batts and blown fiberglass. 

• Boilers and Furnaces: both of these essential appliances have a 20-year lifespan so if you’re coming to the end of yours, taking advantage of the rebate is a good idea. You can get up to $750 back if you choose an energy-efficient model and there is financing available too. 

• Thermostats: I love being able to set and adjust the temperature of my house from anywhere and it’s great for the planet too. Choose a Smart thermostat like Google Nest and get an $85 instant rebate. Plus they estimate energy savings of up to $180 on electric and $565 on gas.

As with any program or incentive, it’s always smart to read the fine print to ensure you qualify for the rebates. Head to energizect.com for the latest list of offerings and availability and happy home improvement shopping!

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.

Insulation is Worth the Investment All Year Round

With the summer heat in full swing, homeowners with air conditioning have most certainly relied on its luxuries. But for all the comfort that cold air provides, running the A/C constantly over long periods of time can do a number on your energy bills. This is especially true if you live in a home with poor insulation. 

Most people think about the benefits of insulation during the winter but the truth is that a well-insulated home will benefit you all year round. As many of us know from school science class, heat rises, which is why the top floor and attic are always warmer than the bottom floor of a house. When an attic has no insulation, it will become significantly hotter than the outside temperature. Go ahead and touch the ceiling. If it feels warm, you can just imagine what the temperature is like above it. 

When your home doesn’t have enough insulation, those air conditioning units have to do double duty to regulate the temperature. Whether you have central air or window units, they are working overtime to keep you comfortable. All that extra effort gets reflected in your energy bills at the end of the month. 

There are several places where a home can get a boost in the insulation department. The attic is the place for the biggest improvement because it has the largest square footage and sees the greatest temperature changes. It’s also a place in the home that we tend to ignore because we’re not in there very often. Insulation options run from blowing loose fiberglass under the floor to laying batts between the floor joists. There are pros and cons to each option and they depend on the size of the house, the clearance space, and what the attic is used for. No matter which way you go,  a well-insulated attic is a pretty inexpensive home improvement and it will more than pay for itself in both energy costs and overall resale value.

In addition to the attic, ensuring that windows and doors are free of gaps and holes will help to keep your cold air inside. Check your door sweeps to see if they need replacing and seal any windows with caulk or sealing tape. Again, this is going to benefit your home both now and in the winter when you’re trying to keep the warm air in. 

Finally, for those of you with window A/C units, be sure to insulate around them. You can do this simply by using flexible foam to get a good seal on the top and bottom of the unit. Also, those side curtains aren’t there for nothing. Make sure they are tight-fitting and screwed in to help anchor the unit and keep the sides nice and secure. A window A/C that’s dropped in with no insulation is effectively only running at half power since so much of the cold air goes right back outside. It’s worth taking the extra steps to do it right. 

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.