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.

Interior Design Colors of the Year 2024

Every autumn, all the major paint brands and color influencers choose a specific shade that sets the mood for the year to come. Influenced by what’s happening in the world around us as well as trends in fashion, design, and pop culture, the “Color of the Year” is chosen to give people inspiration for how to design and decorate their homes. While each major brand goes its own way, there are sometimes overlaps or themes that really set the tone for the upcoming season. Here is a sneak peek of what we will soon see in homes across social media, according to the big names in color. 

Limitless by Glidden for PPG

Anything but white, this creamy neutral shade is warm and inviting, the perfect pick-me-up that still pairs well with a wide-ranging palette. A beautiful canvas for warmer tones, it works well for walls, trims, and cabinets, setting the stage for more dramatic design elements. If you love neutral colors but are tired of dominant whites and grays, this is the hue for you. 

Renew Blue by Valspar

A sleepy shade of soft sky blue, this shade for 2024 offers off-season coastal vibes when the weather turns, the beach is quiet and everything feels calm and meditative. Think fog, mist, clouds, and everyday earthy elements that lean towards restoration and reflection.  This color looks beautiful when paired with other blue and gray tones and really pops with a contrast of gold. 

Cracked Pepper by Behr

A deep charcoal hue that adds style and elegance to any room and makes for a perfect alternative to black. The softness enables this color to fit in as comfortably in a modern farmhouse aesthetic as it would in a more industrial and modern apartment. If you’ve ever wanted to paint a whole room black but your nerves got the best of you, this is the color that fits the bill. 

Persimmon by HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams

The most vibrant of the picks so far, this color offers the warmth of a Tuscan country estate. A far cry from Barbie, this is pink all grown up with a sophistication that feels elegant and inviting. Warm orange tones bring a nice balance to this color, especially when paired with tans, mossy greens, and deep gray-blues. It’s unique and unexpected but won’t go out of style anytime soon. 

Ironside by Dutch Boy

Army green with an upscale edge, this 2024 pick feels ultra-earthy and sets the stage for settling in. We like the way Dutch Boy uses Ironside as an alternative trim color to typical white or black tones, pairing the deep green with peach and blue hues for a look that’s unique. We would pick this for a masculine retreat, office, or as a way to bring nature into the home. 

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.

What to Plant for a Fall Harvest

If you think late summer is the time to give your garden a rest, think again. This time of year is perfect to get late fall and winter veggies into the ground to enjoy a delicious harvest even when the frost sets in. For those of you with a green thumb or even if you regret not making the most of your garden earlier this year, now is a great time to get planting. Let’s start with three basic tips.

First, make a note of the frost dates. A smart cool weather garden will thrive if plants are in the ground and have time to mature well before the daytime temperature starts to settle at around 55 degrees. The almanac has the first frost around the second week in October, which means you have about six weeks to get your crops settled in. 

If you’ve decided on a fall garden, you might want to think about building a cold frame. You can buy one at a local hardware store, or make your own using plywood and plastic with holes for ventilation. For a small garden, a hinged plexiglass box will do the trick but for larger beds, consider heavy-duty plastic sheeting.

Lastly, use this opportunity to give back to your garden and prepare it for next season. If you’re not too picky about what to plant or you aren’t interested in harvesting, consider a cover crop - a species that will improve the health of your soil, enhance your garden’s biodiversity, and keep pests and weeds at bay. Peas and beans are the best choices for veggies while clover, rye, buckwheat, and sorghum work really well as a nutrient-enriching cover.

Once you’ve committed to a fall garden, the only decision is what to plant. Some of my favorite vegetables do really well in the colder months, so luckily you have tons to choose from. In terms of leafy greens, you have your pick with chard, kale, lettuce of all kinds, and spinach. Other tough veggies like broccoli, beets, carrots, and radishes are plenty strong enough for these colder months.  My favorite roasters like pumpkins, fennel, parsnips, turnips, and Brussels sprouts also do incredibly well this time of year. And let’s not forget rhubarb for a delicious late-season pie!

If you love all these veggies but can’t get yourself to commit to a late summer garden, don’t worry. Bookmark this for six months' time and get excited to kick off the spring with early planting. Happy Gardening!

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.