6 Home Improvements That Can’t Wait Until Spring

Waiting to do home improvements in the warmer weather makes it easier for you to take the family dog outside so they won’t be underfoot. There are also more options for family outings so that you won’t be in the way. Although these are good reasons to wait, several home improvements should be addressed as soon as possible.

1. Fix Your Roof

Your entire home may be compromised if you have a leaking roof. Leaks can damage your drywall and electrical systems. Wood that is exposed to water may rot. Left unchecked, water from a damaged roof can cause mold and mildew to grow, which can lead to structural damage. They also cause serious health issues for people who are exposed to them. Removing mold from a home can cost thousands of dollars. Turn to the roofing experts at RenoRoofRepair to have your roof repaired before leaks cause internal damage in your home.

2. Handle Plumbing Issues

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The type of plumbing pipe in your home may be an issue. Clay pipes were used in the 1800s and early 1900s. Clay breaks down over time. Roots can break through these pipes and cause blockages. Plumbers can use sewer cameras to visually inspect pipes to determine their condition and locate obstructions. Sometimes repairs can be limited to a section of pipe instead of replacing an entire line. A sewer backup can damage your home’s structure and lead to health problems for residents, so you should bring in the plumbers as soon as possible.

3. Foundation Repairs

Water can seep up through cracks in a bad foundation. This can cause damage to your flooring and any belongings that come in contact with the water. Mold may grow and damage your home’s structure and put your family’s health at risk. The foundation can shift, which may affect your floors, ceilings, windows, and doors. Windows and doors may not close properly, which can cause drafts and heat loss in the winter months. Foundation issues may also cause cracks in the walls. There are advantages to inspecting and fixing foundation problems in the winter. You’ll also prevent more damage to your home.

4. Upgrade Your Electrical Circuits

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In extreme situations, electrical problems can lead to an electrical fire. Serious electrical problems can also cause high electric bills. The cold winter months cause increased use because there are fewer daylight hours and people spend more time inside. The high demand for electrical systems can cause other issues, such as flickering lights or tripped circuits. If you have noticed these issues in previous years, it is a good idea to bring an electrician in and upgrade your electrical before the cold weather starts. This is why it is important to address electrical issues as soon as possible.

5. Doors and Windows

Replacing your doors and windows will help keep the bitter winter winds out and your heat in.Old doors and windows let in cold air. This can cost you hundreds of dollars in inflated heating costs each winter. Old doors and windows also cause increased strain on your electrical system, which can result in expensive electrical repairs. Water, frost, and snow can all get in through cracks and gaps around doors and windows. Over time, this can cause exposed wood to rot and prompt mold growth.

6. Home Heating

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Your furnace is one of the most important features in your home during the winter months. It needs to effectively produce and distribute heat throughout the entire house. Has your furnace serviced before winter starts? Replace filters to ensure that the air from your furnace is clean. If you notice that part of the house doesn’t seem to be warming up properly you will want to have the vents checked to make sure they aren’t blocked. If your furnace goes out, call for repairs immediately. Without heat, your pipes can freeze, which can lead to expensive plumbing repairs.

How to Shop for a Hard-Top Gazebo

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Imagine stepping out of your spa to relax on your chaise in your backyard. All of the sudden, you realize that not only is it blisteringly hot, but it looks like there are rain clouds forming in the distance. What should you do? No worries, because you have a hard-top gazebo, which means you are protected from the heat and the rain. If you are looking for a hard-top gazebo, you will need to make sure that you get the best gazebo for your money. Unlike a temporary canopy, hard-top gazebos are meant to be a more permanent structure, so you need to make sure that the gazebo you choose is exactly what you want. How do you go about picking the best gazebo for your needs? Here are our tips for finding a good hard-top gazebo.

Durability

More than other types of structures meant for outdoor use, a hard-top gazebo needs to be durable. You want the frame to be rustproof, and you also want the roof of your gazebo to be rustproof as well. Many hard-top gazebos are made of galvanized steel that is powder coated to resist rusting. You also want to make sure that the materials used in your hard-top gazebo can withstand the elements. For example, if you live in an area that gets heavy snow, you need to make sure that the gazebo you are looking at is able to withstand snow cover. Some gazebos also come with poles in case of heavy snow.

Purpose

Because your hard-top gazebo is a fairly permanent structure, you need to get a gazebo that suits your purpose. If you love to barbeque, you need to make sure that your gazebo has vents that will allow you to barbecue underneath it, because the smoke can vent out the top. If you are using the gazebo as a place to sit out and visit with friends on a summer evening, you may want to pick a gazebo with optional mosquito netting to guard against those pesky critters. You can also get an optional curtain for those backyard camping nights.

Take some time to think about what you want to use the gazebo for, so that when you go looking for your hard-top gazebo, you will know what to look for.

Price

When you are looking for a hard-top gazebo, you want to get the best gazebo for your money. Take some time and look around at different hard-top gazebos and read the manufacturer’s warranties to make sure you get exactly the gazebo you want. Also, you may want to read the reviews of your top five gazebo picks, so that you can narrow your choices down. Once you have some idea what you want, go and look at each gazebo. It may be that you find one gazebo that you really like more than your other choices, you’re in luck--we wish all of life’s decisions were that simple. Good luck, and happy shopping!