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4 Repair Jobs to Leave to the Pros

October 19, 2013adminHome Improvement Tipshome improvement, home repairs, painting, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

Many people delay hiring contractors for home repairs because they think that they can complete the work for less. While this may be true, there are some jobs that absolutely benefit from the help of a professional. General contractors earn anywhere from 10 to 25 percent of the job cost, according to WSJ.com. Some contractors don’t want to inherit botched repair jobs from you, and may even charge more to fix your mistakes. Additionally, you may pay more in the end if you DIY, factoring in time and effort. While smaller projects can be accomplished yourself, leave these four projects to the pros.

1. Don’t DIY paint that older home: Homes built before 1978 may contain lead paint. When you remodel your home or scrape off that old paint, you create lead dust and lead chips that pose a health risk. The Environmental Protection Agency requires that you have a professional remove lead paint, and provides information on finding professionals in your area. Find a certified contractor to assess your home’s risk of lead paint and remove the paint.

2. Stay off the roof: If you’ve done some home repair projects, you may have enough confidence to climb up on that roof and make repairs. Barrett Roofing Services advises homeowners against getting overconfident with roof repair and suggests hiring a contractor to save time and get the job completes in hours, not days. While you might climb up on the roof and nail down those loose shingles, leave the hard work to the pros. If you do plan to tackle roof repair, look for rental companies that offer lifts, such as sunbeltrentals.com. This way, you can load your tools and supplies onto the lift and enjoy safe and simple access to the roof.

3. Don’t Tackle That Deck Job: There’s a good reason you might want to leave that deck to a contractor: Decks require ample support underneath, and a deck built without the proper support can be vulnerable to sagging. A contractor will get the job done better and faster that you can, and knows how to accommodate the quirks of your particular dwelling. If you need to nail down or replace some loose boards, go for it. You’re probably better off leaving the deck building to a pro.

4. Find someone for foundation repair: If your home is settling and your crawlspace foundation has started to sag in the middle, you may be able to fix it yourself, writes Edwin Moore. This requires you to prop up the middle of the foundation. However, if your crawlspace foundation is sagging around the perimeter, not the middle, you’re better off hiring a pro because you do not have the knowledge or expertise to prop up the walls. Moore absolutely recommends that anyone with a slab foundation hire a contractor to fix the foundation, because this requires more than DIY know-how.

How to Avoid a Costly Plumbing Disaster

September 13, 2013adminDIY Projects, Home Improvement TipsDIY projects, home improvement, home repairs15 Comments

Caring for your home’s plumbing system is essential to preventing floods and other disasters. Many homeowners fail to clean their pipes regularly and others are not sure how to care for their plumbing system. If you want to avoid a costly plumbing disaster, you need to know how to prevent issues from happening. Here are some great tips to help you get started in caring for your home’s plumbing system.

Throw it Away

Too many people use the garbage disposal like a garbage can. Instead of overusing your garbage disposal and letting all your food bits go down the drain, throw them in the trash. Never dump grease down the drain because it will gradually clog up the pipe. Use a drain cover on your shower to reduce the amount of hair and other things that could go down the drain. Preventing clogs from hair and food particles is one of the easier things a homeowner can do to keep a plumbing system working.

Clean the Drain

How often do you find yourself cleaning out your drain? If you aren’t cleaning the drains with basic baking soda and vinegar at least once a month, grease, soap, hair, and other things will start to build up in the drainage system. It helps to clean out the drains at least once a month to keep pipes flowing. Chemical drain cleaners can work effectively on tough clogs and do a great job at keeping the drains clean. Just know that harsh chemicals can erode the pipes in older homes. Hiring a professional at least once a year to perform hydro-jetting services is a great way to keep the pipes nice and clean.

Fix the Issues

No matter how new your home is, there are some common plumbing issues that everyone needs to watch out for. An overflowing toilet is a concern that can cause serious water damage. Use a toilet plunger to help move the blockage out of the toilet line. A toilet auger can work effectively if the plunger is unable to fix the clog. Hire a professional if you are still unable to get the toilet to flush properly. If you have a simple issue like a leaky faucet or an odd-sounding dishwasher or disposal, have them repaired. These little odd noises and issues are usually the warning signs of serious problems. Repairing a small problem early on will help you avoid flooding and other serious disasters.

Inspect the Pipes

The cold winter weather can take its toll on many plumbing systems so it’s important to insulate your pipes. Always insulate pipes that are in areas where it is difficult for the heating system to supply hot air. Garages, crawl spaces, and basements tend to have the majority of issues especially burst pipes. Keep a slow drip on one of your faucets in the winter so water is always moving through the line. Open doors to rooms that do not have heater outlets so the pipes can stay warmer. If you have a pipe leaking, contact a professional plumbing agency to come and replace it.

This article was written by Dillon Pentz, a home renovator, freelance blogger and DIY enthusiast. Dillon hopes to give people helpful information on home projects and recommends contacting a professional like those at Southern Plumbing for your plumbing issues.

Weather-Proofing Your Home

August 22, 2013adminRoofinghome improvement, home repairs, SafetyLeave a comment

The roof is perhaps the most important part of a home. It requires continual maintenance and upkeep to prevent mold growth, cracks and leaks. Insect infestations can easily occur if a roof is not treated and sprayed with proper chemicals. Some insurance providers will pay for roofing repairs and replacement due to weather damage, but it depends on the location of your home. Regardless, here’s what you need to know to ensure an effective and protective roof.

Weatherproofing Basics

Many people look for ways to save money on energy costs but do not realize they need to focus on weatherproofing their home to lower their bills. Windows and doors should have plenty of weather-stripping around the interior side to reduce drafts. When air is able to escape through these small holes, it increases energy costs. Check the exterior of your home and add extra caulking to the window sills and door jambs. This will help to prevent small leaks that allow air to exit or enter. It can also prevent problems with pests.

Roofing Repairs

Every homeowner should regularly check on the roofing of their home, making sure shingles are intact to prevent leaks and other serious problems. Leaks and cracks in the sheathing can cause water damage problems. Based on the reason your roof is leaking, an insurance company may not pay the costs. You need to check your insurance policy to find out what exactly is covered. Most homeowners will need to pay for additional policies to cover roof repairs due to weather-related problems. Routine problems such as an aging roof will not typically be covered under an insurance plan. The additional costs for water damage, wind damage and other weather-related issues will vary based on your insurance provider and your specific plan. For some, the cost can be an extra $1,500 on top of their deductible.

Protecting Your Home

Since it can be expensive to deal with the insurance company and pay out of pocket for repairs, the best thing a homeowner can do is focus on maintaining their home. Mold caused by water damage can cost you serious money and could lead to health concerns. If you have any water damage, contact a professional water damage restoration company. They have all the right equipment to properly clean up water damage and prevent mold growth.

Hire a professional roofer to inspect and maintain your roof once a year. They will check for signs of roofing damage and repair problems. They can also treat a roof with chemical sprays that will prevent leaking and extend the lifespan of the roof.

As a homeowner, you can help maintain your roof by cleaning out the gutters. This will allow water to correctly move off the roof and through the downspouts. Use a power washer to help move any mud out of the gutters. Gutter guards are another effective way to keep the gutters free of leaves and other debris.

While weatherproofing and maintenance can be time consuming, they are effective in preventing serious problems and expensive repair bills!

This article was provided by Chase Roberts, home and garden expert. If you’re looking to repair damages from past weather related incidents, and need services like hail damage roof repair, Chase recommends choosing Quick Roofing.

Home Repairs You Need for the End of Summer

July 29, 2013adminhome improvement, home remodeling, Summer Tipshome improvement, home repairs, summer33 Comments

When the end of summer is finally in sight, it is always a good practice to start looking at your home and see what repairs may need to be taken care of. Acting early on repairs can ensure that you are well equipped to handle the dog days of summer, while also preventing potential home calamities in the fall and winter. Here are some summer home repairs you need to make to prevent serious problems for your home.

1. A Leaky Roof

If you notice a small drip from the roof, now is the time to fix it. Roofing repair can be a bit of challenge if you do not know how to get started. It is in your best interest to hire a professional roofing company to inspect your roof and repair problems. Not only do they have the right knowledge, they have all the safety equipment. Falls from roofs can be fatal and seriously injurious.

To find out if you have a roof leak, look at the ceilings. Do you notice any water-stains on your ceiling? Check inside the attic for signs of wetness or water stains rolling down the boards. While you are in the attic, turn off your light and look for any signs of pinholes allowing light to stream through. This will show you exactly where you have some small roofing repairs to make. Check on the insulation level in your attic, as is might be time to add new insulation to help keep your heating and cooling costs under control.

2. Gutter Repairs

Using a ladder, climb up next to the gutters and clean out all the debris. Mud will accumulate in the gutter over the summer as a result of sudden storms and unexpected rainfalls. Wear gloves to protect your hands as you scoop out the mud and debris. You should also use a small hand trowel to scrape out any additional remnants. If you need to, use a hammer to nail the gutters back in place. A lot of homes will have the gutter system start to bend or pull away from the home due to large icicles that pull on the gutter during the winter. Secure the gutters using nails approved for a gutter system. A clogged gutter system can cause flooding problems, as the gutters are unable to properly remove water from the roof and away from the foundation.

3. Service Your HVAC

Ideally, you would call your local HVAC expert in the early spring to come out and service your unit. But for many busy homeowners, your AC unit and its potential problems don’t become readily apparent until summer has arrived. Older units may be hanging on by a thread, and as the temperatures climb, they risk breaking down. Having an expert service your system will let you know to plan on a replacement in the near future. They can also re-charge your Freon so your home will stay nice and cool during the summer. Plan on changing the filter on your HVAC system to keep fresh air circulating in the home.

4. Repair Air Leaks

A simple air leak from a door or window can increase your energy costs. You need to detect air leaks to look for problems that need repairs. Add a new layer of weather-stripping around the windows and doors. If you have an older home, consider having the windows completely replaced. New windows can insulate your home and reduce your energy bill significantly.

Byline: Lana Velasquez is a Texas-based freelance home improvement blogger. Having completed many of these end-of-summer repairs, she is now enlisting help from wood crafters and pavers in Houston to cap off her home renovations this year.

Updating Your Home for Extreme Weather Conditions

July 23, 2013adminhome improvement, Safetyhome improvement, home repairs, Safety1 Comment

With all the news about powerful hurricanes, severe thunderstorms, unstoppable tornadoes, destructive hails, and damaging strong winds and gusts, it’s not unreasonable to start thinking about protecting your home from storm damage. You can’t just sit and do nothing about unpredictable weather disturbances that are yet to come. Every state in the U.S. is at risk of severe weather conditions, with some experiencing more of such undesirable conditions than others. It is therefore important to be prepared and to do something to make your home more resistant to extreme weather conditions.

Enhancing Structural Integrity

This sort of sounds like you are preparing for war: a war against nature’s wrath. It is a basic step to prepare the structural integrity of your home to withstand strong winds and other weather-related damages. Enhancing your home’s structural integrity primarily covers three aspects: water flow control, irrigation, and window integrity.

Roofs should be made ready to handle destructive gusts and hails. If there are small cracks or leaks, they should be immediately repaired. Roofs are estimated to have a typical life span of 25 years. If your roof is older than this, it is advisable to have it replaced. Additionally, based on a New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) research, it is better to have roofs with multiple slopes, as they do better in withstanding strong winds.

When it comes to home water flow control, it is advised to have backflow valves installed on toilets and sinks to prevent floodwater from getting into the house. Likewise, it is advisable to have waterproof veneers around a house to keep even shallow floodwater from seeping in. This also prevents moisture and the possibility of mold and mildew infestation.

Windows should also be given attention. They need to be replaced if they are already old and dilapidated. Having window shutters is recommended. Additionally, windows have to be checked to make sure that they can provide full insulation during the winter. If windows have cracks or holes in them, they will make it difficult for a home heating system to maintain the desired temperature. This can mean high electricity or heater fuel costs.

Building a Storm and Tornado Shelter

If you are in a place that is frequently struck by tornadoes and powerful hurricanes, having a storm and tornado shelter is a must. It is becoming increasingly important to build this section in every house. It is not a very expensive investment, but it is bound to provide the right kind of protection against destructive weather phenomena. It does not have to be an underground room. It only has to be a well-reinforced structure that can provide temporary shelter against tornadoes and destructive winds that are strong enough to uproot trees and tear down homes.

Power Supply

As you upgrade your home, it helps to integrate an emergency power supply system you can easily tap into. This power supply system can be a set of high capacity batteries (like automotive batteries) or a generator. You will need this emergency power backup to keep essential electronic devices running when there is power outage. Losing your heater during a freezing winter, for example, can be disastrous. Likewise, you would need a way to call for help in case you are trapped inside your home. You will need emergency power supply to run your vital electronic devices.

It is always better to be prepared. However, you shouldn’t limit your focus to emergency kits and basic preparedness. It is also important to make your home more resistant to severe weather conditions since your home is your primary form of protection against the unpredictable destructive forces of nature.

Byline: Logan Wheeler is a DIY-minded home improvement author currently residing in Houston, Texas. He enjoys sharing his tips on construction and plumbing in Houston with an online audience.

Most Important Things to Repair & Replace on a House

July 16, 2013adminhome improvement, Safetyhome improvement, home repairs, Safety2 Comments

At one point or another, your home will need to undergo some repairs. No matter how much you try to prevent wear and tear, there is always something that will break down and require repairs. By undertaking timely repairs, you maintain the value of your home and also ensure that it is a safe environment for your family to live in. Here are some of the items that you need to keep an eye on since they are the ones that usually experience the most wear and tear.

Air Conditioning System

You should keep an eye on your air conditioning system to ensure that it is clean and will not blow spores and other aerial contaminants into the house. A system that has a lot of dust and motes will cause your family a lot of discomfort. Regular cleaning of this system will prevent the growth of mold and will increase its efficiency.

Peeling Paint

This can be quite an eyesore, and a child can inhale or swallow some of the paint chips. Peeling paint is brought about by the presence of moisture in the walls, so you should first ensure that you have found the source of the leak and fix it before you apply any more paint.

Flickering Lights

At one point or another, you will find a light fixture that starts flickering. This can be annoying, but it can also be an indication of a serious problem. Usually there is a loose connection or something else easily repaired, but to be safe you should call an electrician.

Breezy Doors and Windows

Since they are constantly being opened and shut, doors and windows tend to become lose at their hinges. Once this happens, there will be a lot of space for the breeze to get in and out of the house. You should identify the doors and windows that have this problem and have them refitted so they stop letting in gusts of air.

Broken Glass and Screen

Any home with children will have a broken window or torn screen at one time or another. If you want less maintenance costs on the windows, you should choose metal frame windows, which are easily slotted into the frame, rather than wood frame windows that will require the use of putty. Torn screens may require a complete replacement, since repairing them may not be that effective.

Roof Damage

Due to the exposure of the roof to the elements, you will have to repair it at one point or another. Heavy rain or snow can lead to leaks, and you must repair these or moisture will enter the home and this could lead to the growth of mold in the walls. You should hire a contractor to complete the repairs for you since it can be dangerous.

These are some of the home repairs that occur commonly in most homes and regular inspection and maintenance of your home will ensure the condition and value of your home.

This article was contributed by Chase Roberts, home & garden connoisseur, personal decorator, and all-around handyman. If you are a Texas resident looking to do some home improvements of your own, Chase recommends Houston Window Experts, offering affordable expert advice and innovative window installation. Check them out at www.houstonwindowexperts.com/replacement-windows-houston/.

DIY Projects to Avoid

March 24, 2013Amy ElliottDIY Projects, Home Improvement Tips, SafetyDIY projects, home improvement, home repairs, SafetyLeave a comment

Should You Tackle A DIY Project Or Hire A Professional?

DIY projects can be a lot of fun and, when you do a good job of one, it gives you a huge sense of accomplishment. Many homeowners make their first forays into the world of DIY in an attempt to save money and, while there are a lot of basic jobs that everyone should learn to do, there are some tasks that are best left to the experts. Here is a quick look at some of the most dangerous DIY projects and why you should give them a wide berth.

Major Plumbing Jobs

There’s a big difference between fixing a leaking tap and moving some pipes. As plumbing jobs increase in complexity, they become massively more risky. Not only does moving or changing pipes often require cutting out parts of your wall, it also requires a good knowledge of how your plumbing works and how to safely install the new pipes so that you don’t end up with a leak a few months down the line. To do the job well, you will need specialist equipment.

When plumbing goes wrong it can get messy and, if you end up with a leak that comes into contact with your electrical wiring, it can also become very dangerous. It will be faster, cheaper and safer to let an expert do the job.

Electrical Work

Electricity may seem like a safe and familiar thing – after all, it powers the devices you use every single day. However, if it’s not handled correctly it can be lethal.

Everyone should learn how to change a fuse and re-wire a plug (and even these tasks carry risks), but major wiring changes are a different matter. Building regulations require most home wiring jobs to be carried out by a qualified, licensed electrician. If you attempt any major works you could well be breaking the law and end up with a property that you cannot sell until the work is checked by a qualified person. Get the work done right the first time to avoid any potential problems.

Bricklaying

It’s one thing to raise a flower bed with a few bricks or even lay your own patio, but tackling a bigger building project, or something that can be clearly seen from the street is another matter. Building a wall out of bricks might seem like a simple job, but if you don’t know what you’re doing that wall could come tumbling down after a few days of bad weather.

Even if you do manage to build a structurally sound wall, are you sure it will look good? How long will the project take you? Why spend an entire week on a project that a professional could do in a day or two? If you can afford the materials it makes sense to spend a little extra to ensure that they are used to create something attractive that will last for many years.

Knocking Down Walls

When remodeling our homes it can be very tempting to skip steps especially when it comes to knocking down walls. Why pay for a professional when all you need is a sledge hammer? How wrong can you go destroying a wall? The answer is: very wrong. And in the end it might be more than the wall you destroy. It’s important to get a professional in who understands the structure of the building and can remodel your home without making it unsafe. After all, you don’t want to go knocking down any load-bearing walls for the sake of saving a little money.

Cutting Down Trees

This is probably one of the most dangerous tasks that you could do yourself. Chainsaws are powerful tools and, in the wrong hands, can be deadly weapons. Not being trained to use one or having the right experience puts you and others in great danger. Additionally, there is the risk of the tree falling on you, someone else, a building or a car.

Most people take on these jobs with the belief that they are going to save money. Unfortunately, mistakes, damage and sometimes injury and even death prove quite the opposite. If every job could be easily done by anyone there would be no need for qualified professionals.

Guest Post By:

Article written by A. Elliott; a writer with an interest in interior design and home improvement, she occasionally writes for Vibrant Doors, suppliers of internal and external doors.

Amy makes a lot of good points in this article. There are lots of DIY Projects that homeowners can easily complete. The ones listed above are really best handled by professionals. We agree that they CAN be dangerous and not worth the risk. What are your thoughts about these DIY Projects?
Gary B.

Risks of DIY Electrical Work

March 20, 2013Amy ElliottDIY ProjectsDIY projects, home improvement, home remodeling, home repairs4 Comments

Electric shock, house fires, and possible death; even this isn’t always enough to deter people from doing DIY electrical work.

Hiring an electrician can be expensive so it’s easy to see why many are tempted to try and undertake their own electrical work around the home. Whatever your motive might be, trying to perform DIY work without the proper training can be a dangerous endeavor.

In the USA alone, there are as many as 26,100 electrical fire related incidents and $1 billion in property losses in a typical year.

Listed below are some common risks and why you should proceed with care when attempting any type of electrical work in your home.

Wrong Type of Electrical Wire

Many people make the error of using the wrong gauge of electrical wire when wiring. This is a common cause of electrical fires as it can cause overheating and shorting of the fuse.

Ill-fitting Plugs and Sockets

This may seem like the simplest electrical task but it’s surprising how many people do not fit them tightly enough. Leaving gaps in the sockets can cause loose wiring and arcing which puts them at risk of overheating and poses a great fire risk.

Wrong Bulb Wattage

Many people are unknowingly using a too high wattage bulb in their light bulbs and may not realize until it is too late. Even using a bulb one wattage higher than what the socket can handle could make the bulb explode or catch alight.

Using the Wrong Fuse

Again, this is a relatively simple task that many people do themselves regularly. But the danger here is that many people do not use the correct fuse for the appliance they are using which can again cause house fires. It is important, if you do insist on changing your own fuse; to make sure it is compatible with the appliance you are using it in.

Repairing Instead of Replacing

Many of us at some point will be tempted to try and repair old or damaged wiring on appliances especially if we use them often. Wiring should always be replaced and not repaired and should be done by someone who is a qualified for repairing that particular appliance. Any old or damaged wiring is a fire hazard, even more so if tampered with by someone without the appropriate training.

Overloading Plug Sockets

Another common cause of fires in the home is overloading plug sockets. Particularly in the case of extension leads, having more than one extension lead plugged into a 2 socket wall outlet is exceeding the amp capacity for the plug socket. This is another fire hazard as it can cause overheating. Never overload a plug socket and avoid leaving multiple things plugged in that you are not using.

Safety Checklist

4 important things to remember;

Don’t overload plug sockets
Don’t keep things plugged in unnecessarily
Check wires for fraying and wear and tear
Take good care of appliances

Hiring a Contractor

When hiring an electrical contractor always do your research and make sure that they are up to date with their qualifications and the new safety regulations as these can change regularly. Word of mouth is always a good method of finding a reputable and fully qualified electrician. If unsure, hiring a contractor through a professional federation is the most reliable way of all. They can give you a list of all approved contractors in your local area. When you have found a contractor, try and agree on a price for the job and not an hourly rate. This can save you money and headaches in the long run.

Guest Post By:

Article written by A. Elliott; a writer with an interest in home improvement and interior design, she occasionally writes for Juice Electrical, electrical wholesalers specializing in energy saving products.

Have you had a DIY Project go wrong? Share your story below and maybe you’ll help someone else from making the same mistake.

Rodent proof your home before the cold weather settles in

November 26, 2012adminWinter Tipshome repairs, winterLeave a comment

It is that time of year again: time to wage war against the pests seeking entry into your home. So check for small openings around the outside of your house, trim bushes and vegetation, and do any other small repairs, because when temperatures drop, pests start looking for ways inside.

“As the weather cools, rodents and other pests move inside,” says Kim Kelley-Tunis, technical services director at Orkin. “Rats, mice and insect pests, such as cluster flies, Asian ladybugs and boxelder bugs, along with a few other regional pests like stink bugs and kudzu bugs, migrate toward homes, looking for warmth.”

Mice can fit through an opening the size of a dime, so it is important to fix any cracks in and under siding, doors and windows. Inside your home, these animals can go unnoticed, set up a nest and begin reproducing. A single female can have up to eight pups per litter and four to five litters per year.

Cluster flies, Asian ladybugs, boxelder bugs and regional insect pests can be found inside wall voids and attics. They are more frequently found congregating on sun-facing areas like south- or southeast-facing walls.

“It is extremely important to be proactive in protecting your home now for the upcoming winter and spring months,” says Kelley-Tunis. “As the temperatures warm in the early spring, many of these insects and rodents will emerge from their hiding spaces in search of a way out of your house, often congregating around windows and lights within the home.”

As you prepare your home for winter by covering the air conditioner, winterizing hoses and checking your roof for leaks, we recommend you also do the following:

* Make sure all holes in mesh screens are repaired.

* Replace door sweeps and ensure that doors and windows close tightly, without any small openings.

* Trim excess bushes and vegetation around the home.

* Make sure attics and wall voids are insulated.

* Clean out gutters and install gutter guards to help prevent leaves and debris from accumulating.

For more tips on how to help protect your home from rodents and other fall pests, visit orkin.com.

Do you have another tips to help homeowners keep their homes rodent free?

Button-up your home for winter

October 28, 2012adminhome improvement, Roofingenergy efficient, home improvement, home remodeling, home repairs, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

As the leaves turn and fall to the ground, it’s time to start thinking about “buttoning up” your home for winter to keep you and your family healthy and comfortable, your belongings safe and high energy costs at bay.

Heating accounts for 34 percent of all annual utility usage, according the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). One of the most cost-effective ways to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home is to seal and insulate the “envelope” – outer walls, windows, doors and roof. By doing so, ENERGY STAR estimates that a homeowner can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs, the equivalent to lowering up to 10 percent of total energy costs for the year.

Here are a few ways to keep you and your family healthy, your belongings safe and help lower your heating bill:

Preventing the draft

Old, drafty windows and doors can account for home energy loss of up to 30 percent, according to the EPA, which means paying more in the winter to heat your home. By replacing non-performing windows and doors, homeowners can drastically reduce heating costs. A typical home that replaces its single-paned, clear glass windows with energy-efficient windows can realize up to $501 in annual savings, according to the EPA.

Additionally, old or improperly installed siding can also be the cause of drafts. However, by installing new, energy-efficient vinyl siding and underlayment, homeowners can increase a homes’ R-Value, a measure of insulation’s ability to resist heat traveling through it.

However, even the best windows, doors and siding can be drafty, if they are poorly installed. So it’s important to make sure your home improvement is completed by a quality contractor who has a long history of being in the business so you can be sure they will be around if you have any issues down the road.

Prevent moisture

Water leakage from snow, ice and rain can cause damage to the exterior and interior of your home. This can result in costly damage to framing, structure and insulation, more importantly it can cause issues – like mold – that can be harmful to the health of your family.

The roof is often the site of leaks in homes; however, by installing a new roof and taking the proper precautions, leaks won’t be a problem.

Other ways to improve the seal of your home to prevent moisture damage, drafts and improve energy efficiency include:

* Sealing leaks

* Adding insulation

* Sealing ducts

For more energy saving window, door, siding and roof tips, check out the U.S. Department of Energy’s website.

Want to make sure your home is ready for the winter weather? Give us a call at 914-576-2572 or send us an email to bruzzesehomeimprovements@gmail.com. We special in energy efficient window replacement, roofing and energy efficient vinyl siding.

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4 Repair Jobs to Leave to the Pros

How to Avoid a Costly Plumbing Disaster

Weather-Proofing Your Home

Home Repairs You Need for the End of Summer

Updating Your Home for Extreme Weather Conditions

Most Important Things to Repair & Replace on a House

DIY Projects to Avoid

Should You Tackle A DIY Project Or Hire A Professional?

Risks of DIY Electrical Work

Rodent proof your home before the cold weather settles in

Button-up your home for winter

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