As a Michigander, you take pride in your home. However, being ready for all seasons, especially some pretty rough winters, can take a lot of time and energy. It’s important to take a survey of your home every few months to check what repairs must be made and where you may be able to hold off for the time being. In fact, here are three fixes you may need right now that you may want to inspect in your home.
1. Plumbing
Depending on the age of your home and how well you prepare it for the elements, your piping and hot water systems may be due for an upgrade. Whether you’re in Dearborn or Detroit, be sure to immediately address any backup that may be happening in your plumbing, as this could be brought on by bacteria buildup or corrosion of pipes over time. This makes for unsafe water coming out of your fixtures, leaving you susceptible to a number of illnesses every time you turn the faucet.
If you notice your water heater is not stepping up to the plate when you need it most, it may be time to look into a larger hot water heater to take care of your home’s needs. Be sure to maintain a cleaning routine with any type of water heater to prevent any soot or residue from getting in the ducts. If you’re in the market for a new water heater, consider a tankless model. Homeowners have found this on-demand water heater has saved them on energy bills by not wasting hot water and preventing the buildup of bacteria like legionella that can leave your loved ones significantly ill.
2. Windows and Insulation
It may be time to get some new windows in place to better seal your home before the colder weather kicks in. Whether you’re in the L.P. or the Yoop, you can find window replacement services in your area. All you have to do is type something like “window replacement in Portage MI” into a search engine to find professionals with years of experience in installation. It’s best to take on this type of home improvement project during the spring and summer to reduce the risk of install during inclement weather.
While putting these replacement windows in, be sure that proper sealant is used to avoid cold air from seeping in during those rough winters. Look for any cracks or leaks that need to be patched up. Consider the state of your insulation to make sure that the higher temperature indoors is being felt throughout your household. Taking care of this in a timely manner will help to keep the pressure off your heating system throughout blizzards and blustery days, saving you on your home energy bills.
3. Roofing
From Battle Creek to Bay City, making sure your roof and gutters are winter-ready is not something to delay. Don’t hesitate to consider a roofing consultation to make sure that the beams beneath the roof are doing a good job of keeping your home protected. This includes having a contractor check for any loose shingles or leaks that may lead to gallons of water pouring into your attic after wicked weather.
This can mess with any electric wiring, leading to significant damage to your household. Small leaks can be a quick fix, and contractors can do an amazing job to provide a temporary solution. It could be a better choice to upgrade and replace the roof altogether, but weigh the options at your disposal that also make sense for you financially. After all, Michiganders want to keep their homes looking good, but they don’t want to break the bank to do it.
