As the temperatures continue to drop and the leaves slowly fall from the trees, one thing is certain; winter is coming, and it’s time to get ahead of your home care before it gets too late. If you live in a part of the country where there is intermittent or consistent ice and snow, you need to make sure your home is ready to handle the extra stress that winter can throw at it. From freezing pipes to potential leaks, any weak point in your home’s defenses can quickly spiral out of control, costing you both time and money on potential repairs. If you are interested in getting ahead of these winter hazards, contact the elite team here at LEI Home Enhancements today. We will happily come out and give you a free inspection to see what kind of repairs could benefit your home.
Roofing
Your roof is your first line of defense from the elements, and if your roof starts to fail in the middle of winter, you could find the sanctuary of your home invaded by water, mold, or even a partial roof collapse. On average, your roof will last anywhere between 20 to 50 years depending on the material your roof is made out of. Slate, copper, or tile roofs can last more than 50 years, but these materials are both extremely heavy and costly. The most time-efficient and cost-efficient option is asphalt shingles, which will last between 25-30 years depending on how much maintenance you do and how much snow or debris hit your roof. If you notice any of your shingles starting to pull up, fall off, or become overly discolored, you may need to replace your roof. We carry a wide variety of colors and styles that will match any design aesthetic and keep your home completely safe through even the harshest winters.
If you are interested in extending your roof’s lifespan, there are a few things you can do to help. First and foremost, you want to make sure that you trim your trees so that no branches come in contact with your roof or are hanging directly above your home. Branches not only create a buildup of leaves and fallen sticks, but they can create a direct path for nuisance creatures like squirrels, rats, mice, or raccoons. Make sure that you clean your drains and gutters at least once a year, as debris can easily clog up your gutters, letting water pool on your roof causing mold, moss, and potential water damage to your roof. We recommend that at you check your attic every spring and fall for any signs of leaks, as water starting in your attic can quickly cascade down a wall or through your roof.
Siding
Bad weather and harsh winds can really do a number on your siding. Most modern siding has enough insulation and rigidity to last for between 20-40 years with some basic maintenance. As with everything else in your home, the time and effort you put into maintaining your siding can drastically increase its lifespan. If you have noticed any splits in your siding, loose panels, or any sections that are missing, you need to take care of those issues as soon as possible, as exposed sections can quickly lead to mold and water damage.
Windows
Once again, depending on the quality of your windows, the average lifespan of your windows can vary greatly. Most windows will last between 15-20 years, though high-quality windows can easily last up to 30 years. Higher quality windows are also much more energy-efficient, with the best windows being capable of dropping your energy bills by hundreds every year. If you live in a place with cold winters and warm summers, the extra insulation of energy-efficient windows can make a huge difference in your monthly budget.
You can easily get all of this maintenance taken care of and much more with LEI Home Enhancements. Contact us to get ahead of all your winter home maintenance needs today.
