The Regal Restoration team hopes you are having a fabulous summer enjoying friends and family, vacations and staycations, and the beautiful weather we are currently experiencing. Even though we have a month to go before fall sets in, and even longer before our predicted “frosty and wet” winter (according to Farmers’ Almanac), we want to begin the discussion about project planning for late fall and winter months. There are many valid reasons for starting your larger projects during this time, as opposed to waiting for spring, as we will explain below. Why wait? Get those communities in tip-top shape ahead of any harsh weather - and remember - the best homeowner is a
happy homeowner
!
WINDOWS
To fully prepare and protect your buildings for colder temperatures, we recommend replacing aged, inefficient and drafty windows with newer, insulated versions. Drafty and improperly sealed windows are a leading cause of a home’s energy loss and can result in much higher electric bills throughout winter. Window manufacturing has come a long way in the past decade, and long gone are the days of lower efficiency windows that wear down at a faster clip. Taking the time this fall to upgrade and invest in new windows will not only save on electric bills but will enhance overall home comfort.
DOORS
Much like properly installed updated windows, doors are quite important when it comes to insulating your home and maintaining a comfortable environment for your family and guests during the cold months. If your doors are aging, cracking, warping or you just feel a general draftiness around them, this fall might be the perfect time to consider replacing them with something newer and more conducive to maintaining a comfortable environment inside. Having updated doors also helps with curb appeal and home value. If you opt for new doors with glass inserts, make sure the glass is tempered and thick to gain the best efficiency. Storm doors are also a good addition and add an extra layer of insulation protection.
ROOFING
Have you ever noticed roofs that retain snow longer? There is a reason for that – they are keeping your house insulated. A snow-covered roof means your attic is doing its job. If you see icicles – it’s an indicator that the roof is experiencing heat loss, which you don’t want. If your roof is warm enough to melt the snow but it's cold enough outside for snow to refreeze, your roof is losing heat. It is best to assess any roof damage prior to the onset of cold weather for the same reason as doors and windows - inefficiencies. Perhaps an entirely new roof isn’t necessary right now but making small repairs to missing or deficient shingles can save parts of the roof from further damage and aid in a more efficient, cozy winter, as well as saving on your electric bill. Whether you need a new roof, or just need repair work done, you will go into winter with peace of mind knowing your home is well protected from the elements.
PAVING/SEAL COATING
Many times, we are asked how late in the season we recommend seal coating or paving driveways. Part of that is based on a manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines and the other part is based on weather conditions. Overall, it is best to lay asphalt in the 70-degree temperature range, but the ambient temperature should be at least 50 degrees. Since we are well above that in late summer, we recommend waiting until we start approaching cooler days in the early fall. It is best to have a thorough evaluation done now so that once the weather breaks, you will be ready and scheduled for the work to begin. Seal coating during this time is a great way to fill unsightly cracks and provide a fresh, enhanced look to community driveways.
