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home improvement Home Winter Prep Tips from Elite North Shore Remodeling WH! Deerfield
With summer winding down and Old Man Winter standing on the horizon, we enter the amazing time of color – fall. The changing weather and falling temps may not be an exciting outlook for days to come but provide the comfortable temperatures to prepare your home for the coming frigid weather. Starting a little early allows you the time to look around the exterior of your home, take inventory of what needs to be done and have the time to make necessary repairs before the weather turns against you. So let us enjoy one of those summer-like days and take a walk around your home. With paper, pencil and binoculars (if you have them) we can start your top to bottom review of the exterior of your home. 1. Using the binoculars, inspect the roof. Torn or missing shingles, deep impressions in an otherwise flat roof, cracks in the top of the chimney, missing grout/bricks and loose/ hanging gutters are good indications for a call to a professional. 2. While looking at the gutters, check to make sure nothing is spouting, or worse, growing. I wish I were kidding, but I can’t count the number of problems that needed repair and could have been avoided if the gutters were just kept clean. A professional note: if you don’t clean your own gutters and they don’t immediately need to be done, schedule your cleaning now, even if you want it done in October. The professional you call will be able to give you a date range around your request and be able to maybe fill in a short day to give his crews a full work day. 3. Fascia, soffits and trim boards should be inspected for loose or rotten boards that may need replacing – no reason to give our furry little friends easy access to your warm, cozy home. 4. From the gutters down, scan siding,
Sept. 15, 2012
corner boards, trim and windows for peeling or missing paint. Cracked and peeling paint will actually allow water in against the wood and start the rotting process. Any cracked or missing caulk around doors and windows should be replaced to help keep the cold air out and warm air in. 5. Check the foundation for cracks. Little cracks turn into big cracks by water entering and then freezing opening paths to the inside where water can cause all sorts of havoc, none worse than mold. 6. Landscaping. Make sure no bushes or trees are rubbing or close to your home, especially the roof. Branches can not only damage but also hide said damage until it becomes a major issue. Don’t forget to make sure that the ground around your home pitches away to allow water to flow freely away. Water laying against the foundation, or worse, flowing towards puts undue pressure on foundation walls, increasing the chances of leaks. 7. Check that all exterior handrails are stable and can support any sudden weight in case of slipping on ice and snow. Everyone wants safe and happy holidays. 8. If you still use storm windows, check for broken glass, missing window glazing and paint if needed. It’s much more enjoyable to do any repairs when the weather is still nice. 9. Repeat steps one through six for any unattached structures (garages, sheds, gazebo) September is also a great time to pull out the snow blower and make sure it starts easily. Rough starting in September may mean no starting when it gets cold. If your machine does need work, having the service done now will put you ahead of the rush. If your furnace is a little older – as little as five to seven years – scheduling an early check-up is always advisable to make sure
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parts are available or, if needed, ordered and installed long before the cold night air is around. Some try to save a little money by hiring jack-of-all-trades/handyman types of services. Besides the obvious constant technical training needed for some maintenance (heating/air) and the fact the state of Illinois requires roofers and plumbers to have a state license and added special insurance, these
trained professionals can save you time and help avoid costly repairs down the road. Plus, true licensed and insured contractors offer warranties and/or guarantees, keeping you safe and secure long after the truck disappears around the corner with your check. Contributed by John Senska of Elite North Shore Remodeling Limited. For info, contact him at jsenska@ensrl.com or 847-293-2699.