Dec 9, 2022 | Residential
Are you ready for freezing temperatures and winter storms? Get your house prepared for winter weather! Here are seven steps to ensure a cozy winter in your home!
- HVAC inspection
Keeping your HVAC up to date is vital so it does not fail when it’s freezing outside. Having a seasonal HVAC tune-up will increase the longevity of your HVAC. Changing the filters may seem too easy, but it will allow cleaner air and help the flow of your HVAC.
- Caulk windows and doors
Doing this will prevent cold air from sneaking in or water damage. Keep all the cold sealed out!
- Get your roof inspected
It is easier to fix a few damaged shingles rather than water damage over many spots on your roof. Winter storms can be harsh on your roof, so it is crucial to make sure there are no weak spots. Snow can get very heavy and will take a toll on weak or old roofs.
- Clean gutters
Doing this every season is key to ensuring your gutters and home are not damaged. If there are blockages and leaves stuck in the gutters, then adding snow could rip your gutters off from the weight. Cleared gutters will also help keep excess water from damaging your home.
- Test smoke & carbon monoxide detectors
Your heating systems will constantly be running, so make sure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are up to date. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), carbon monoxide poisoning peaks in the winter. Keeping extra batteries on hand for your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors could be a lifesaver.
- Clean chimney & order firewood
If you have a fireplace, cleaning your chimney before winter will prevent chimney fires. Over time the burning of wood builds up creosote, which is very flammable and can cause a chimney fire.
- Shut down pool, sprinkler system & drain outside faucets
When the temperatures reach freezing or below, any water left in outside piping will freeze and can potentially crack the piping. Shutting down the outdoor drainage, sprinklers, and pool and covering spigots with an insulated cover will help prevent you from having to spend a lot more money on repairs or replacing them entirely.
P&R Property Consulting Group is here to help prepare your house for the winter to ensure you and your family stay warm and safe!
CDC Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/publications/spotlights/cospotlight.htm
Jan 24, 2019 | Maintenance, Multifamily
Your roof is probably the most important part of protecting your home. It is first to come into contact with harsh weather conditions and needs to hold up to what Mother Nature throws its way!
Scorching summer sun can do its own damage, but today we are going to look into the wondrous winter weather that can really test your roofs staying power.
Snow accumulation can subject your roof to ice buildups called ice-damming. Ice-damming occurs when the sun comes out and the snow that has collected on your roof starts to melt. The melted water will start to run down the shingles into the gutters, which aren’t warm enough, causing the water to re-freeze. This re-frozen ice can build up in the gutters and downspouts and prevent water from running off the roof. This is where the problems arise from the melting snow working its way back up and under the shingles. Leaks can occur in your attic, ceilings & walls. Your attic is your homes barrier between the outside elements and the inside ceilings of your home. It is vitally important that there are no leaks in your roof and/or attic so your home can be protected at all times.
How to Winter-Ready Your Roof:
- It starts at construction. A water-repellent layer should be inserted under the shingles when the roof is being built. This is imperative in the northern states of our country, where harsher winters can really take a toll on your home. De-icing cables should also be run over the shingles and looped through the upper gutters.
- Insulate your attic thoroughly. This will minimize temperature fluctuations and keep the heat in the interior of your home.
- Periodically have your roof & attic checked. At the first sign of winter-related damage start an action plan to get it fixed and for reoccurrence not to occur.
- Make sure there are no over-hanging tree limbs or branches. Winter can bring with it harsh rain and winds as well as snow & ice, so getting the dangers away from your home now can prevent costly damage from falling limbs.
- Install snow guards. A snow guard allows snow & ice to drop off the roof in small amounts or melt completely before falling to the ground. This will prevent the sudden release of mass amounts of snow which can be extremely dangerous. Lower roof areas, gutters, vents, landscaping and even pets and people can be seriously damaged or harmed by a heavy “roof avalanche”.
Preventing winter from damaging your roof is the first step in protecting your home.
Give P&R a call today to get started!
