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.

Homeowners Be Aware of Rising Remodeling Costs

If it seems like everything is costing more these days, it’s not your imagination. From soaring gas prices to rising grocery bills, the pandemic and the war on Ukraine are impacting consumers’ pockets in more ways than one. 

In the remodeling industry, we’ve seen homeowners renovating their properties more than ever before, but those projects are coming at a price. The US Census Bureau reports that construction materials are up 17.5 percent year over year from 2020 to 2021, the highest increase in a single year since the 1970s. Everything from lumber to concrete to metal is costing more and prices aren’t expected to drop anytime soon. 

Let me give you an example. An average-sized 1,600 square foot house would need roughly 50 sheets of new plywood for a roof. That plywood would cost a contractor a little less than $20 per sheet before the pandemic. Today, the price is nearly $50 per sheet. That 40 percent increase isn’t a cost that a contractor can simply absorb. Some of it has to be passed down to the customer.

Wood isn’t the only commodity where prices are exploding. Russia is a major producer of copper and aluminum, which have seen price surges of 33 percent and 25 percent respectively year on year. Then, of course, there are issues with getting the materials where they need to go. Pandemic-triggered worker shortages are causing massive delays in logistics as companies struggle to find truck drivers. 

Let’s not forget the price of fuel. The average cost for a gallon of gas in the U.S. hit a record of $4.17 a gallon earlier this week, breaking a previous record of $4.11 that had stood firm since 2008. Here in Connecticut, the average price per gallon is $4.36, the eighth highest in the country. Prices were already going up before the invasion of Ukraine, but costs are now skyrocketing as the oil industry rejects crude from Russia.

So when do we think things will level out again? Truth be told, not anytime soon. The U.S. is still struggling with a worker shortage and materials are slow to get into warehouses due to shipping delays and material scarcity. Work is getting done, but at a higher cost and a slower rate than we are used to. My advice? Plan to be patient, have a little flexibility and be sure to hire a reputable professional for any project you’re considering around the house. 

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.

Beware of Dangerous Ice Dams

We all know that snowfall, freezing rain, and sleet make for icy conditions on sidewalks and roads. But did you know that your roof is actually where hazardous winter weather can do the most harm? 

I’m talking about ice dams, a solid mass that forms when heavy snow blankets the roof, creating an extra layer of insulation. As warm air rises from your house and up through your attic, it causes the snow to melt and the water to slide down into the gutters. This would normally be just fine, but because so many homes in our area aren’t properly insulated, the melting ice will often make contact with the cold eaves of the roof and freeze again instead of draining off through the gutters. This forms an ice blockage. 

If not taken care of, that ice can grow if the weather stays cold. The dam can even get strong enough to lift up your roof shingles, creating gaps that will let the water through and into the attic. This is when people start to see leaks in their ceilings and walls. 

The best way to avoid this problem is by taking preventative measures. When you’re shoveling your driveway and clearing your sidewalks, think about snow removal for your roof too. This will help to avoid any potentially dangerous build-up. If an ice dam is already forming, one easy way to get rid of it is to simply fill a pair of pantyhose with ice melt and put it directly on the dam. If you’re not used to being on a ladder, don’t even think about getting up there in the winter months. A professional can help clear any winter debris from the house safely.

These, of course, are just stop-gap measures. The only way to prevent ice dams from forming permanently is to have your home properly insulated and ventilated. More than 75% of homes in our area are under-insulated which causes the heat from your home to shoot right through the roof. Having appropriate insulation and ventilation will keep your home free from ice dams and will keep you much more comfortable in both the winter and the summer. You’ll feel the difference immediately, and you’ll see the benefit in your energy bills too. 

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.