Category: fall clean up

Four Ways to Prepare Your Home for Winter

Posted by bluecorona on

Prepare Your Home For WinterEven though we like to hold onto summer as long as possible, winter will arrive in no time. If you are once again waiting for the first cold snap to get your home ready for winter, you will suffer with higher than necessary energy bills. This year, stay ahead of the season and get to work on these four tasks:

  1. Tune Up Your Furnace
    Your home’s heating system will work more efficiently and have a longer life if it’s regularly serviced. Routine servicing can help prevent system problems during the peak heating season.
  2. Check Your Insulation
    A fresh blanket of insulation in your attic adds a thermal layer of protection. Adding insulation to your attic is one of the most cost effective ways to save money on energy bills. Take it a step further by sealing air leaks in your attic floor as well as around doors, windows, electrical outlets and other penetration points around your home.
  3. Maintain Your Rain Gutters
    Fall is the time when leaves, sticks and other debris pile up in your gutters. This debris can cause poor water drainage and harm to your home’s foundation. This is the time of year to add gutter leaf protection and have your rain gutters checked for damage.
  4. Add a Smart Thermostat
    Smart thermostats adjust the temperature of your home based on your family’s schedule and lifestyle. A smart thermostat can help decrease overall home energy use, including heating and cooling costs. According to Nest, a smart thermostat brand, the investment can pay for itself over time based on an average 30% reduction in energy bills.

If your home needs an insulation upgrade, gutter repair or gutter protection, we can help! Contact our office to schedule a free estimate!

Check your Gutters! The Why and the How.

Posted by bluecorona on
Adding a Gutter Leaf Protection in Charlotte, NC

Fall is a favorite season for many. For homeowners, it brings to mind dropping leaves and cleaning out gutters. If you are focused on cleaning up leaves from your lawn, don’t overlook your gutters. Gutters direct water away from the foundation of your home. Allowing leaves, sticks and other debris to pile up in your gutters can result in poor drainage and can ruin your foundation.

If you’re tired of cleaning your gutters, consider adding gutter leaf protection. If your gutters are open and it’s time to clean them, here are three easy steps to guide you through proper gutter cleaning:

Remove debris.
After safely placing your ladder, carefully remove debris from the gutters. Be sure to wear work gloves to protect your hands from sticks or any other sharp objects that may not be visible to your eye. Check the downspouts to be sure they are clear so any water drains properly. After removing the debris, take a few minutes to wash out any remnants and help them perform better.

Check installation.
While you are on the ladder, it’s a great time to check that the gutters are secure. Confirm that the gutters are properly connected to the rafters and are stable. If not, this is the time to replace any pieces that are not secure.

Check for holes or missing pieces.
A leaking gutter is as harmful as a missing gutter. If you find holes in any gutters caulk can be temporary fix until your gutters can be replaced (schedule this soon!). You’ll also want to check the rivets that are near the down spouts. These rivets help water flow properly to and through the down spout rather than running over the sides and down to your foundation.

If you notice problems with your gutters, it’s time to have them replaced. Contact our office to discuss your questions and schedule a free estimate.