Seattle Loan Modification

Getting Your Home Ready For Winter

It was another beautiful October day in Southeast Michigan. Temperatures reached about 73 degrees F in my back yard where the thermometer is located. But in spite of the lovely autumn weather we are enjoying, I know a typical cold Michigan winter is around the corner. And that means it is time for winterization, the process of preparing the home for the harsh conditions it will face during the winter.

Winterizing is usually performed in the fall before snow and excessive cold have arrived, and it protects against damage due to bursting water pipes, and from heat loss due to openings in the building envelope.

 

 

Plumbing System

Have you ever experienced a burst pipe? The water damage can be devastating, since a ruptured pipe will release water and not stop until someone shuts off the water. If no one is home to do this, an enormous quantity of water will flood the house and cause thousands of dollars' worth of damage.

But very small ruptures or ruptures that are stopped quickly are also a major source of headaches. Water leakage can result in mold growth and property damage, and broken water pipes can be costly to repair.

Here are some tips on protecting the plumbing system to endure a harsh Michigan (or whatever state you reside in) winter:

• All exposed water pipes in cold areas, such as attics, garages, and crawlspaces, should be insulated. Foam or fiberglass insulation can be purchased at most hardware stores.  Insulation should cover the entirety of a pipe.
  
• Plastic is more tolerant of cold expansion than copper or steel. Houses in colder climates might benefit from the exclusive use of approved plastic plumbing. 
  
• Water supply for exterior pipes should be shut off from inside the house and then drained.
  
• Sprinkler systems are particularly vulnerable to cracking due to cold-weather expansion. In addition to turning them, it helps to purge the system of any remaining water with compressed air.
  
• Homeowners should be aware that much of the plumbing system travels through areas that are significantly colder than the rest of the house. Because it is impossible to monitor the temperature of every portion of the plumbing system, indoor air temperature should be kept high enough throughout the winter to keep pipes in any unheated places from freezing.
  

 

Building Envelope Leaks

It costs a lot to heat a house. Leaky window frames, door frames, and electrical outlets can allow warm air to escape into the outdoors. But the good news is that it doesn't cost much to seal them.

• Windows that leak will allow cold air into the home. Feeling for drafts with a hand or watching for horizontal smoke from an incense stick are a few easy ways to inspect for leaks. They can be repaired with tape or caulk.
  
• On a breezy day, a homeowner can walk through the house and find far more leaks than they knew existed. Leaks are most likely in areas where a seam exists between two or more building materials.
  

Insulation

• Because hot air rises into the attic, a disproportionately larger amount of heat is lost there than in other parts of the house. Like a winter hat that keeps a head warm, adequate attic insulation will prevent warm indoor air from escaping. Attic insulation should be 12 inches thick in cold climates.
  
• Storm doors and windows should be installed to insulate the house and protect against bad weather.
  

Heating Systems

 

The heating system is used most during the winter so it’s a good idea to make sure that it works before it’s desperately needed. The following inspection and maintenance tips can be of some help to homeowners:

• Test the furnace by raising the temperature on the thermostat. If it does not respond to the adjustment quickly it might be broken.
  
• Replace the air filter if it’s dirty.
  
• If the furnace is equipped with an oil or propane tank, the tank should be full.
  

Cooling Systems

• Use a hose to remove leaves and other debris from the outdoor condensing unit, if the home is equipped with one. Protect the unit with a breathable waterproof cover to prevent rusting and freezing of its components.
  
• Remove and store window air conditioners when they are no longer needed. Cold air can damage their components and enter the house through openings between the air conditioner and the windowpane.
  
• Ceiling fans can be reversed in order to warm air trapped beneath the ceiling to recirculate. A fan has been reversed if it spins clockwise.
  

Chimneys and Fireplaces

• The chimney should be inspected for nesting animals trying to escape the cold. Squirrels and raccoons have been known to enter chimneys for this reason.
  
• The damper should open and close with ease. Smoke should rise up the chimney when the damper is open. If it doesn't, this means that there is an obstruction in the chimney that must be cleared before the fireplace can be used.
  
• A chimney-cleaning service professional should clean the chimney if it has not been cleaned for several years.
  
• The damper should be closed when the fireplace is not in use. An open damper might not be as obvious to the homeowner as an open window, but it can allow a significant amount of warm air to escape.
  
• Glass doors can be installed in fireplaces and wood stoves to provide an extra layer of insulation.
  

Roofs

• If debris is left in gutters, it can get wet and freeze, permitting the formation of ice dams that prevent water from draining. This added weight has the potential to cause damage to gutters. Also, trapped water in the gutter can enter the house and lead to the growth of mold. For these reasons, leaves, pine needles, and all other debris must be cleared from gutters. This can be done by hand or with a hose.
  
• Missing shingles should be replaced.
  

Landscape

• Patio furniture should be covered.
  
• If there is a deck, it might need an extra coat of sealer.
  

Winterizing Unoccupied Homes

Adequate winterization is especially crucial for homes that are left unoccupied during the winter. Michigan has its fair share of snowbirds, spending the winter months in a warmer location. Unfortunately, we also have more than our fair share of vacancies due to foreclosure.

The heat may be shut off in vacant homes in order to save money. Such homes must be winterized in order to prevent catastrophic building damage.

Consider these measures for protecting unoccupied homes:

• Winterize toilets by emptying them completely. Antifreeze can be poured into toilets and other plumbing fixtures.   
• Winterize faucets by opening them and leaving them open.
• Water tanks and pumps need to be drained completely.
• Drain all water from indoor and outdoor plumbing.
• Unplug all non-essential electrical appliances, especially the refrigerator. If no electrical appliances are needed, electricity can be shut off at the main breaker. 
  

 

 

Jason Channell, The House Sleuth

(888) 699-8710

Learn more: Indoor Air Quality and Environment

Learn more: Maintaining Your House

As to this Auto detailing in Renton, Kent, Tukwila WA blog, I have also used Jasons services for my car on multiple occasions.  He once came to my home with very little notice and was able to get my car completely cleaned up for a important loan meeting that afternoon.  If you are looking for a mobile auto detailing company in Renton, Kent or Tukwila WA then give Jason a call.

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Mobile Auto Detailing Renton, Kent, Tukwila WA

 

 

 

Your life is stressful enough without having to worrying about the small stuff in life like protecting your Automobile.  I have personally used the Daily Auto Detailing company many times and Jason's attention to auto detailing and his true enjoyment of his job makes this experience a unique one.  In the busy life that we live, with our jobs and families taking priority our extra time is often our most precious commodity.  Everything he details is done by hand and everything he uses is bio-degradable.  After using Jason's service now for four years I have decided to take the time to write this testimonial on his behalf.

 

If you want a unique experience and a Auto Detailer that you will use for life then simply call him and see for yourself.

 

Please call Owner/ Detailing Specialist Jason Daily to schedule your appt today!!

The Daily Detail is a mobile auto business operating and detailing vehicles in Renton, Kent and Tukwila WA. We will come to your home or office (pending approval & necessary water/electricity access) 7 days a week.

 

 

206-551-3603CoachJPD@vzw.blackberry.net

   Car / SUV

The Daily Auto Detailing Cruisin’ Clean:                                                                                   $35 / $50

Don’t have time to swing by the car wash on your way home, but need your ride to look right for that after-hours appointment? The Daily Detailing Cruisin’ Clean is our fastest service; keeping your vehicle looking in top shape! This service includes a full exterior wash & shami dry as well as tire scrub & dressing and a door-jam wipe down. 

(30 minutes to 1 hour depending on the vehicle and additional services requested)

The Daily Auto Detailing Premium Clean:                                                          $60 / $80

With a little more time we can perform the wash, dry, tire cleaning/dressing, and door-jam wipe down as noted above; as well as an interior wipe down from front to back, full vacuum and exterior waxing to your auto.

(1 hour to 2.5 hours depending on vehicle and additional services requested)

Car Show N’ Shine Supreme Detailing:                                                      $120/ $170

This level of service includes all of the above mentioned services as well as interior spot stain removal (depending on condition and age of stains) for cloth interiors and detailed cleaning for leather interiors (leather conditioning extra- see below for pricing).  You will also receive a full exterior wax and detailed cleaning around trim areas with a small soft bristled brush. All waxing is done completely by hand (vs. orbital) to give you that attention to detail and special touch. All windows will also be washed on the interior and exterior for this service level.

(2 hours to 5 hours depending on automobile and additional services requested)

Individual Services for your Auto:

Wash & Wax Only:  $60 / $95

Windows (not included on Cruisin’ & Premium service levels):  $5 / $10

Carpet/ Upholstery Shampoo ONLY:  $35 / $50

Full Auto Interior Cleaning ONLY (wipe down, door jams, windows, seats & carpet vacuumed):  $75 / $90

Leather Conditioning for your auto (not included with any service level):   $25 / $35

Auto Engine Detailing:   $95

*Full size pickups charged as SUV for exterior services/auto for interior detailing*

** All auto services subject to price adjustment depending on the vehicle and its condition**

Providing Auto Detailing Service to all of Renton, Kent and Tukwila WA

 

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