Winter is just around the corner, with cold weather – and snow! – already occurring in the Quad Cities area. Intense weather is very common in this region, but it shouldn’t be taken for granted that your home is ready to withstand it. There are a few steps you should take to ensure your Quad Cities home is prepared for the cold weather, and every issue that it could bring.
1) Have Your Roof Inspected
The part of the home that is most susceptible to cold weather damage, would be your roof. Having your roof inspected, either by yourself or by a professional, will go a long way in making sure that it will not be damaged over the winter season. Any faded or cracked shingles should be identified and replaced, and gutters should be kept clear of any debris. Should you find your roof is in bad shape, replacing it with our process will add six feet of an ice and water shield, protecting your roof against Quad Cities area’s harsh climate.
2) Clean Your Siding
Your home’s siding is one of it’s best defenses against the cold and wet winter weather of the Quad Cities area. Most siding professionals state that you should clean your siding at least once a year. By keeping your home’s siding clean, you will not only be able to determine if there are any gaps or worn out pieces that should be replaced before winter comes, it will also help in its overall maintenance. Dirt and grime can often wear away at the protective coating of the siding, which can lead to damages over time. As siding not only provides your home with insulation, reducing energy costs, it will also protect it from water damage that can create a mold or mildew problem for your home.
3) Check Your Windows And Doors
Windows and doors are some of the biggest culprits in causing the energy bills to increase. If your home’s doors and windows are on the older side, they are most likely not insulated against the colder weather. Additionally, there can be gaps that have formed between the window and door and the rest of the house. These drafty windows will not only cause your heating bills to rise due to the lowering of the temperature in your home, it will also cause heat to leak out as well, meaning the heating has to run longer to maintain an optimal temperature. Furthermore, if the holes in your windows or doors are big enough, water damage can occur through melting snow.
The ideal fix to these drafty windows and doors would be to replace them. Newer technology that has developed over the years makes a replacement project a great idea for any Quad Cities area homes. However, if replacing isn’t in your budget at the moment, make sure you weatherproof them by either using weather stripping or caulk, to close up any holes that may exist.
We Can Assist
If you find your home is in severe need of repair, we will be happy to help you before the severe winter weather arrives. We specialize in all exterior aspects of your home – roofs, siding, doors, and windows. No matter what your home maintenance checklist reveals, we are here for you.
If you are ready to get started on your home repair projects, feel free to contact us by filling out our easy online form or by calling us at (309) 762 – 6244. We look forward to hearing from you.
