The winter weather brings several stressors to any roof system. If you live in a place with harsh winter weather, it is essential to ensure that your roof is ready for winter. You want to make sure that it can do its job of keeping you safe and warm and withstand the tirade of bad weather coming your way.

Make sure that your roof is winter-ready by following these tips.

Check for roof damage.

Having a roof over our heads is one of our most basic needs for survival. As the temperature drops during the winter months, this becomes increasingly important.

Inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles, damaged flashings, cracks curling edges, as well as leaks. Be sure to address these issues before winter sets. This will help extend the life of your roof and keep you safe and comfortable throughout the winter.

Plumbing problems are bound to happen any time of the year. But with the freezing temperature and snowfall brought about by winter, there's a higher chance of enduring plumbing problems.

Below are 4 of the most common plumbing issues homeowners face during winter, along with some suggestions on how to prevent them.

Water heater breakdown

As the temperature drops below zero in the winter, your water heater has to work harder to keep up with your family's needs. Considering that you use hot water for different activities throughout the day, don't be surprised if you experience some problems with your water heater in wintertime.

To avoid this inconvenience, we recommend that you have your water heater serviced before the cold weather kicks in. Flush and drain your water heater at least once a year to eliminate sediments and mineral deposits that accumulated at the bottom of your tank. Plus, it helps your water heater to function more efficiently.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency warns that flooding in basements can occur in any home. This is most likely to occur during heavy rainfall or when snow and ice start to melt. 

If you’ve ever experienced basement flooding, you know just how stressful and tedious the clean-up process can be. It is the last thing you want in your home. Your new carpet can quickly become a moldy sponge after flooding. Plus, you'll be left with ruined possessions and countless hours of cleaning. 

Fortunately, there are some ways to prevent it. Here are some of them. 

Clean gutters

Blocked gutters are considered one of the most common causes of flooding. Keeping your gutters clean is one of the easiest ways to prevent flooding in your basement.

A solid roof above your head protects your family from the elements and ensures that your property is secure. For your roof to do its job, you need to make sure it’s in top condition. Never wait for a serious problem to occur before examining your roof.

Learning the signs of potential roof damage will help you catch minor issues and prevent them from becoming bigger and more complicated. Pay attention to these warning signs and have a professional fix the issue as quickly as possible. 

Missing or damaged shingles 

Visually inspecting your roof will help you spot missing, cupped, or cracked shingles. Your roof’s structure and your home’s interior become vulnerable to water damage when you have missing shingles. Therefore, it is best to replace torn or missing shingles as soon as possible. If left unaddressed, the gutters, flashing, ventilation pipes, and chimney may eventually be damaged. 

The attic is one of the areas that are most susceptible to mold growth. Because most homeowners rarely access this area of the house, attic mold often grows unnoticed. Molds can spread quickly. As such, we highly recommend you conduct regular inspections to prevent mold from spreading to other parts of your home. 

There are several causes of mold growth. Learning about the common causes of attic molds will prevent mold from growing in the first place. By eliminating these potential causes, you’ll stand a better chance of keeping mold from growing in your attic.

Leaking roof

When homeowners find out about mold growth in the attic, many of them assume that it is caused by a leak in the roof. 

Wear and tear are inevitable, whether you have an old or new roof. Roofing issues make it less effective at keeping water out. Remember that moisture is the main ingredient for mold growth. Just a tiny leak causes enough moisture to build up and grow a large mold colony. A regular roof inspection is a must to keep it in top shape. Also, repair roof problems promptly to prevent mold growth. 

Exhaust vents going into the attic 

In most homes, a bathroom or kitchen vent can dump warm, moist air into the attic space. Exhausting hot, humid air directly into the attic will result in moisture formation. The moist environment, combined with a food source such as wood, creates an ideal environment for mold growth. 

Mold in the attic is often due to excess moisture in the area. Ensure that your exhaust fans and dryer vents pump moisture as far away from your home as possible and never in your attic. 

Poor ventilation 

Warm air from daily activities such as bathing or cooking often rises into the attic. When it does, it carries with it large amounts of moisture. Moisture gets trapped in the attic if there is poor ventilation. This can lead to attic mold. Ensuring you have good ventilation in the attic will help reduce moisture build-up; hence, preventing mold. 

Mold growth in the attic does not necessarily affect indoor air quality. But if left unaddressed, it can lead to structural damage, which will cost you thousands and thousands of dollars on repair. 

Buyers want a home that is in pristine condition. If you want to sell your house fast and get the most money out of it, leaving repairs for a buyer is undoubtedly not an intelligent thing to do. You want to address specific issues before putting your home on the market. 

Preparing your home for sale may seem like a daunting process. There’s an endless amount of cleaning, decluttering, and fixing to be done. Tending to specific issues will help your property stand out from the competition and boost the value of your home. 

Here are some necessary repairs you need to undertake before selling your home. 

Exterior 

Improving your home’s exterior may not be as exciting as remodeling the bathroom or the kitchen, but it's one of the first things you need to do when preparing your home for sale. Why? Because a huge percentage of buyers decide whether or not they like your house before they even walk into your home. 

Repair broken fences, glam up your mailbox, freshen the paint job, and powerwash the outside of your house – these are simple maintenance tasks that will help enhance curb appeal and add value to your home. 

Flooring 

Most buyers today want wood floors. Not only do they add warmth and character to your living space, but they also add value to your home. However, scratches can easily ruin the appeal of your wood floors. Consider refinishing the wood floor before putting your home on the market. If you have carpet over wood floor, consider ripping up the carpet and refinishing the wood floor underneath it. 

Update your interior 

Buyers buy with their eyes. While preparing your home for sale, you want to ensure that it has the wow factor that buyers desire. 

Spruce up your home’s interior and create a fresh look in every room of your home. Update the lighting, adorn walls with artwork, update your hardware, install decorative display shelves and dress up your floor with an oriental rug. Remember, it is easier to sell an attractive house, so be sure to include cosmetic updates in your to-do list. 

Roof leaks present multiple challenges for homeowners. Not only do they occur in the most inappropriate time, they can also cause significant damage to your home if not discovered and repaired promptly. But sometimes, it can be difficult to pinpoint the cause of the problem since it originates away from where the leak shows up. 

To make your job easier, we have compiled some of the most common causes of residential roof leaks. Next time it happens to you, it would be easier for you to determine the cause of the problem. 

Broken or loose shingles

The shingles are the most important barrier for your roof. They can become loose, rot or curl over time; thus, causing roof leaks. Water can seep through the roof and into your home if you have cracked, broken or missing shingles. 

Since shingles are the exterior layer of a roof, this one is easy to spot. Climb a ladder to inspect the roof and check for missing shingles.

Cracked flashing 

Flashing are thin pieces of metal that covers a seam or transition on the roof. They can become weak, corroded or slide out of place due to harsh weather or strong winds. You are more likely to develop a leak if your flashing is damage. 

Clogged gutters

Gutters are installed to catch rain and channel it away from the structure. Leaves and other debris that have accumulated in your gutters can slow the water flowing off the roof. Water will then pool in one area of the roof and can soak through your shingles and through the ceiling below. 

Age

Even the highest quality roof can deteriorate over time. The older your roof is, the less effective it is at keeping water out. That said, you should keep an eye on the condition of your roof. 

Be sure to upgrade your roof as soon as you have the money. Yes, it may cost you an arm and a leg, but if you wait long enough, you may face more serious problems and spend a lot more money down the road. 

Your plumbing is one of the most important systems in your home. Plumbing is needed in many aspects of your home such as cooking, washing dishes, taking showers, flushing the toilet and a lot more. Sadly, a lot of homeowners don’t give their plumbing system much thought until a problem arises. 

Here are some of the most common plumbing emergencies, along with some tips on how to avoid them. 

Leaky pipes

At first glance, leaky pipes may not seem like a big deal. But if not addressed immediately, it can cause extensive damage to our home and personal belongings. Stained walls, flooding, poor water quality, and mold growth are just some of the ways leaky pipes can wreak havoc on your home. 

To prevent this from happening, it is important to address the problem as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the worse the damage will be. 

Sewer system backup 

This is probably the worst plumbing problem one could ever face. Just imagine the horror of sewage water pooling inside your house, along with the nasty smell that comes with it. Disgusting! This will not only lead to expensive repair, it can also cause health hazards. If this happens, be sure to vacate the affected areas immediately.

Clogged toilets

You’re still pulling your pants up when you realized that the water is rising closer and closer to the rim. Your toilet is clogged, now what? I know it’s difficult, but try not to panic. 

What you need to do is to stop the water from going into the bowl. Turn off the water using the valve behind the base of the toilet. Another way is to make sure that the rubber flapper is in place. Take off the lid of the tank. Reach in and push the flapper back into place. Now, you can call a plumber to address the problem.

Clogged drains 

Clogged or backed up drain is one of the most common problems homeowners face. This is often the result of flushing large items down the drain. The good news is that, it can easily be avoided by being careful about the things you put down the drain. 

Toilets are designed to handle human waste and toilet paper. Flushing dense, stringy or bulky materials can cause a clog.

Water is one of the most important substances on earth. In fact, all life forms are dependent on it. But with all it’s life-giving benefits, water can also be very destructive. 

Water damage can be devastating. It can cause damage to your personal belongings, on your property, and may even lead to mold problems. Unfortunately, a lot of homeowners find themselves experiencing water damage. 

Here are some of the most common causes of residential water damage, along with some tips on how to prevent it. 

Natural disasters 

Hurricanes, sudden storms and flash floods are the most common causes of water damage. While we have no control over natural disasters, there are some things you can do to minimize its effect. 

If you live in flood-prone areas, we suggest that you seal walls in the basement with waterproofing compounds. Also, construct barriers like floodwalls, beams, and levees to stop water from entering your home. 

Faulty appliances 

No matter how well you maintain and take care of your appliances, they will break down eventually. Dishwashers, water heaters, refrigerators, and washing machines deteriorate over time. Their hoses can weaken and their pipes rust and crack. They are most likely to leak, wreak havoc and overflow. That said, it is best to keep an eye on older appliances, replace worn parts, and maintain them. 

Burst or leaking pipes

Pipes leak or burst over time due to clogs in the line or changes in temperature. Unfortunately, most people don’t give their pipes much thought until something goes wrong. 

Know where the main water supply is so you can easily turn it off in cases of emergency. This will prevent water from flowing through the pipes; hence, preventing further damage. Do this before calling for professional help. 

Clogged gutters and downspouts 

Gutters are designed to direct water away from your home. When it is clogged with leaves and other debris, water builds up in your gutter. Eventually, it may damage your roof and cause roof leaks. Worse, the gutter may separate from the roof and water may start pouring down your home. 

Keeping the gutters clean is of great importance. A lot of homeowners don’t like this task, but this is crucial for the safety and security of your home. 

Water damage is a serious and expensive problem to deal with. In most cases, it starts from a very simple problem like a water leak. Since it usually happens out of sight, most homeowners aren’t even aware of it until it’s too late. When left unaddressed, water damage can lead to more serious problems like mold growth and structural problems.

To prevent further problems, we listed down some of the most common problems that may indicate the presence of water damage. Here are some of them. 

Water stains 

If you notice some water stains on the wall, then this is a sign that water has travelled down the wall. This is often caused by a roof leak, leak from an upstairs bathroom or a leaky pipe. Get to the root of the problem and make necessary repairs to prevent further damage. 

Unusually high water bill 

If your water bill has increased significantly for no apparent reason, this can mean that water is being expelled somewhere. Keep an eye on your water usage and estimate how much your water company would usually charge. If your bill doesn’t match with your water usage, odds are your house is bleeding water. 

Musty odor 

Just because you don’t see mold, doesn’t mean it’s not there. Mold has its own smell. If you notice a musty odor in certain areas in your home, this suggests the presence of mold. The smell will usually be the strongest in areas where water damage has occurred. 

Rotting wood 

If you find wooden beams, wooden furniture or any type of wood that is beginning to rot, then you need to check for moisture problems or water damage.  Be on the lookout for any signs of soft or crumbly wood. 

Wood rot can compromise the structural integrity of your home. Remember, wood rot can spread wide and far, so be sure to have it repaired as soon as you discover it. 

Rust 

This is another sign you need to watch out for. Check the bathroom fixtures, pipes under the sink and the water heaters for rusting. Although this doesn’t necessarily indicate the presence of water damage, it is something worth noticing. This can be sign that something sinister is afoot.