Put a Roof Check on Your Fall Maintenance List

When it comes to protecting your home, your roof is the unsung hero. It shields you from rain, wind, snow, and sun every single day. Yet most homeowners don’t think twice about it until a problem pops up. By then, it’s usually more than just a minor inconvenience. That’s why fall is the perfect time to give your roof some attention. Taking a little time now can save you a lot of stress and money once winter sets in.

Take a Quick Look

Start simple. Stand back in your yard and scan your roof from the ground. Do the shingles look flat and uniform? Or do you see sagging areas, dark streaks, or patches that just don’t look right? Those could be early warning signs of bigger problems.

Don’t forget the inside of your home either. Water stains on the ceiling, peeling paint, or small cracks in your walls can all signal that moisture is making its way in. Even if you don’t see active dripping, these issues usually start small and then spread. Catching them early is the key.

Remember the Roof’s Birthday

Age is one of the biggest factors in how your roof performs. Most roofs last about 20 years, but that number isn’t set in stone. The quality of the installation, insulation, and ventilation all make a difference. A roof that’s well-installed and properly ventilated can easily last a few extra years, while a poorly maintained one can wear out much sooner.

If your roof is pushing the two-decade mark - or if you’re not sure how old it is - it’s time to start planning ahead. This is especially important if you’ve recently bought your home. Knowing when your roof was last replaced can help you budget and avoid surprises down the road.

Check Those Shingles

Shingles are your roof’s first line of defense, and they’re also one of the easiest things to inspect. Look for shingles that are curling at the edges, splitting down the middle, or missing altogether. These issues often happen as roofs age and are exposed to the elements year after year.

While you’re at it, take a peek at your gutters and downspouts. If you notice piles of shingle granules collecting there, it’s a sign that the protective coating on your shingles is wearing away. Once that happens, your roof is much more vulnerable to leaks.

Don’t Brush Off Moss or Mold

It’s not unusual to see a little moss or dark staining on a roof, but don’t ignore it. Moss and mold thrive in damp, shaded areas, and they can signal that moisture is getting trapped under your shingles. Left unchecked, that moisture can lead to rotting plywood and costly structural damage.

Sometimes, the fix is as simple as cleaning the roof and improving ventilation. Other times, it may require replacing damaged areas. If you’re not sure which it is, calling in a professional is the safest route.

Look Inside, Too

Your ceilings and walls can often tell you what your roof can’t. Yellowish-brown stains, bubbling paint, or cracked drywall are all signs of water damage. Even if the issue looks small, it’s best not to wait. Roof leaks don’t heal themselves - they only get worse. Acting quickly can prevent a small drip from becoming a major repair job.

Call in the Pros

If you’re not comfortable judging the condition of your roof - or just want peace of mind - bring in an expert. Many roofing companies, ours included, offer free inspections. A roofer can tell you how much life your roof has left, point out any problem areas, and recommend the best next steps.

One of the most common reasons roofs fail before their time is poor ventilation and insulation. These issues can cause shingles to age faster, trap moisture, and even lead to rot. A good roofer won’t just look at the surface - they’ll check what’s going on underneath, too.

A little preventative maintenance this fall can make all the difference. Your roof protects everything beneath it. Giving it a checkup now means fewer surprises, fewer headaches, and fewer bills later on.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. For questions, email info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” Questions may be selected 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.

Ceiling Cracks: When to Worry and When to Relax

Noticing a crack in your ceiling can be unsettling. Is it a simple cosmetic issue or a sign that something more serious is going on above your head?

The truth is, not all ceiling cracks are created equal. Some are harmless, the result of your home settling or seasonal changes. Others may point to structural problems, water damage, or something worse. Knowing the difference can save you time, money, and a whole lot of stress.

The Harmless Kind

Let’s start with the good news: most ceiling cracks are minor and purely cosmetic. These are often hairline cracks that appear in older homes or around joints where drywall meets. They’re usually caused by:

• Normal settling as your house ages

• Temperature and humidity fluctuations

• Drying or shrinking plaster or drywall compound

These cracks are usually thin, less than 1/16 of an inch wide, and don’t change much over time. You might see them in corners, near windows or doors, or in ceilings that haven’t been repainted in a while. They’re rarely a cause for concern.

If the crack hasn’t grown in size, isn’t discolored, and your ceiling is otherwise solid, it’s likely just a visual issue. A quick patch and paint job can take care of it.

The Concerning Kind

Now, the cracks that deserve a closer look. Here are some warning signs that what you’re seeing might be more than cosmetic:

• Cracks wider than 1/8 inch

• Cracks that run across the entire ceiling or extend down a wall

• Multiple cracks appearing suddenly

• Cracks accompanied by sagging, bowing, or soft spots

• Discoloration or staining around the crack

Any of these could indicate a structural issue, such as shifting foundations, water damage, or even a failing ceiling joist. If the ceiling feels soft to the touch or is visibly sagging, it’s time to call in a professional.

One common culprit is water. A roof leak, plumbing issue, or overflowing bathtub on an upper floor can all lead to water pooling in the ceiling. This can cause the material to weaken, crack, and eventually collapse if ignored.

Even more subtle signs, like a ceiling crack that grows over time or changes shape, can point to movement in your home’s framing. That’s not something a coat of paint can fix.

If you’re unsure whether a crack is harmless or serious, don’t guess. Take a photo and monitor it over a few weeks. Has it changed? Is there new discoloration or softness?

When in doubt, have a licensed contractor or home inspector take a look. An early opinion is usually cheaper, and safer, than waiting until a repair becomes urgent.

Ceiling cracks are common. Many are nothing to worry about. But some aren’t. The key is knowing what to look for and acting quickly when the signs point to something more. Your ceiling might be trying to tell you something. Make sure you’re listening.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Have a question? Email info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” 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.

Ceiling Cracks - A Cautionary Tale

After nearly 50 years in the remodeling business, I've seen my fair share of scary stuff inside people's houses. Some of these stories might hit home for those of you who put off fixing problems because you're afraid of what you might find. While big issues can be a pain and expensive, letting them go can lead to even bigger headaches down the road—and could even mess with your health.

One summer, I got a call from a woman in Bristol who said her roof was leaking. It was seemingly normal, except that it hadn’t rained in a month. I mentioned this to her, and she said, "I don't know where the water’s coming from, but my dining room ceiling just caved in."

I headed over to her house right away. Sure enough, there was a pile of sheetrock and plaster on her front lawn. Inside, the ceiling had completely collapsed, leaving a soggy mess all over her dining room.

I asked to see the bathroom on the second floor, but there wasn’t one. So, I climbed into the attic and was hit by a blast of intense heat. I also saw two air conditioning units running full blast in the dining room windows. The homeowner said she kept them on constantly because the top floor was so hot.

It didn’t take long to figure out why her ceiling fell in. The attic had no insulation or ventilation, turning it into an oven. The homeowner tried to cool things down by cranking the A/C, which created major condensation in the walls and ceiling.

When hot and cold air meet, they create moisture that seeps into plaster, sheetrock, and wood. That moisture leads to mold that literally eats away at the ceiling and walls. Her 1950s Cape Cod home, like many in our area of Connecticut, had poor insulation and ventilation, making it prone to rot. Ceiling cracks were the first sign of trouble. Instead of calling me then, her husband tried to cover them up with those 12x12 ceiling panels you see in doctor's offices. Nice try, but all it did was add another layer for moisture to soak into.

Here’s the bottom line: if your home has temperature issues, don’t ignore them. Deal with the humidity and moisture before it turns into major structural damage or worse. If that’s not enough to convince you, mold and mildew are big culprits behind asthma and breathing problems, especially for kids and the elderly. Is it worth risking your family’s health?

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company since 1975. Got a question for Bob? Email him at info@odonnellbros.com with "Ask the Pro" in the subject line. Your question might be featured in a future post. Need remodeling help? Call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Remember, advice is just for guidance.