PuroClean of Evanston 
Homeowners in Chicagoland are no strangers to extreme weather and property-damaging events.
Brutal winter storms, high winds, wild temperature swings, and urban flooding can wreak havoc on your life and cause expensive repairs, mold infestations, or even life-threatening safety hazards.
However, you can mitigate these risks by prioritizing a few maintenance and upgrade projects to preserve your property value and protect your loved ones. Let’s take a closer look at the top 5 most important moves you can make to keep your home and family safe.
- Upgrade Your Weatherproofing
The Chicago region experiences the complete gamut of ecological conditions, from blizzard conditions to blistering heatwaves, and many experts predict the Upper Midwest will see even more impacts from the changing climate.
Improving your insulation and energy efficiency has many benefits, including saving money, keeping your house healthier, and reducing indoor air pollution.
The first step is to perform a home energy audit. These can be either DIY or completed by a professional with more sophisticated tools like heat sensors and infrared cameras.
Drafty windows and doors can account for 10-25% of your heating and cooling bill and damaged or poorly-maintained fireplaces can exacerbate this energy suck.
Start by inspecting windows, doors, and any exterior openings for gaps and signs of deterioration. Re-caulk windows and replace any worn-out weatherstripping. For older homes, consider installing storm doors or triple-pane windows, which provide an extra layer of insulation and protection against harsh elements.
A well-maintained HVAC ensures optimal performance and comfort. Be sure to extend the lifespan of your heating and cooling system by changing the filters regularly, cleaning or replacing the condensate drain pan, and hiring a skilled HVAC technician to check your coils, motor, and ductwork.
- Raise the Roof
Don’t overlook your roof, which is your home’s first line of defense against rain, wind, and snow. A thorough roofing inspection can reveal leaks or damaged areas that need attention asap:
- Watch out for missing, damaged, or curling shingles
- Check flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights
- Clean out gutters at least twice a year to prevent clogs and ensure proper drainage
- Examine the attic for signs of leaks or water damage
Climbing on your roof can be dangerous, especially if there are unknown weak spots, so it’s best to hire a trained roofing inspector who will provide an unbiased report. Regular roof maintenance can prevent water infiltration, often leading to more severe issues such as mold growth, structural damage, and compromised insulation.
- Protect Against Plumbing Disasters
Many of Chicagoland’s residential buildings were built before 1940, and almost 400,000 of these homes contain lead pipes, which can contaminate drinking water and cause a variety of health problems. Check with Lead Safe Chicago to see if you’re eligible for testing or a service line replacement.
Years of freezing and thawing cycles can take a toll on your plumbing, and regular inspections and maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs and unpleasant surprises.
Small leaks can escalate quickly, so it’s important to perform routine checks on your faucets, fixtures, shower heads, pipes, and valves. Invest in drain screens and hair catchers, especially in your kitchen and bathroom. These affordable guards help prevent clogs and blockages that could lead to toilet terrors for your household and guests.
This is a great time to check your water heater, which should be flushed every six months to get rid of sediment buildup. If it’s old, consider replacing it with an ENERGY STAR-certified appliance, known as a heat pump water heater (HPWH) that uses new technology and can reduce your utility bill by over $300 annually.
- Declutter and De-Stress
Whether you’re happy in your forever home or looking to relocate soon, keeping your house clean and clutter-free increases your property value, reduces the risk of fires and mold growth, and calms anxiety, especially if you are a remote worker or stay-at-home parent.
The holidays can be extremely stressful, even if you’re not hosting family get-togethers. During the colder months, it’s easy for clutter to accumulate along with decorations, space heaters, candles, electronics, and dust, all of which can contribute to seasonal allergies and fire hazards.
Take control of your family’s environment and ensure you can breathe easily in a clean and organized abode. The start of the new year is a fabulous time to tackle these tasks and focus on refreshing your space and turning the page on a messy home.
- The Great Outdoors
The exterior of your home protects against weather, pests, and structural damage. Damage to the siding or the foundation can lead to leaks, bug infestations, and even compromise the structural integrity of your home over time.
Keeping your yard in good shape reduces potential damage from heavy rains and wind, and the right landscaping can help protect your property from flooding during major storms.
Rain gardens, mulch, effective grading, ground cover, and exterior French drains can all assist with sluicing water away from your basement and foundation and avoid excess moisture intrusion.
Planting beautiful native trees and shrubs in the right location provides shade and acts as a windbreak in the winter, reducing your energy usage. Plus, adding or enhancing an outdoor entertainment area like a deck or porch can add almost $20K to the value of your property.
While these crucial improvements make your home safer and more enjoyable, unforeseen events and accidents can happen at any time. From small house fires to major water damage, PuroClean of Evanston’s Paramedics of Property Damage™ are available 24/7 to help home and business owners get back to normal as soon as possible — save our number today!
PuroClean of Evanston 