Summer Check List for your Home

  • Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans.  Your fan should spin in a forward direction (counter-clockwise)
  • Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper and space under the dryer-link.  Lint build up can cause fire
  • Clean any dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
  • Inspect wood decks, steps and railings for damaged boards.  Replace any boards with signs of stress, such as excessive curling, cracking or rotting.  Keep in mind you should re-stain these items every year to protect and preserve the wood.
  • Cut back any trees and shrubbery that are touching the exterior walls or roof of your home
  • Clean around your cooling equipment to make sure it is free from leaves, debris, etc. Make sure to trim any shrubbery that is touching the unit.  Remember to switch the power off before cleaning.
  • Inspect the asphalt/concrete and fill any holes or cracks that are found

If you have any questions on any of these helpful tips or need a referral to a professional, feel free to contact one of our experts at 608-437-6181 or Info@JGDevelopment.com.

Prepare your Home for Spring

Exterior Inspection:

  • Roof:  Look for any missing shingles or wind damage.  Check shingles for any signs of deterioration.
  • Siding:  Check for any wind damaged areas, cracks in brick/masonry, holes caused by rot, woodpeckers, etc.  Caulk or fill any areas where insects may enter the house.
  • Gutters, Downspouts & Extensions:  Inspect for leaks or cracks.  Check for any debris inside the gutters that could prevent water from flowing properly.

Important Things to Keep in Mind:

  • HVAC:  Check and replace your furnace filter
  • Air Conditioner:  Clean/replace your A/C filter. Schedule your routine A/C service now before the hot weather approaches.
  • Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Detectors:  Make sure to change the batteries in all alarms and detectors.  Remember that hardwired detectors also have back up batteries that need to be changed.  Keep in mind that all homes in the state of Wisconsin are required to have one carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home.
  • Oil Filters & Oil Absorption Materials:  All automotive oil filters and oil absorbent materials are now required to be recycled.  Visit the Dane County Recycling Centers link below for local recycling options.

Helpful Links for Spring Cleaning:

If you have any questions on any of these helpful tips or need a referral to a professional, feel free to contact one of our experts at 608-437-6181 or Info@JGDevelopment.com.

Preventing Ice Dams

What is an ice dam?
An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof, which in turn prevents
melting snow (water) from draining off the roof.  The water that backs up behind the
dam can leak into a home and cause damage to insulation, walls, ceilings and other
areas.

What causes ice dams? 
Ice dams are typically caused by poor attic insulation and poor attic ventilation.  Other causes can include a variety of improperly installed or vented home features, such as heat ducts in attics, hot water pipes, exhaust fans, etc.

Ways to prevent ice dams:
1. Prevent warm air from passing into the attic from the house.  Consider hiring an insulation professional to ensure your attic has adequate insulation.
2. Seal any gaps around pipes and wiring with a fire stop sealant.
3. Make sure your attic is ventilated and your attic vents are open.
4. Seal and insulate HVAC and exhaust ducts with foil faced fiberglass.
5. Prevent build up of snow on your roof by raking the first 4-6 feet of your roof
(the part easiest for you to reach) with a roof rake.  Consider hiring a professional
to ensure safety and to prevent damage to your shingles.

These are just a few ways to prevent ice dams on your home.  If you have any questions
on any of these tips or need a referral to an insulation professional, feel free
to contact JG Development at 608-437-6181.

Fall Home Maintenance Check List

As you all know fall is home maintenance time.  Here is a check list of things to help you get your home ready for winter:

  • Roof:  A quick roof inspection can tell you if you have damage that could cause serious problems during the winter weather.  Replace any cracked or damaged shingles or roofing pieces.
  • Gutters:  Clean your gutters and downspouts.  Leaves can hold water, which in turn becomes ice, can pull down your entire gutter system, and sometimes parts of your roof.  Make sure all drainage is unblocked.
  • Weather-stripping:  Fill the gaps around doors and windows so that your heating system warms your home, not your neighborhood.
  • Caulk:  Caulk around your windows to help keep the heat from escaping.  While you’re at it, have someone inspect the integrity of your windows.  If they are more than 25 years old, it’s likely time for new ones.
  • Furnace filter:  Keep in mind you should change your furnace filter every month to keep your system clean.  We recommend purchasing a reusable filter that you can wash and reuse.  Also take the time to clean heating ducts, registers as well as humidifiers to make sure the air circulating in your home is clean.
  • Fireplace maintenance:  Clean and sweep your fireplace and chimney.  Inspect the chimney for damage around the edges and check the flue for obstructions such as birds’ nests.
  • Smoke, fire alarm and carbon monoxide detectors:  Do you have an adequate number of smoke and fire alarms in your home?  Do you have a carbon monoxide detector?  Carbon monoxide cannot be detected by sight or smell as it is colorless and odorless; make sure to have a working Carbon Monoxide detector in your home.  Also, replace batteries throughout your home in your existing alarms/detectors.

Now is the time to do some basic maintenance procedures, your home will last longer, provide better insulation in winter, and provide for low-maintenance solutions later on.  Do you need help on any of the home maintenance items listed above?  Contact JG Development to discuss our handyman services.