Fall Home Improvement: What to Do Before the Illinois Winter
You should be asking yourself if your roof can stand up to the first hard freeze, or whether you are already feeling drafts from your windows and doors. When did you last put in the time to see if there were any minor issues in the home that will become major ones with the snow?
If so, come to us. We of Nordine Remodeling, LLC have been in McLean County since 2003 and are well acquainted with what an unprepared home has to endure in an Illinois winter. A phone call to (309) 491-4204 and we will put your home in order before the cold makes its way in.
There is only a brief window this fall to put right the things that are amiss. The decisions you make at this point will determine if you are at ease through the winter or at odds with the elements. Here is how to go about it.
The Roof First
An Illinois winter puts the roof to the test with its ice dams, freeze-thaw and heavy snowfall. You will find it much less trouble to do any needed repairs in the mild weather of fall than later on.
Before winter comes around, look for:
- Shingles that are cracked, missing or curling
- Any loose or compromised flashing by the vents and chimneys
- Granules in the gutters
- Staining in the attic or other evidence of a leak
- A sag here or there which could be water damage
We know what a roof in good health is because Nordine Remodeling is a CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster and holds our Illinois State Roofing License. Better to address it now than in January.
Gutters and Drainage
Water damage in the winter often traces back to clogged gutters. Debris and leaves will impede the flow and the water will back up and freeze, forming ice dams under your shingles.
See that every gutter and downspout is clear and draining well from the foundation. Check while you are at it that they are fastened down; a gutter can come unglued under the weight of ice and take some of the fascia with it.
Windows and Doors
A drafty door or window is a silent way to waste money. Your furnace has to labor all season to make up for the heat they let out.
On a cold morning, put in a walk around the exterior of the house and feel for any air. New caulk or weatherstripping will do for the moment, though with an old or fogged window you are better off replacing it in the long run. Too many homeowners put it off until the draft is too much to bear and have their heating bill to show for it.
Siding and Exterior Walls
Moisture and freezing temps do not mix, yet cracks and loose panels in your siding allow moisture to get to the structure below.
Be on the lookout for warped or cracked panels, peeling paint, soft spots or mildew, as well as gaps at the doors and windows. In the fall one can nip these in the bud; come winter they would be a more substantial repair.
Comfort and Accessibility for All
Icy steps and the like are no joke when mobility is an issue, be it for an older member of the family or otherwise.
Our NordineCare division can accommodate ADA and aging-in-place needs such as hoists, stair lifts, raised sinks and grab bars. With a Certified Aging In Place Specialist on our staff we understand what is required to make a home safe. It is wise to put in those features in the fall.
Indoor Projects to Have on the Books
When the weather breaks you will want to be inside. There is no better time to plan a kitchen or bathroom remodel, to finish a basement or the like. As a design-build firm we do the project management, consulting and design in-house at Nordine Remodeling. We provide free estimates, 3D designs and inspections so you can see the end product ahead of time.
Make Ready Today
Do not wait for the central Illinois winter. Nordine Remodeling, LLC is fully bonded and insured, licensed and an A+ with the BBB. We cover Bloomington, Normal, El Paso, Lexington and all of McLean County, Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm.
Give us a ring at (309) 491-4204 for a no cost estimate and be ready for whatever the winter brings.