Special Events

News Releases

IT'S TIME FOR FALL MAINTENANCE
October 17 , 2006

The Milwaukee Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), the area’s leading home improvement and remodeling industry resource for more than 45 years, recommends homeowners complete a variety of maintenance activities this fall to prepare their home for winter. Preventative maintenance for a home now will help keep the family cozy during those chilly days and nights ahead and will help protect the home’s investment.  Here are some things you should be working on, as the days get shorter:

Check roof insulation: How much roof insulation do you have? Heat rises, so your home's most likely area to release heat is the roof. The most efficient way to stop that loss is by ceiling and roof insulation with an R-value of approximately 40.  The R-value is the ability of any material to resist the passage of heat.  For example, a fiberglass bat or blanket 9 1/2 to 10 inches thick has an R-value of approximately 30.  That number can be raised to 38 simply by adding two or three more inches of fiberglass insulation.

Fill the gaps: Heated air also can escape from gaps that develop where building materials meet.  Look for signs where building materials have pulled apart and caulk or seal the gaps.  Check areas where exterior siding meets windows and doors, along the roof and foundation lines, around chimneys and where pipes protrude through walls or roofs.

Inspect heating system: Consider replacing an older or inefficient heating unit with a gas or oil furnace or a heat pump with a high efficiency rating.  If the home currently has an efficient system, inspect and clean it now. Be sure that the filters are clean and remember to change them monthly.

Grab a sweater: Keep the thermostat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter.  Consider replacing an existing thermostat with a timer model that can turn down the heat while you sleep or when you are not at home.

Check windows: Be sure you have good storm windows and doors.  If you don't, this should be a high priority for older fixtures.  Also, look for any cracks around glass, sashes, and window frames that could be leaking air.  Apply adhesive foam weather strips to top and bottom window rails or nail felt weather stripping where window sashes and frames make contact.  If the home was built in the last decade, the windows are most likely double or triple-paned and low-emissive (Low-E) glass.  Both these products increase energy efficiency and can lower energy bills.

Clean gutters and downspouts: Even though gutters and downspouts don't affect energy bills directly, they should be checked twice a year.  Gutters and downspouts are traps for falling leaves and pine needles, and squirrels can use them as pantries for storing winter food.  Be sure to clean gutters thoroughly, and pay special attention to elbows and bends in the downspouts.  Keep hangers fastened securely, plug any holes and cracks, and repaint rusting components inside and out with rustproof paint. Routine maintenance is important and well worth the time and effort to keep energy bills low, protect an important investment, keep the family safe, and protect the materials that your house is built from so they last a long time.

The Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council was chartered in July 1961, as a Chapter of the National Home Improvement Council.  In May of 1982, the National Home Improvement Council merged with the National Remodelers Association to form NARI­the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.  With over 825 members, the Milwaukee Chapter is the largest in the nation.

The Council’s goals of encouraging ethical conduct, sound business practices, and professionalism in the industry have led to the growth of the remodeling industry nationwide and made NARI a recognized authority in that industry.

For more information on the Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council or to receive a free copy of an annual membership roster listing all members alphabetically and by category and the booklet, “Milwaukee/NARI’s Remodeling Guide,” call (414) 771-4071