A clogged gutter is bad news. Just look at how often American homes flood!
When it comes to insurance claims, flooded homes are easily one of the most common ills facing the average family. Chalk that up to astronomically high energy bills and ROI that seems unreliable at the best of times…and you have your work cut out for you. Thankfully, help is just a phone call away. Gutter cleaning maintenance programs can make sure you’re not missing out on the resources necessary to keep your home running properly. You can ask for a consultation, patch up any weak areas, and even consider a proactive installation for the future.
Seem like a lot? Far from it. Here are five simple ways you can keep those pesky disasters at bay.
Fix Those Clogged Gutters And Save Yourself The Heartache
You don’t want to put off checking out those gutters. Water damage costs an average of $2,345 to fix, with just removing standing water hitting an average reported cost of $2,600. Wind damage is even higher at $5,700, sometimes reaching $10,000 or more. Fire and smoke damage averages at $4,000…and these are all things that can happen after a bad storm. Let gutter cleaning maintenance programs check your gutters for age or damage this year…before something bad happens!
Swap Out Your Windows To Reduce Your Energy Bills
Are you worried about your energy bills? Shave off some extra dollars by swapping out your old, energy inefficient windows. Many homes today are struggling under the weight of single-pane windows that leak out temperature bit by bit throughout the week, even when they’re closed tight. The average home sees 40% of heat loss through its windows and doors, according to a recent study. Swapping these out with a double-paned window installation will do wonders to save you money and make your home more comfortable.
Consider New Siding Installation To Improve Your Home’s Value
Perhaps your energy bills are fine…but your home’s value has never been lower. This is often due to old, outdated materials that are starting to show their age, such as an old roof or peeling siding. Most siding installation is rated for winds a little over 100 miles per hour. Even if wind does rip your siding off, it’s important to remember that vinyl siding is easier to re-install than other types. Ask your local contractor their deals on siding and roof combinations, as these will help keep your ROI in good standing.
Maintenance Should Be Proactive, Not Reactive
Don’t wait for a bad storm to tear off your siding before you act. The best kind of maintenance is explicitly designed to keep accidents from happening weeks or months before the fact. It’s estimated the average homeowner will spend 1% to 5% of a home’s value every year on maintenance and repairs. This tends to increase the older your house gets. Figuring out the difference between repair jobs and new installations will mean the difference between saving money and wasting it.
Repair Your Home Or Add A New Installation This Year
There’s money to be saved…if you just reach out and talk to a pro. Gutter cleaning maintenance programs are a wise place to start before spring hits, as you have a lot of wind and rain to look forward to. You can double-check your attic ventilation, too, and make sure you don’t have to worry about mold growing where you can’t see it. A really old home, however, might benefit more from new installations. New gutters, new siding, new roofing materials…it’s all in a day’s work for your local contractor.
Fix up your home this year and save yourself from frustration. Look into gutter cleaning maintenance programs in your area and stay dry!