In a previous blog, we discussed spring weather and its effects on your home and property. Warmer temps often mean the potential for intense storms. We wanted to reiterate the importance of being prepared and offer a few tips to get your home ready for the elements.

In the Yard

Look around on any given day, and you probably notice things around the yard that need work or tidying up. Before stormy weather rolls in, be sure to take care of those tasks that could otherwise cause damage to your home during severe weather.

• Trees. Trim any branches that have contact with your home’s roof or siding. Also, clear dead tree limbs so they don’t come loose during heavy winds and damage your siding or break a window.
• Lawn furniture. Take inventory of your lawn or patio furniture and anchor it down or secure it in a garage or shed. Close and fasten any deck umbrellas as well. Your home’s exterior may become damaged if strong winds throw these items around during a storm.
• Fence. Check fence doors and/or boards to ensure they’re secure. Again, these things can come loose during a storm and get blown into siding, doors, or windows.

Inside

Keep yourself and your family safe from the effects of inclement weather with a storm kit. This may come in handy if you lose power or need to shelter in place for any length of time. Include items such as flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit and necessary medications, a phone charger, and enough food and water for each family member. Once the storm is over, remember to restock your kit.

Hopefully, you’ll never need to use a storm pack, but you’re better off being prepared in case of emergency.

Outside

Check the gutters. Tighten any loose connections and replace sections that may be cracked or broken. Clear out any debris to avoid clogs or water overflow during a downpour. Also, make sure downspouts are pointed away from your home. This will keep rainwater flowing out from the foundation and help keep things dry.

Additionally, make sure your doors and windows are set to withstand a spring or summer storm. Exterior doors should be supported by at least three hinges and have a solid locking mechanism, preferably a deadbolt.

Close windows to keep water from damaging your home’s interior and to help protect the roof. A strong wind coming in through open windows can create upward pressure on the roof from the inside. So, it’s best to keep windows sealed up.

You’ve probably already checked your roof for any damage after the winter season, but give it another look as the weather dictates. After all, this is your home’s canopy and one of the most important means of protection. Secure or replace and loose or cracked shingles to help shield the roof from rain and wind.

Be Ready for the Elements

Taking care of your home is a full-time job, and we hope these tips will help get your home ready for the elements. At Spotless & Seamless, we understand the responsibility that goes along with home ownership and want to help make things easier for you. Ask our Twin Cities home exteriors professionals about ways to protect your home this storm season and all year long. We offer seamless siding, roofing, window and door, and gutter solutions to keep your home safe no matter the weather. Contact us today to learn more.

With another winter now (hopefully) behind us, Minnesotans are slowly coming out of hibernation. You’ve probably already started jotting down your seasonal to-dos. While checking your home’s windows for any winter damage, give them a good cleanse, too. Ensure they’re ready to shine in the summer sun with these tips for spring window cleaning and care.

The Framework

The glass is probably the most widely recognized element of a window because that’s the part we look through. But the framework that holds the glass in place is just as important and deserves attention as well.

With a soft rag or brush and a mild soap and water mix, wipe down every part of the window framing. That can include the trim, sash, jambs, and sills. Also, wipe down the casings and any ledges on the outside.

If you have wooden framing around your windows, take note of the wood’s condition. Is it flaking or peeling? Is it jagged and rough? You may need to scrape or sand the surface and then repaint or stain it. But this kind of TLC will keep your windows looking great.

If the windows are older or you notice extensive wear and tear, you may want to upgrade to sturdier, more energy efficient windows. The Twin Cities home exteriors professionals at Spotless & Seamless can answer any questions.

The Accessories

To ensure optimal function, be sure to complete some spring window cleaning of the fixtures and accessories. Vacuum the track to remove any dirt, debris particles, or even little bug bodies that may have collected over winter.

Rinse off or wipe down hinges, rollers, and locks and allow each piece to fully dry. Apply a silicone-based lubricant to any moving parts to keep them functional and make for easier window operation. If you notice any missing or broken components, talk to a trained window expert for replacement parts or window replacement.

The Glass

Your home’s windows have likely been sealed up since fall. And maybe you’ve noticed a build-up of gunk or film on the glass over the past few months. Give the glass panes a thorough wash, inside and out to get rid of that winter grime.

Choose your preferred cleaning solution, whether that’s a store-bought cleaner, soap and water, or a homemade solvent. Then go to town, using your favorite method of streak-free cleaning. Maybe that means using a microfiber cloth, sponge and squeegee, or yesterday’s newspaper.

Once your windows are shiny and clean, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and be all set for the sunny season.

Are you ready to get your home out of its winter hibernation? You can start crossing things off your list with these tips for spring window cleaning and care. If you notice your home needs window repairs or upgrades, ask the home exteriors experts at Spotless & Seamless for guidance. Our crew can offer recommendations to fit your style and budget. Contact us today with any questions.

The calendar is turning toward spring, but your home may still feel the harsh effects from winter. The best way to know for sure is to walk around your yard and take note of anything in need of attention. If you don’t know where to start, we can help with these exterior care to-dos for your spring list.

Roofing

Your home’s roof has endured a lot – cold, wind, ice, and snow – over the past several months.

Give the roof a good examination and look for signs of distress, such as loose, missing, or curled shingles. Pay attention indoors for signs of leaks originating from the outdoors. Take note of the roof’s appearance, as indentations or depressions may indicate larger issues beneath the surface.

Any and all of these issues should be addressed as quickly as possible. Taking care of them now will help you avoid bigger and more costly problems down the road.

Gutters

More than likely, you cleaned out the gutters last fall. Now, you’ll want to make sure the snow and ice melting from the rooftop have a designated and safe route for escape.

Give the gutters another look in case branches or other debris got stuck in them over the winter. Or maybe you notice gaps in the system or loose connections. Replace and repair anything that’s broken or loose or reach out to a trained professional to handle the fixes.

Maybe now is the time to upgrade your gutters and consider a LEAFAWAY® protection system. You won’t have to clean your gutters or worry about drainage again.

Siding

Check the siding for any pieces that may have come loose or become damaged or warped over the winter months.

You’ll want to take care of any issues right away to prevent moisture from getting in as the spring thaw continues. Moisture can wreak havoc by causing wood rot or issues with mold, creating costly headaches and potential health issues for your family.

If your home’s siding is in need of full repair, United States Seamless® Steel Siding provides a superior option for ideal performance and protection.

Windows

Seasonal temperature fluctuations put your windows to the test, and winter’s frigid conditions are especially brutal. Thoroughly clean the windows so they’re ready for warmer weather, and check for cracks in the glass or damage to the panes or sills. Determine what, if anything, should be mended immediately to protect your home. You want to be sure to keep the unconditioned air and water outside where it belongs.

Perhaps this is the year you upgrade to energy efficient windows. Save on heating and cooling costs while increasing comfort, safety, and curb appeal with high-performance Ply Gem windows.

These are just a few ideas of exterior care to-dos for your spring list, but they’re enough to get you started. If you notice any issues that seem troublesome, Spotless & Seamless is here to help. Our Twin Cities home exteriors experts can assess roofing, gutters, siding, and windows and go over ideas for repair or replacement to fit your lifestyle and budget. Contact us today.

Singing birds, warmer temps, and longer days means spring is here – finally! Now is a great time to get outside and take inventory of any toll winter may have taken on your home’s exterior. If you’re unsure what to look for, we’ve put together some ideas to include on your home’s spring maintenance agenda. Keep reading to determine which projects you need to tackle.

Roofing

Your home’s roof is the main source of protection from the elements. Check for any broken or missing shingles and any damage from ice dams. Also, check the condition of the flashing around vents and chimneys. Make appropriate accommodations for repair as soon as possible. Delaying fixes could lead to water damage inside your home from forthcoming rain and storms.

Gutters

If your roofline has a gutter system, you know how valuable it is for protecting your home from water damage. Gutters catch and direct rainwater away from the foundation but not if they’re clogged. Make sure gutters and downspouts are free from leaves and other debris to ensure they’ll function properly. Also, check for loose or leaky gutters and tighten, repair, or replace them right away.

If you’re tired of cleaning your gutter system, ask us about the LEAFAWAY® gutter protection system.

Windows and Doors

Check weather seals around your home’s windows and doors. If they’re cracked or missing, replace them. Doing so will help protect your home from water damage. You will also save on air conditioning costs and keep that cooler air inside where you want it.

Opening windows at night helps keep your house cool while reducing your energy bill. Make sure your windows are summer-ready by cleaning dirty screens or patching any small holes.

Paint

Exterior paint dresses up your home’s curb appeal and gives it a protective barrier from wind and rain. Check for any areas of cracked or chipping paint and do touch-ups as needed. If your home’s exterior needs substantial fixes, consider maintenance-free Seamless® steel siding. Get the look you want and the protection you need.

Make sure your home’s exterior survived winter and is ready for summer. Create an agenda for spring maintenance and take care of any small issues before they become big problems. The Twin Cities home exteriors professionals at Spotless & Seamless Exteriors can handle any repairs or upgrades. Contact us for a free estimate.

With winter over, it’s time to talk about spring weather preparedness. Storms bring high winds, heavy rains, hail, and other hazardous conditions that could damage your property. We’ve put together a rundown on how to prevent, detect, and repair storm damage to your home.

How protected is your home?

Before the storms roll in, it’s important to assess how protected your home is from the elements. A worn or damaged roof, poor siding, or improperly installed rain carrying system could cause leaks, flooding, mold growth, and structural damage even in mild weather. Severe winds, rain, and hail will put more stress on your home’s exterior.  

How do you detect storm damage?

Some of the most obvious signs of storm damage are fallen trees, sagging gutters, broken windows, shingle debris, and flooded basements. But there are many other subtle signs you should look out for when surveying your basement, ceilings, walls, windows, doors, roof, and siding after a storm:

• Expanding wood, dripping water, or discoloration on the ceiling and walls.
• A musty odor throughout your home.
• Cracked, dented, or missing shingles, vents, or flashing on the roof.
• Dark spots from where roofing granules have been knocked away from asphalt shingles.
• Roofing granules collecting in gutters or discharged from downspouts.
• Dented, cracked, missing, or discolored siding.
• Cracked wood finishes or stripped paint.
• Broken window or door frames, holes and tears in screens, or dents on windowsills and windowpanes.

Following a storm, safety is top priority. Avoid climbing on your roof and be careful around broken windows. If your home has been flooded, contact a water removal company immediately. A professional can examine the extent of damage to your property so you know how much repairs will cost and if you should file an insurance claim.

Who should I contact for storm damage repair?

When a large storm strikes your area, you may have contractors coming to your door offering repair or replacement services. Always check that they are reputable. Ask for their license, proof of insurance, certifications, business address, and Better Business Bureau listing or Angie’s list ratings. Let Spotless & Seamless be your first call for storm damage repair.

Spotless & Seamless Exteriors provides asphalt and metal roofing installation and repair to homeowners throughout Minnesota. As your local steel siding contractor, we also offer United States Seamless® installation. Seamless steel siding is custom-fit to your home on-site, ensuring a flawless, seamless finish. One of the most durable and energy efficient siding materials in the industry, seamless steel will protect your home from the harshest elements.

SSE offers clog-free gutters that keep leaves and twigs out of your rain carrying system so your home can withstand torrential downpours. Rely on our revolutionary Superspout™ to carry rainwater away from your home and protect your foundation from flooding. As a Minneapolis/St. Paul window replacement contractor, we provide a variety of quality windows and doors for homeowners throughout the Twin Cities who have sustained storm damage or are just looking to upgrade.

We’ll take care of the mess and make sure your home is properly repaired with quality materials. Contact Spotless & Seamless Exteriors to learn more and request an estimate.