CPR Nashville Blog

Preparing Your Roof and Gutters for Winter

With the weather predictions for the upcoming winter season being as gloomy as they are, taking a few precautionary home maintenance steps now is vital. We’ve had some interesting weather in the greater Nashville area over the last 12 months, no doubt, but the expected arrival of El Nino this winter really has a lot of people scrambling. The weather is predicted to vary from week to week, with wild swings in temperatures from the 20’s up to the 70’s and then crashing back down again. This yo-yo effect will have the freeze-thaw cycle working overtime in, on and around your home.

Ensuring your roof and gutters are ready for the cold season is critical, especially if you already know that one or both of them isn’t in top condition. Before a minor problem becomes a major wintertime disaster, we provide you with some tips on preparing them for winter.

Don’t Forget to Look Up!

Checking the areas around your home’s chimney and roof edges for loose materials, cracks and other signs of deterioration is something that all homeowners can do as part of a full 360-degree size-up. Cracked shingles and clogged gutters are definite warning signs, too. While you may be able to identify many of the common problems with your roof and gutter system on your own, hiring a qualified professional is best to receive a thorough evaluation and provide any necessary repairs.

Repairing Known Deficiencies

If you know of existing leaks coming from either your roof or gutters, get them looked at and repaired immediately. These issues are easier to address when the weather is milder. Removing debris from your gutters can drastically reduce the likelihood of ice dams, thick ridges of solid ice that build up along the eaves.

These accumulations have been known to tear off gutters, loosen shingles, and cause water to back up and pour into your house. Making sure your gutters are clean and water is flowing properly is paramount. Just as important as the gutters being free of debris, drains and downspouts should also be clear. It sounds simple enough, but a clogged gutter or downspout can be extremely hazardous to your home.

Stress, Stress, and More Stress

Winter weather brings multiple stressors to any roof system. Snow accumulation, ice dams and high winds can cause major damage to homes and buildings. Lower quality roofs and roofs over 20 years old have a greater likelihood of succumbing to harsh weather. This can result in minor leaks to major cave-ins that can cost thousands of dollars to repair.

Your roof and gutter system may not appear to be problematic before snowfall, but weak spots, invisible cracks and weathered surfaces are all susceptible to giving way under the weight of snow. Repair crews tend to be at their busiest during winter and, due to the extreme temperatures and other mitigating factors, it takes longer to get jobs done during this season. There is tremendous value in early inspection and proactive home maintenance.

With over 35 years experience in the restoration and construction industry, Choice Property Restoration can match and surpass any restoration business in and around Nashville and the state of Tennessee. We are a locally owned and operated company and live and work in your community. Whether your repair needs are big or small, call CPR to schedule an appointment today. We’re the company that responds in a heartbeat!

Avoiding Fire Safety Fails

Everything has risks. Knowing what those risks are and how to reduce them is the secret to success. When a fire does happen, time is of the essence. With an increasing number of people using grills, there is a greater risk for accidents that can result in serious injury or property damage.

It is summer in Tennessee and that means its grilling time for many residents. Although, outdoor cooking is a long-cherished tradition for most families, it also increases the possibility of fire-related incidents and injuries tremendously. Gas grills constitute a higher risk, having been involved in an annual average of 7,200 home fires in 2007-2011, while charcoal or other solid-fueled grills were involved in an annual average of 1,400 home fires. The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office urges outdoor cooks to keep fire safety in mind as they fire up the grill this summer and make sure the only thing going up in smoke is dinner.

According to the Tennessee Fire Incident Reporting System (TFIRS), fire departments responded to more than 180 fires involving grills, hibachis, or barbecues from 2009-2013. These fires caused two civilian injuries, three firefighter injuries and $5,147,312 in direct property damage. Cooking outdoors has its risks, but they can be reduced by taking the right precautions and following safety procedures.

To help keep your summer cookouts fire safe, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office offers the following great grilling tips:

• Before using a gas grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line. Make sure the Venturi tubes – where the air and gas mix – are not blocked.
• Do not overfill the propane tank.
• Grills should be positioned at least 10 feet away from your house.
• Do not wear loose clothing while cooking at a barbecue.
• Be careful when using lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an already lit fire because the flame can flashback up into the container and explode.
• Keep all matches and lighters away from children. Teach your children to report any loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately. Supervise children around outdoor grills.
• Dispose of hot coals properly – douse them with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers.
• Never grill/barbecue in enclosed areas – carbon monoxide could be produced.
• Make sure everyone knows to Stop, Drop and Roll in case a piece of clothing does catch fire. Call 911 or your local emergency number if a burn warrants serious medical attention.

Emergency doctors nationwide are familiar with grilling harm. They say would-be barbecuers are routinely burned, singed and blistered in accidents caused either by faulty grills – or the faulty habits of their operators.

Following the guidelines above and keeping safety your main priority while grilling can help make your summer cookout memorable for all the right reasons. Choice Property Restoration is a locally owned and operated company. We live and work in your community and strive to make us all safer and ready to respond, not if, but when something happens. In the event you have a fire mishap, call CPR at 615-886-7989 or schedule an appointment online. Remember: we’re the company that responds in a heartbeat!