Seasonal Care
Winter in the Chicago area asks a lot of a house. Bitter wind, heavy snow and repeated freezing and thawing can expose weak spots quickly. A little preparation in the fall helps you stay warm, dry and worry-free until spring.
Start at the top
Inspect your roof for missing, curling or cracked shingles and check flashing around chimneys and vents. Clear gutters so melting snow can drain freely. Blocked gutters are a leading cause of ice dams, which can push water under shingles and into your ceilings.
Prevention is always cheaper than repair, especially when the repair involves a ladder in January.
Seal the gaps
Drafts around windows and doors waste heat and money. Replace worn weatherstripping, add fresh caulk to seams and consider upgrading older windows to insulated models that hold warmth far better.
Check your heating and safety gear
- Have your furnace serviced and replace filters on schedule.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries.
- Keep an extinguisher accessible and review your family escape plan.
Protect pipes and outdoor spaces
Disconnect garden hoses, insulate exposed pipes and know where your main water shutoff is located. Store patio furniture and trim branches that could fall on the house during ice storms.
If your inspection turns up trouble, we can help with roofing, windows and safety upgrades before the cold arrives.