The Weather is Changing!!

Here we are, the end of September, and Summer is behind us, the leaves are starting to change colors and fall - and Snow can't be far behind in Lake County Illinois.



Now is the time to get your home ready for Winter. Check Roofs for missing shingles, damaged vents or attic fans, bad flashing around skylights, chimneys and plumbing stacks, leaking flashings and holes or pulled away portions of your soffit and fascia. Your roof is one of the most important components of your home. By taking care of problems now will prevent water, snow and animals from damaging your home. We always think about the damage that weather can cause, but never really think about what wildlife can do until it happens. Remember, as the weather starts getting colder, wildlife is looking for a warm place to ride out the winter. They will try to set up home in a place away from were you spend time, such as Attics, Garages and Basements - also in your Sheds or Out Buildings. By inspecting now, before they get in, you can cut down on damage that they will do, and the work and cost of getting rid of them.



We do from season to season call on the Professional Trades that maintain and repair our homes to look at preventive maintenance. If you are not handy, or don't like climbing on to your roof it doesn't hurt to call an experienced Roofer - most of them can check out the Roof, Gutters, Soffits, Fascia and Siding. It doesn't hurt to have them re-caulk where needed, also. If there are openings in any of these areas, make sure that there animals have not got in. If there are signs of animals, it is probably wise to hire a "Wildlife Removal Professional" to make sure that all animals that have been getting in are out of the home before sealing the openings. If you seal the opening and the wildlife is still inside, they will do a lot more damage than you have now, just trying to get out. I have had squirrels get in to my attic and it is well worth it to have a Professional trap them and humanely relocate them. If you live in Lake, McHenry or Cook Counties in Illinois (I'm in Mundelein), I highly recommend the company that I used: http://www.alwaysnaturesway.com/, they did a great job removing the squirrels and repairing the whole in the Fascia that the critters had chewed.



Remember, we always look at repairs or upgrades to our homes when there are problems, but we can save alot of money, time and frustration just by putting together a Preventive Maintenance Program and sticking to it!