Is Fall Mold Creeping Onto Your Roof

As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves start to fall, most homeowners are focused on pumpkin decor and raking their yards. But there’s something sneaky that may be settling in overhead: roof mold. Yes, fall is prime time for mold to make itself at home on your shingles, and ignoring it could lead to bigger (and more expensive) problems down the road.

Let’s break down what roof mold is, why it thrives in the fall, and what you can do to kick it to the curb before it spreads.

Why Fall Is Mold’s Favorite Season

Mold is a fungus that loves moisture, shade, and organic debris - all of which come together perfectly during autumn in New England. Here’s why:

• Falling Leaves: Leaves that land on your roof can trap moisture and block sunlight, creating damp, shaded pockets where mold thrives.

• Cooler Temperatures: As temperatures drop, homeowners may not notice excess moisture buildup because it’s not evaporating as quickly.

• Shorter Days: Less sunlight means less natural drying power for your roof.

• Clogged Gutters: Leaf-filled gutters lead to poor drainage and water pooling on the roof. Mold eats this up, literally.

What Mold Does to Your Roof (It’s Not Just Ugly)

Roof mold might seem like just a cosmetic issue, until it isn’t. Here’s what can happen if mold takes hold:

• Shingle Damage: Mold can deteriorate asphalt shingles and shorten your roof’s lifespan. It eats away at the granules that protect your roof from UV rays and weather damage.

• Wood Rot: If moisture seeps beneath the shingles, it can lead to rotting of the underlying wood structures, threatening your roof’s structural integrity.

• Insulation Issues: Mold creeping into your attic or insulation can ruin energy efficiency, sending your heating bills through the roof - pun intended.

• Health Concerns: Mold spores can make their way into your home’s air, potentially triggering allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues for your family.

How to Stop Fall Mold Before It Starts

The good news? Roof mold isn’t inevitable. With a little proactive maintenance, you can keep your roof mold-free all season long. Here’s how:

1. Clean Your Roof (and Gutters)
   Leaves, twigs, and debris are mold’s favorite housewarming gifts. Clear your roof and gutters regularly, especially after a big wind or rainstorm.

2. Check Your Attic Ventilation
   Poor airflow in the attic can trap moisture and encourage mold growth from the inside out. Make sure vents are clear and consider installing an attic fan if airflow is limited.

3. Trim Back Overhanging Branches
   Shade is great for picnics, not for roofs. Cutting back branches allows more sunlight to hit your roof and dry up any lingering moisture.

4. Inspect for Leaks and Damaged Shingles

   Take a walk around your home and look for signs of water damage, cracked shingles, or dark streaks. If you spot anything suspicious, call in a pro.

5. Consider Copper or Zinc Strips
   These metal strips, installed near the peak of your roof, naturally kill mold and algae as rainwater washes down over them. It’s a smart investment for long-term mold prevention.

6. Book a Professional Roof Inspection
   Fall is an ideal time to have a professional take a look. They can spot early signs of mold or damage you might miss from the ground.

When in Doubt, Call It Out

If you already see mold growing on your roof, don’t panic, but don’t ignore it either. DIY solutions may help with small patches, but for widespread or stubborn growth, it’s best to bring in the experts. Professional mold removal will ensure it’s safely and thoroughly taken care of, without damaging your roof in the process.

A clean, mold-free roof isn’t just about curb appeal. It’s about protecting your investment, your home’s structural integrity, and your family’s health. So this fall, while you’re sipping cider and enjoying the foliage, take a few minutes to look up. Your roof might be trying to tell you something.

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.

Ventilation 101: How to Keep Your Attic from Turning Into a Sauna

Most homeowners don’t think about their attic unless something goes wrong. But during the hot, humid summer months in Connecticut, poor attic ventilation can cause a lot of problems. Some you’ll feel in your cooling bills, and others you might not notice until it’s too late.

Here’s why proper attic ventilation matters and how to know if your home needs an upgrade.

Why Your Attic Needs to Breathe

Your attic should be the same temperature as the air outside. That might sound surprising, but it’s true. In the summer, without proper airflow, your attic can easily reach 130°F or higher. That heat doesn’t just stay in the attic - it radiates down into your living space, forcing your air conditioner to work harder and driving up energy costs.

Hot, stagnant air can also cause your roofing materials to age prematurely. Shingles can blister, underlayment can warp, and moisture can build up, leading to mold, mildew, and even wood rot.

Good ventilation helps control both heat and moisture, keeping your attic and roof in better shape, and your home more energy-efficient.

The Basics of a Ventilation System

A well-ventilated attic has two things: intake and exhaust. These work together to create a continuous flow of air.

• Intake vents (usually located in the soffits under your roof overhang) pull fresh air into the attic.

• Exhaust vents (at the roof ridge, gables, or high up on the roof slope) allow hot, humid air to escape.

This system relies on the natural movement of air—cool air in, hot air out.

Common Ventilation Types

• Ridge vents: Run along the peak of your roof and are often paired with soffit vents. They’re effective and barely noticeable from the street.
  Soffit vents: Located under your eaves, they bring in cool outside air.

• Gable vents: Installed on the walls of the attic, often used in older homes.

• Powered attic fans: Use electricity to actively pull hot air out. These can be helpful but aren’t always necessary if passive ventilation is working properly.

Signs of Poor Attic Ventilation

• Your upstairs rooms are always hotter than the rest of the house.

• You notice high energy bills in the summer.

• Your roof shingles are curling or deteriorating faster than expected.

• There’s mold or a musty smell in the attic.

• You see frost or condensation in the attic during winter (yes, ventilation matters year-round).

Here in Connecticut, we deal with humid summers and cold winters, which means both heat and moisture are issues. That makes proper attic ventilation even more important. It’s not just about comfort, it’s about protecting your roof, improving air quality, and saving on long-term energy costs.

If you’re unsure whether your attic is properly ventilated, a quick inspection by a professional can help. It’s one of those home systems that’s easy to overlook, until it’s not.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Got a home issue you’d like Bob to tackle? 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.

Steamy Temps Bring Summer Window Woes

This past week’s brutal heat and sky-high humidity had many of us hiding indoors, glued to the AC. But while we were doing our best to stay cool, our windows may have been trying to tell us something. If you’ve noticed water droplets forming on the inside of your windows—or a foggy film that just won’t quit—you’re dealing with summer window condensation. And no, it’s not just a minor annoyance. It can be a sign of bigger problems brewing in your home.

So, what’s going on here?

Condensation forms when warm, humid air hits a cooler surface. In the winter, that’s usually on the inside of your windows. But in the summer, it’s the reverse. Your air conditioner is keeping your indoor air refreshingly cool, while the air outside is heavy and hot. When those two climates meet, like when humid air seeps in and touches your chilly window glass, moisture condenses, and you get that telltale fog or water buildup.

In reality, a little condensation now and then isn’t the end of the world. But if you’re noticing it regularly, especially during extreme heat and humidity, it can point to problems with ventilation, insulation, or moisture control in your home.

In our Connecticut climate, summer humidity is no joke. Add in long showers, laundry, cooking, and even houseplants, and you’ve got a recipe for excess indoor moisture. If your home doesn’t have proper airflow or if your windows aren’t up to the job, that moisture sticks around, and your windows become the battleground where it all shows up.

And here’s the thing: if you ignore it, condensation can go from cosmetic to costly. Excess moisture creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew, which can trigger allergies, irritate lungs, and leave a lingering musty smell. Over time, moisture can also cause wood window frames to warp or rot, damage seals, and reduce your windows’ effectiveness. Even if it’s just clouding your view, you’re still losing out on natural light and visibility.

So, what can you do?

Start with airflow. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, and don’t be afraid to crack a window when the outdoor air is drier. A dehumidifier can also make a significant difference, especially in areas prone to moisture, such as basements.

Next, take a hard look at your windows. If they’re single-pane or older double-pane units, they might not be insulating properly. Modern double- or triple-pane windows are designed to prevent this kind of condensation by minimizing temperature swings on the glass surface.

And don’t forget the little things like sealing air leaks around windows and doors, opening blinds or drapes during the day to improve air circulation, and keeping indoor plant collections in check. Every small step helps.

Condensation might seem like a minor inconvenience, but it’s often a symptom of bigger issues in your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. Take care of it now, and your windows and your wallet will thank you later.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Got a home issue you’d like Bob to tackle? 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.