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.

What's That Smell in Your Basement?

Most people think that a musty-smelling basement is normal. After all, isn’t that what you would expect from a part of the house that’s underground? The truth is that, while common, that damp odor that’s become expected is actually a sign of something more sinister than smell. 

First, let’s address what it is we’re smelling. Since basements are damper than any other part of the house, they are susceptible to higher humidity. Where there is high humidity, there is also a high chance for mold and mildew to spore. Why is this a problem? In addition to being bad for your home’s health, it’s terrible for yours too. Mold and mildew can bring on asthma and allergies and can make anyone with a respiratory problem feel a lot worse. 

The ideal humidity level for most homes is 50% or lower, but in basements, humidity can often skyrocket to 80%, which is the perfect environment for mold to flourish. If your basement seems extra damp, I highly suggest investing in a dehumidifier that will work to draw the moisture out of the air. You’ll be shocked at how quickly the holding tank on an average-sized unit fills. You may have to dump it daily, but in doing so you’ll be removing moisture that allows mold to grow in the first place.

Once you have rid your basement of extra moisture, it’s time to purify the air. Overly humid areas attract a lot of bacteria, which is what causes the smell in the first place. That bacteria can live in walls and spread into your fabrics, furniture, and storage. By killing the bacteria in the air, you will remove contaminants that not only stink, but can also cause or irritate allergies, asthma, and immune system disorders.

One of the best air dehumidification and purification units I’ve seen is by Aerus.  They produce a system that uses NASA technology to remove pathogens, pollution, contaminants, and even pet dander from the air. Regardless of what brand you go with, be sure to look for a unit that has the EnergyStar seal, and make sure that you pay attention to the capacity of the air filtration as it pertains to your room size. If you have a big space with a lot of moisture, you might want to consider a unit that has a self-draining system to save your back and your patience.

Regardless of your plan of attack, the air quality in your home should be taken seriously. If your kids are coughing or have allergies and you seem to have difficulty breathing at home, it might be worth a call to your local pro for an air quality inspection. The symptoms of a mold allergy are not dissimilar to a common cold or even COVID, so a simple reading of your in-home humidity might be a smart step once other things are ruled out.

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.

Beware of Outdoor Remodeling During Winter Months

You might not believe it, but this time of year I get a lot of calls from homeowners who want to put on a new roof or update their vinyl siding. People often think winter is a good opportunity to do outdoor work since it’s past the holiday period and before spring sets in. As much as I hate to disappoint, now is actually a pretty dangerous time of year to do any exterior projects and here’s why:

• When the weather is below 40 degrees, building materials start to change. As it gets colder, products such as shingles can get brittle and crack or split more easily. Materials such as vinyl siding shrink, which can lead to misalignment or potential for leaks when they later expand as the weather warms.

• Another big issue is shingle adherence. Shingle sealant is activated by sun and heat. If there is not enough of either, the hold won’t be as strong as it should be, which could cause problems down the road. If the weather is too cold, we are often forced to hand seal, which can add time and cost to a generally simple process.

• Most contractors use an air nail gun for external remodeling, which works by pressure. If humidity turns to ice in the airline, it can under or overdrive the nails instead of putting them in flush. Compressors face the same potential problem. 

• Being on a roof or ladder in winter is dangerous. Even the most seasoned professionals need to take care as black ice can cause serious injury. While we take every precaution, there is a lot that can go wrong during cold conditions. It’s often not worth the risk. 

• Winter weather is unpredictable. When it rains in the warmer months, we tarp a job thoroughly to ensure there aren’t any leaks. Snow is more difficult as it adds both moisture and weight to a job. Imagine having a roof open in February and a foot of snow falls from the sky.

• A cold weather installation could void your warranty. Many products specify a proper installation environment, which is usually above 40 degrees. 

• Winter jobs almost always take longer as roofers need to take extra precautions and more frequent breaks while working in cold conditions. The last thing you want is someone on a roof who can’t feel their toes. There is also less daylight, which will add time to an installation.

Sometimes, a winter repair or replacement is inevitable, and leaving the job until spring might make things worse. If this is the case for you, be sure that you’re working with an experienced contractor who has a solid track record in winter conditions and discuss all the precautions and extra steps that will be taken to ensure the job is done properly. The last thing you want is someone getting injured or a situation where corners have to be cut to accommodate less than fair conditions. In the end, is it really worth it? 

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.