Your home is a place where you go to relax, entertain and enjoy your family. It’s likely largest investment you’ll make throughout your life. For these reasons, you want to do everything possible to make sure that you and your loved ones stay protected and that your home remains a worthwhile investment. 

Protecting your family and your belongings

Roughly 1.5 million home burglaries occurred in 2016 (most recent available statistics) in the United States according to the FBI. In order to reduce the chances of your home becoming the next soft target for a would-be-burglar, it’s important to take measures to safeguard it. Placing locks on your doors and windows and trimming back bushes away from the home is a good starting point. To take it a step further and enjoy peace of mind when you are not at home, or when loved ones are there alone, having an alarm system installed through a reputable company will provide added security. You can contact a company such as ADT or go online to see ADT package details and see which one best suits your needs and your budget. With a home security system in place and a sign on the front lawn, you’ll immediately deter a large percentage of criminals. For those who will still try, you’ll have an alarm set up that goes directly to the service who in turn notifies the police or the fire department fast so they can respond quickly.  In addition to an alarm, many of these companies offer other services like heat and moisture sensors to prevent serious damage caused by a fire or a pipe burst. You can also get extras added on that enable you to monitor your home and your family from virtually anywhere, in real time.

The importance of maintaining the roof

Think of your roof as a cover that goes over you, your family, the infrastructure and your belongings. If it develops several leaks the cover now has holes and no longer offers 100 percent protection. The average asphalt shingle roof last roughly 15 years, depending on location and factors such as the number of layers of shingles already in place. If you live in an extreme temperature climate, whether too hot or too cold, it can be much less. However, other products such as fiberglass roofing can extend that. In order to prevent moisture from getting inside your home and causing mold, mildew and other damage, getting your roof inspected by a professional every 3 to 5 years, with your own visual inspections twice per year, to get an accurate assessment of its integrity is important. An inspector can pinpoint weak spots or identify missing or buckled shingles, or even a collection of shingle granules, any of which can cause concern.  Many companies offer free inspections as a way to gain your business in the future. 

Gutters

You should clean the gutters, if applicable, on your home two times a year, in the spring and in the fall. Gutters catch the rainwater and snowmelt, removing it from the roof and down the side of your home. If you have cracks or other damage or if they have a collection of debris they won’t serve the purpose intended. Gutters are pretty easy to clean by simply digging in with your gloves and removing the leaves, sticks, and muck. If you are afraid of heights there are many companies who specialize in cleaning them. Some companies offer gutters that are constructed in a way that eliminates the need for cleaning.

Replacing insulation

Insulation keeps you warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer by preventing heat transfers through your walls and roof. It can also help reduce dampness and condensation, translating into moisture that can cause serious damage to the walls, ceilings and beyond. Plus, it reduces your heating and cooling costs each year, saving you a lot of money. 

There are many things you can do to protect and improve your home on the inside and the outside. A security system will keep you, your family and your belongings safe; while maintaining things like the roof, the gutters and installing insulation will keep your home comfortable and intact.