When things go bad we have all heard people use the phrase at least you have a roof over your head. When all else fails in our lives having a safe place to call home is always the back up. Our homes in many ways are the most important thing to us, they protect us, they store our properties as well as our hopes and dreams. With all the thing your home offers you it is important to maintain it to the best of your ability. One of the joys of owning your own home is not only the upgrades, but also having a working knowledge of the things that need to kept up as well.
Winterizing Your Home
With the cold weather it is important to make sure that your home is ready for the chill. Having poorly insulated doors and windows can cause more than the occasional chill when enjoying your evenings. Poor insulation can also lead to more dire issues, namely higher energy and gas bills as well as undue strain on your homes furnace. Without a reliable seal, your furnace will continually be running. In order to get ready for winter, check that your windows seat properly in their frames. If you notice small gaps and spaces a quick fix is to use insulation strips to prevent drafts from penetrating your home. Any reputable hardware store should have all types of options that can fit your needs. Another option is to use shrink wrap to entirely encapsulate your windows. Even with the draftiest windows this shrink will prevent your home from cooling down. On the extreme end if you own a home that has older windows made out of wood or, even worse, single pane aluminum it might be worth it to invest in new double hung windows. Not only will installing new windows keep the chill of winter out, but it will also increase the resale value of your home.
Do Regular Roofing Inspections to Avoid Costly Roof Repairs
A house is only as good as the roof that covers it. Regardless of all the winterproofing you might perform on your roof, it means nothing if your home’s roofing needs are not met. In many ways your home’s roof takes the brunt of the damage. Whether it is storm damage in fall or hail damage in the summer. It is important to give your roof a regular spot check to insure that you aren’t in for nasty surprises during the next storm. Ask any roofing contractor and they will tell you that catching problems early can save you a lot of money in the long run. If you notice small leaks or even drafts from above this can mean that your roof may have been subject to some type of damage. Many times your roof will give you warning signs of future problems, such as banging sounds during high winds. Even your landscaping can give your roof extra longevity. By trimming overhanging branches you can avoid the damage that can come from limbs falling during storms with high winds and the nuisance of animals such as squirrels making their home right above your head.
Know When it is Time to Call a Roofing Contractor
While some roof issues can be taken care of by you, it is important to know when it is time to find a reputable roofing contractors. While some of those that consider themselves handy think that they can tackle any household job, the truth is that working on a roof is a particular skill set. Unlike fixing your windows Working on the roof has a higher amount of danger especially if there are structural integrity issues. A good roofing contractor will be able to quickly and safely asses the risk and the damage on your roof and will be able to give a reasonable estimate for the roofing repairs.
When It comes to your home the old saying really is true the best defense is a good offense, meaning that being proactive about repairs will save you a great deal of heartache and ultimately money in the long run. For more information about home upkeep consult your local library or join an internet forum.
