Spring Cleaning Windows

Window washing is such a dreaded task that most homeowners don’t bother doing it. But there is nothing like clean glass to help bring the outdoors in and make your house feel really clean. If it has been awhile since you gave your windows some love, here are ten of my favorite tricks, tips, and hacks to simplify the job and get your glass gleaming again.

1. Never clean windows when it’s too cold or too warm. A cloudy, overcast day is your best bet for this job. 

2. Instead of relying on reams of paper towels, stop into your local hardware store and grab an eight-inch squeegee for those small panes. They make the job a lot easier with much less waste.

3. Don’t forget to wipe your squeegee blade between swipes to remove access cleaning solution and dirt. Otherwise you’ll just be spreading it around.

4. Here is a great DIY window cleaning solution. Combine one cup of hot water and one cup of white distilled vinegar. Mix in a spray bottle and there you have it. For very grimy windows, clean with hot soap and water first, followed by the vinegar mixture for a nice shine. 

5. To get rid of really pesky streaks, use a dry board eraser. Unlike paper towels, an eraser can do away with streaks without leaving lint behind. 

6. If you really hate washing windows, take an extra step, and apply a window protectant. The clear polymer coating will help protect the glass from dust, dirt, and grime for longer. 

7. Hard water spots can be tough to remove with a regular window cleaner. A dryer sheet will do the trick, just buff in circular motions. It works on mirrors and shower doors too. 

8. Caterpillars love building nests in window tracks. Clean them out with a thin screwdriver and then follow up with a firm, toothbrush-sized bristle brush. 

9. Hate cleaning blinds? Wrap a pair of kitchen tongs in two microfiber cloths and secure them with an elastic band on either side. Run the tongs between each slat to remove dust and pet dander. 

10. Have a can of WD-40 in the garage? A quick coat on freshly cleaned window sills will prevent dirt and grime from sticking.

If you swear that this round of window washing will be your last, consider upgrading to vinyl windows. The seamless, tilt-in design makes them so easy to clean and they are energy efficient too. It’s one of the best upgrades you can make to your home to save both time and money in the long run. 

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.

Start Now To Grow Gorgeous Grass This Year

With the colder weather hopefully behind us, you might already be dreaming about backyard barbecues and comfortable evenings enjoying the outdoors. With such a mild winter and spring already shooting up in the form of early flowers, now is actually a great time to start getting your lawn in order. It may seem early, but there are a few steps you can take now to make sure your grass looks great and green all season long. Here is what you need to know.

Start by performing a soil test. Grass can be finicky and the pH level of your soil will help you to better understand how to treat it. Experts suggest that the pH level should be between 6.0 and 7.0 and your reading will help you to figure out what nutrients your lawn needs. A soil test is always a smart first step so you don’t go out and buy fertilizer and seed that isn’t the right match. A soil test can be done by a professional landscaper or you can purchase a test kit at any hardware store.

Next, it’s time for clean-up. Start by removing any winter debris such as sticks, leaves, and needles. Then give your yard a good rake, even if it’s free of debris. Raking will dethatch the lawn, picking out the dead matter that collects on the bottom of the grass blades, closest to the ground. During the winter, thatch is good because it acts as a layer of warmth and protection. But as the temperature rises, it can block new grass from coming up. 

Once the lawn has been dethatched, it’s time for aeration. An aerator is a bit like a manual lawn mower but instead of cutting the grass, it pokes holes in the ground. Aeration is important because all grass needs sun, air, and water to grow. Aerating the lawn allows for better air and water flow and lets nutrients get to the roots of the grass more easily. Most people skip this step but I think it’s essential. 

Now I like to treat my lawn with a pre-emergent to help contain weeds. As I mentioned before, grass can be very temperamental, but weeds are strong and will grow in pretty much any condition. If left untreated, they will pop up all over your lawn and compete with grass for sunlight and water. Plus, they spread very easily. Depending on your soil test and the kind of law you have, a pre-emergent will help to keep those weeds at bay which will help your lawn to flourish.

Once your weeds have been treated, it’s time to reseed any bare spots. Thinning is normal with mature lawns, so you may want to reseed the entire lawn or just portions of it. The type of seed you use will depend on your lawn and your soil, so make sure you consult with the expert at your local hardware store before you buy your grass seed. A spreader makes this job quick and easy but the key is to keep the ground moist to allow the seeds to germinate. 

Finally, it’s time for fertilizer. You’ve worked this hard so make sure to give your grass the best possible chance to survive and thrive. Again, fertilizer is not a one size fits all product, and what’s right for your lawn depends on a number of factors. The key is to make sure the fertilizer you select has the nutrients your lawn needs to grow lush and beautiful. 

With all these tips comes one warning. While you might be tempted to get the mower out, it’s better to start slowly and let the grass grow a bit longer in the early season. If you follow the steps above and give the lawn a good clean-up before mowing, you’ll have longer, thicker, healthier grass all season long. Happy growing!

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 visitwww.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

How Do You Know When to Replace Your Roof?

When was the last time you took a good look at 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 for wear and tear. 

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 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.