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Ready for Anything: 4 Ways to Weatherproof Your Home
At Shannon Cutler Real Estate, we know keeping up with regular maintenance is one of the most important responsibilities of any homeowner. Investing time and money into repairs might not be your favorite way to spend a weekend, but when there’s bad weather on the horizon, you’ll be glad that you prepared in advance. After all, your home isn’t just a place where you live - it’s also your most important investment.
Taking steps to protect your home from weather-related damage now will pay off when you decide to list it for sale. Here are four key issues every homeowner should be ready for.
Seal Up Drafty Windows
When winter rolls around, drafty windows can give you quite a chill, even if you’ve turned up the thermostat and bundled up in a warm sweater. In some cases, simply caulking around the windows can help you keep the heat in and the cold air out. However, caulk can look a bit messy, and sometimes, replacing your windows is much more effective.
An ill-fitting door to the outside can also drive up your heating bill. According to Better Door, your door might just be askew and need to be adjusted by tightening the screws in the hinges, or your home might benefit from a replacement. Fixing windows and doors can get expensive, but if you live in an area with harsh winters, potential buyers could be hesitant to move into a drafty home.
Avoid Storm Damage
Pay attention to major storm warnings in your area. You may love your outdoor furniture setup, but if objects in your yard become airborne due to high winds, you could find yourself with broken windows and damaged siding. Keep up with proper landscaping before a storm starts brewing by removing any fallen tree branches or other natural debris from your property.
Ensure that any objects you could not bring inside in the event of a storm are properly secured to the ground, and if the wind picks up, bring in chairs, tables, and outdoor decor and store them in the garage. Board up the windows to protect them from any projectiles that could blow in from the street or a neighbor’s yard.
Do a Roof Inspection
If your home sustains roof damage after inclement weather, you might not want to approach it as a DIY project. Yes, doing repairs on your own can help you save money, but sometimes, you’re better off calling a roofing professionalto do the job.
Hiring roofers can help you fix any flaws or leaks in your roof before selling your home, which will allow you to list it for a higher price and possibly sell it faster. Unfortunately, there are times when minor roof repairs aren’t enough to address a persistent leak. If this is the case for your home, it may be time for a full roof replacement, especially if you are planning to put your home on the market.
Protect Your Home and Property From Freezing Temperatures
Once the weather starts getting colder, you need to take basic precautions to prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting. Patch warns that dealing with water damage from bursting pipes can be costly. Start by insulating any pipes that run through unheated rooms, like your attic. Insulation is quite affordable and can be found at most hardware stores.
Turning your thermostat down at night can be a good way to save money on utilities, but it can also increase the risk of frozen pipes. Instead, keep your thermostat at a consistent temperature throughout the day, and run water through pipes regularly to prevent freezing. If your pipes do freeze, don’t attempt to fix it yourself. Instead, call a reputable plumber to remedy the problem.
You can also take steps to protect your driveway’s asphalt from cracking and damage as a result of snow and ice accumulation. A warmup snow melting cable from the Flooring Supply Shop can keep your driveway in good condition (and you family safe) during winter weather. When shopping for a snow melting cable, make sure to purchase a cable that’s long enough to cover your entire driveway.
Prepping your home for bad weather and making repairs in a timely fashion are crucial for every homeowner. By being proactive about home maintenance and working with qualified contractors for renovations, you can increase your property value before you’re ready to sell your home.
Are you ready to buy or sell your home? Reach out to Shannon Cutler today! Working with Shannon Cutler ensures a professional and quality experience. Whether it's getting the best price for your home or finding the perfect neighborhood, Shannon Cutler is prepared to help you every step of the way.
Authored by: Ron Kane @ https://winterizeguys.com