Exterior and interior maintenance tips to save the home front from a cold front this winter
SKOKIE, Ill. (Nov.6, 2009) – Winter weather is brutal to homes, and smart homeowners are preparing in advance. If past events are any indication, winter 2010 could be harsh. According to the National Weather Service, the two worst Chicago winters happened back to back. Snow slammed down hardest on Chicagoans in the winter of 1978-1979: the seasonal snowfall was 90 inches. The year prior came in at a close second with 82. Last year’s numbers tempted the records, with more than 60 inches of snowflakes.
“In the event history repeats itself, as history often does, we want to help our customers get ready for another snowy winter in the Windy City,” said Jeff Hester, vice president of Hester Painting & Decorating, also known as “Professor Paint,” who recommended addressing interior and exterior maintenance issues before the winter hits to avoid costly repairs come spring.
Hester shares these tips to help homeowners prepare and guard against a Midwest winter.
- Clear out your gutters. Fallen leaves can pose a threat to the structural integrity of your home. If debris clogs up the gutter, water from snow and rainfall can back up – leading to expensive internal wall and roof damage.
- Check the painted areas of your home’s exterior for cracks and peeling. Exposed wood is especially prone to damage in winter. Repainting in fall will make your home look better in winter and prevent costly carpentry repairs come spring.
- Protect your patio furniture from the elements by covering the items with a tarp. Or better yet, place all patio chairs, tables and cushions in the garage, basement or storage facility.
- Examine exhaust flaps. Birds of all kinds like to make nests in nooks and crannies such as exhaust vents. The resulting blockages stop warm air from escaping which creates high humidity and moisture build up within nearby walls.
- Monitor indoor humidity levels by checking your humidifier settings. Dryness in the air can shrink woodwork and crack caulking. Conversely, humidity that is too high can lead to moisture buildup on windows or worse – harmful mold and mildew.
Hester Painting & Decorating also encourages homeowners take advantage of its free Interior Maintenance Program. The no-obligation program includes a thorough inspection of the home’s interior. If the homeowner wishes, Hester will also perform its new Heat Loss Inspection service wherein a Hester professional uses an infrared gauge around windows, doors, electrical outlet and recessed lights to find cold spots, indicating air drafts or heat loss. Hester Painting & Decorating then provides recommendations and pricing for repairing the issues. There is no charge for the basic interior assessment and the fee for the Heat Loss Inspection is reimbursed if the homeowner contracts any service with Hester Painting & Decorating.
“The program helps homeowners keep warm and save money this winter,” said Hester. “We identify problems and repairs before they get worse and more expensive to fix when the weather finally warms up.”
Founded more than forty years ago, Hester Painting & Decorating provides homes and high-profile commercial establishments with high-end decorating services. Widely regarded as a leader in the fields of painting, faux finishing, and exterior and interior maintenance, Hester Painting & Decorating utilizes an enormous repertoire of finishes and wall covering techniques to create unique environments for its clients. More information about franchising opportunities and other services offered by Hester Painting & Decorating is available at (847) 677-5130 or http://www.hesterdecorating.com.
Contact:
McPhilimy Associates
(312) 988-1270
