Do you hear what I hear? The holiday bells are ringing! And with it comes the crisp winter air that makes your home colder. Whether you love it or hate it, this weather will stay for a while so don’t let the chill get into your bones by following these easy tips:
Clear the gutters
Having clean gutters not only makes your home look nicer, but it can also help prevent the build-up of ice on your roof. The faster that water can drain away, the less likely it is to melt and then refreeze on your roof or under your shingles.
In addition, clean gutters reduce the risk of infestation and decrease the risk of mold in your home. If you don’t have leaf guards on your gutters, you might have to take several passes until all the leaves have fallen off the trees. While you clean your gutters, look for problem areas that may indicate that it’s time to trim the trees in your yard. Source: MoneyCrashers
Clean the water heater
Have you flushed your water heater lately? This important chore should be done at least once a year to remove sediment that accumulates on the bottom of the tank. That’s especially true if you live in a hard-water area.
The task is easy to ignore because it’s out of sight, but built-up sediment reduces the heating efficiency of your water heater and costs you money. Source: FamilyHandyman
Insulate the attic
The most effective use of insulation is in the attic. Unfortunately, most homes have either no insulation or too-little insulation in the attic. According to the EPA, attics should have a minimum of R-38 insulation, which is typically between 10 and 14 inches deep. A properly insulated attic floor will prevent heated air in the rooms below from flowing into the attic. It’s equally important to caulk all ceiling penetrations—holes around pipes, ducts, and wires—and to place an insulated cover over the attic hatchway or stairway. Source: PopularMechanics
Don’t let the holiday events keep you from preparing your home for winter or else you might get caught in a sudden repair. Stay on top of your home maintenance by calling us!
Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains Ltd.
168 W 71st Ave, Vancouver, BC V5X 4S7
(604) 360-2114
