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!

Remodeling Tips for a Successful Project

Thinking of remodeling a room in your house? Before doing so, consider these tips to make the remodel as smooth sailing as possible.

At Choice Property Restoration, we are known for coming into your home after it has suffered a natural disaster, whether it is a flood, a fire, or a tornado, and restoring it to its previous state. Our construction professionals share over 35 years of experience working to repair and restore damaged homes, and we are extremely detail-oriented in our work. Not only do we use our expertise to perform restoration work, but we also offer remodeling services on ordinary homes. Our remodels include kitchens, bathrooms, basements, offices, and family rooms. Planning for a remodel takes some thought, and we would like to share some re from Better Homes & Gardens.

• Remember the big picture. When you are planning your budget for your remodel, do not forget to include long-term maintenance, energy-efficiency, and repair expenses. Also allow for extra money in case an emergency arises.
• Plan ahead. Selecting your products early can prevent delays from happening. Planning ahead can help you stay on budget as well.
• Be a good boss. Treat your remodelers well. The perfect clients can be honest, easy to get along with, and appreciate the work being done by the construction team.
• Know what you are getting into. Be prepared for frustrations to arise during the remodeling project. Living in a construction zone means you will be dealing with unexpected snags, delays, and inconveniences on a daily basis. Knowing there will be possible problems ahead better prepares you for the reality. Just keep in mind the project will come to an end, and you will have a beautiful, newly remodeled room.
• Pitch a temporary camp. If your kitchen is being remodeled, living without this important room for a few weeks can be difficult. Set up a temporary kitchen in another part of the house away from the construction zone with a refrigerator and a microwave oven so that you can continue to cook your own meals at home.
• Pack away your valuables. It is a good idea to protect the valuable items in your home before the remodeling project gets started. Take down pictures and pack up all breakables. Protect your immovable fixtures like chandeliers and built-in cabinets. Cover all flooring with cardboard sheets to keep it in good condition.
• Communicate effectively. If anything occurs that is unsatisfactory to you, let our company supervisor know immediately so that we can deal with the issue. We cannot read your mind, so informing us when something is wrong is important in doing the best job we can.
• Prioritize luxury items. It makes no sense to install a whirlpool tub if you are not the kind of person who likes to take baths. Instead, spend the extra dollars on something you will use every day, such a luxury shower with dual heads. The same thing applies when you are planning out a kitchen. Will you really use a desk in your kitchen, or does it make more sense to utilize that space better with more cabinets?

Ready for a remodeling project at your house? Contact Choice Property Restoration today to talk to our staff about giving you a new kitchen, bathroom, or other room in your home.