Another Summer has passed, and Winter is approaching once again. For some, this may mean freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and dangerous driving conditions. For others, it may mean sun and temps that never drop below 60 degrees. For Atlanta, Georgia, this means cooler temperatures and rainfall. There are always precautions to take when a new season in approaching. For those of you in Atlanta, here’s some smart steps to take to be proactive in potential winter damage to your home.
- Keep your roof up to date: Depending on the type of roof your home has, they can last anywhere from 12-75 years. They should still be checked twice a year just as general upkeep. The lifespan of a roof may provide enough reassurance that people don’t think a biannual check up is necessary, but doing so will catch damage early on and save you a lot of headaches (and money) in days to come.
- Hire an arborist: While advising people to cut down trees may seem counterintuitive, they are still something to consider when determining the safety of your home. Storms, especially ones with lightning or ice can cause trees to fall, and you want to make sure it’s not on top of your home. An arborist can determine how a tree would fall and if it’s necessary to remove it.
- Check for cracks in the foundation: If you have a basement, ensuring that all cracks are filled is essential to avoid flooding. The good thing about this is it can be a DIY project if you’re wary about calling a professional. All cracks that are ⅛ of an inch should be filled using caulk; if they exceed the ⅛ inch marker, try using epoxy filler. The best time to move on to professional service is when cracks are complete and deep. Checking your home’s foundation regularly will prevent flooding, mold and damage to your personal belongings and interior.
Following these 3 steps will save you money and improve the overall quality and value of your home.
