Spring Home Improvement Tips
Our team answers homeowner questions every weekend on WCCO 830 AM from 9:00 am-10:00 am. Have your most pressing home improvement quandaries addressed by calling or texting 651-461-9226. Here’s the must-know information our COO, Andy Lindus, shared on 3.19.22.
In the Twin Cities, the spring months are often a time of notable rainfall. Therefore, it’s so important to have properly functioning rain gutters on your home. Unlike most other systems, LeafGuard® Brand Gutters are a gutter and a topper all in one piece. It’s important to note that they are seamless. Gutters with seams often weaken over time, making them prone to leaking. LeafGuard® Brand Gutters are accompanied with a warranty that stipulates that if the system ever clogs, we will come out and clean them for free. This warranty transfers to the next owner of your home. In addition, the system has been awarded the prestigious Good Housekeeping Seal of approval. LeafGuard® Brand Gutters are offered in a variety of colors to blend in with any type of home.
When having a new roof installed, it’s important to understand the roof vent your contractor recommends and why. First and foremost, the design of the home should be taken into consideration. Ridge venting systems are often a solid choice. They are located on the highest point of the roof. Having the proper intake is always vital. There should be a 60% to 40% push to pull ratio so that there is proper airflow throughout the attic. The goal in the winter months should be to get the attic temperature to the same temperature it is outside. This will prevent ice dams.
View A Twin Cities Area Insulation Project:
Reputable roofing companies should also be inspecting your home’s attic during their roofing estimate. That’s because an attic with improper insulation can shorten the lifespan of a roof. The correct levels of spray foam insulation can create a more energy efficient home. In addition, it can cause a home’s furnace to run less, saving on utility bills. Correct attic insulation amounts also reduce the strain on your furnace because it does not have to run as often.
Homes with vaulted ceilings can present a challenge to insulate. Many times, the roof decking must be pulled up to inspect the home’s current insulation. A common discovery is seeing that the insulation has settled down the roof. The best way to correct this situation is to pull up the entire roof deck and add layers of spray foam insulation to the area. This allows for the maximum R-value to be achieved through the installation of a hot roof. In a hot roof, the roof cavity is packed completely full of insulation with no air movement present.
Homeowners having a new deck installed can choose from a lot of wood and composite materials. Composite decking is maintenance-free, making it the top choice for most homeowners. An excellent composite decking material is Millboard®. It is an affordable choice that imitates the appearance of wood decking. However, what sets it apart is that it does not require painting or staining. In addition, homeowners that have Millboard® appreciate that it does not get overly hot in the summer months. Another appealing aspect of this material is that it is not slippery when exposed to snow or rain.
However, for those opting for wood, it’s wise to choose a material that has already been kiln dried. This process removes moisture from the wood and ensures that deck boards do not shrink or crack prematurely. It’s important to note that even kiln dried decks will require staining to ensure they continue to look their best.
Listen to the Entire Show Here:
