Finally bringing home improvement plans to life is a common New Year’s resolution for many homeowners. For those of you who are now ready to give your home a revamp, here’s a three-part guide to the most important aspects that you must look into: roofing, siding, and windows. We will take a look at the importance of having these three prioritized, and how you can go about finding and solving possible issues.

ROOF INSPECTION: Why and When You Should Have It Done

Roof inspection is a preventative maintenance task that must be done at least once or twice a year. This will help make sure that the roof continues to perform as intended to for as long as possible, and that you don’t void your warranty. It is best to hire a professional to do the job for you, as they have the necessary skills and equipment for the task, but it is also important to know a few basics about roof inspection.

WHEN TO DO IT

Roof inspections are best done before and after the most severe weather or season. Minnesota, for instance, has a continental climate where cold winters and hot summers are common and spring brings severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. As we enter the new year, it is recommended that you have your roof inspected after snow has stopped falling and before spring officially comes. This way, you can solve issues and repair any damage left by the winter, preparing your roof for the next season.

PART I: ROOFING

WHAT TO CHECK OUT

Hiring a reputable contractor gives you peace of mind knowing that your roof will be properly and thoroughly checked. Take note that an inspection will cover both the interior and exterior portions of your roof, tackling issues like:

• Roofing Exterior. Torn, bald, or missing shingles; loose or worn out flashing around chimneys, pipes, vents, and other penetrations; excessive amount of shingle granules in the gutters, which indicate advanced shingle wear; Signs of moisture, mold, and rot; loose, detached, or clogged gutters and downspouts; and other signs of leaks such as discoloration and water stains.

• Roofing Interior. Sagging roof deck components; damp or rotting deck sections; dark spots or trails in the attic or deck; and sunlight showing through the roof.

Your roof is built to last but you also need to look after it to ensure that it is performing as it should. Don’t wait until you have actual rainwater falling on you to take action! The sooner you address problems, the sooner your roof gets back into shape and back to protecting your home and your family.

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In the next post, we will be discussing another important part of your home that needs attention as the new year begins: your siding. Head on over to Part II to learn more!

PART I: ROOFING

Any siding product is designed to be durable and rigid enough to take a beating from the harshest weather disturbances. However, this does not mean that it does not need caring for. With regular inspection and maintenance, your siding can last for decades, allowing you to make the most out of your investment.

INSPECTING YOUR SIDING

All siding is vulnerable to water infiltration in parts where it butts against doors, windows, and corner molding, among other openings and penetrations. You must look for caulk that has cracked or pulled away from adjacent surfaces, leaving gaps. Other than that, here other are material-specific siding inspection tips to remember:

• Wood. Check for peeling paint, rotted parts, and cracked boards and trims. • Vinyl. Check for physical damage, from small chips to big holes and signs of warping and deformation. Check for signs of water infiltration as well.• Stucco. Check for cracks and chips.• Stone. Check for cracks and chips.• Hardboard. Check for signs of rot.• Fiber Cement. Check for loose nails and improper clearance.

Cleaning Your Siding

All types of siding can benefit from annual cleaning to remove dirt and mildew. In many cases, the following basic cleaning steps will be all you’ll need:

PART II: SIDING

1. Mix 1/2 cup of trisodium phosphate (TSP) with 1 gallon of warm water. TSP is usually available in grocery stores and hardware stores, but you can also use laundry detergent or household cleaner if those are what you have on hand. Make sure you follow usage instructions provided for commercial cleaners.

2. Dip a soft-bristled brush into your cleaning solution and scrub your siding by sections. Work from bottom to top and rinse often to avoid streaking.

OTHER SIDING JOBS

During a siding inspection, it is possible for some issues to pop up. Depending on the extent of the problem, you might be in need of siding repair or replacement. To determine what you should do, assess how old your siding is. Properly installed and depending on material, siding can last between 10 and 50 years. If yours is relatively new and you’re only looking at minor problems like cracked or loose panels, siding repair may be enough for you. If your siding has seen better years and you’ve had to do several repairs before, opting for siding replacement may prove to be more practical for you.

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We’ll be rounding up this blog series in the last part by about windows -- what signs of damage to look for and how to know if you need to replace them. Stay tuned to learn more!

PART II: SIDING

Getting your home in shape will be incomplete if you have not included your windows in your to-check list. Windows are highly functional so the condition yours are in will affect your home’s overall performance, both in form and function.

THE IMPORTANCE OF WINDOW INSPECTION

Windows must be regularly inspected every season to ensure that they are in good condition, with no leaks and no damaged parts. Big leaks and major damage are easy enough to spot but small instances of damage, which are equally problematic, may be more difficult to detect. When left unattended, these small problems will grow, damaging your window bit by bit. A faulty window also contributes to high energy use because it reduces your home’s overall insulative ability. A regular window inspection will let you catch issues in the early stages, solving them when they are easier and more affordable to manage.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN A WINDOW INSPECTION

During a window inspection, the following must be performed:

• Frame and sash check. Look for signs of moisture infiltration and rot.

• Moisture and condensation check. Is condensation present between glass panes?

• Paint check. Is paint peeling? It might mean certain areas of the frame have become brittle, warping, or moisture has seeped into the material, lifting the paint.

• Weatherstripping check. Make sure they are in place around the window frame and they are not worn out yet.

• Gap check. There should be no visible space between the window and your wall.

PART III: WINDOWS

IS IT TIME FOR WINDOW REPLACEMENT?

Replacing your old windows can be a good investment because you’ll be boosting both form and function for your home. Not to mention convenient, because you’ll be able to do away with tedious maintenance tasks that older windows require. But how do you know if you’re due for a window replacement? If you notice the following signs, it is most probably time:

You have trouble using your window

Unless you have a fixed window, you should be able to open and close your window with ease. Difficulty operation may signal a problem in the movable components of a window, which may have been worn out already from constant use.

You see condensation between glass panes

Multi-pane windows are great because of the incredible insulation they provide. However, their insulative capabilities drop when their seals are compromised, making them less energy-efficient.

You feel a noticeable draft

Some level of air leakage is to be expected from windows but there should not be enough for you to actually feel it. Air leakage disrupts indoor temperature, forcing your HVAC system to work doubly hard to maintain conditions to keep you comfortable and leading to a spike in your energy bill.

PART III: WINDOWS

Your windows are no longer beautiful

Even when your windows are still working fine, looking dilapidated is not doing your home any favors. However, a visible drop in aesthetics is usually accompanied by physical deterioration so being not-so-good-looking may be a sign that your window is simply too worn out to be effective.

Planning and scheduling home improvement projects can really be exciting -- and overwhelming at the same time. To make sure that everything is in place and every decision is right for your home, make sure you work only with a reputable contractor.

PART III: WINDOWS

Krech Exteriors

5866 Blackshire Path,Inver Grover Heights, MN 55076

(651) 968-8888(651) 688-6368

KrechExteriors.com