November brings a chill in the air and the anticipation of holiday festivities. But with these seasonal changes, we want to remind you that it’s also an important time for fire safety awareness. Itall starts with understanding and preventing fire hazards. At Stonebridge Roofing, Energy & Exteriors we’re not just a roofing company. We care about our community and ensuring the overall safety of the homes and families in our area. Here are essential fire safety tips for this November:
Statistics show that as temperatures drop, the number of residential fires increases. The Red Cross responds to 27% more house fires November – March than during warmer months. Heating equipment mishaps, unattended candles, and overloaded electrical circuits are common culprits as we seek to warm our homes and create a cozy holiday feel.
Inspect and Maintain Heating Systems:
Before the cold sets in, have those system inspected by a professional. Dust and debris can build up on elements over the Florida summers. Ensure that chimneys and vents are clean and unobstructed, and filters are replaced or cleaned as necessary.
Mind Your Holiday Decor:
Holiday decorations are fun and festive, but they also pose fire risks. Keep flammable materials away from heat sources, use flame-resistant decorations, and never leave candles unattended.
Test Your Smoke Alarms:
Smoke alarms save lives, but only if they’re working properly. Test your alarms monthly, replace batteries at least once a year, and replace the units every ten years.
Have a Fire Escape Plan:
Every member of your household should know what to do in the event of a fire. The American Red Cross has a home fire escape plan you can use with your family. Practice your escape plan, ensuring there are two exits from every room and that everyone knows the designated meeting spot outside.
Be Kitchen Smart:
Cooking is the leading cause of home fires. Never leave your cooking unattended, keep combustible items away from the stove, and have a fire extinguisher within reach.
Safeguard Electrical Systems:
Inspect cords for damage, don’t overload outlets, and ensure that wiring is up to code. If you’re decking the halls, use only lights and extension cords designed for outdoor use when decorating outside.
Stonebridge Commitment
Stonebridge Roofing, Energy & Exteriors is more than just a top-rated roofing company. We are a community partner, dedicated to the safety and well-being of the neighborhoods we serve. We pledge to support our clients through education, quality service, and the promotion of fire-safe practices.
Fire safety is a collective responsibility that extends beyond a single month. However, November’s unique risks necessitate heightened awareness. Together, let’s light up awareness and douse the flames of potential danger, ensuring that November is memorable not for fire-related incidents, but for the warmth of safety preserved.
Remember, prevention is the best protection. Stay warm, stay safe, and for all your roofing needs and safety concerns, turn to Stonebridge Roofing —your shelter in the storm.
Greetings, Florida homeowners! As your local roofing experts, we understand the unique challenges that the Sunshine State’s mild autumn brings. It’s that special time to show your home some TLC, ensuring it’s ready to face the upcoming seasons. Here are some tried-and-true tips to keep your home in peak condition this fall, with a special focus on roofing.
Roof Checkup:
Our top priority is your roof’s health. Schedule an inspection with us to catch minor issues before they escalate. Look out for loose shingles, wear, and damage, ensuring your roof is hurricane-proof and leak-free.
Gutter Maintenance:
Your gutters are your roof’s best friend! Make sure they’re cleared of debris to avoid water buildup. Properly maintained gutters safeguard your home’s foundation and prevent unwanted water from infiltrating your home.
Weatherproof Windows and Doors:
Protect your home from unpredictable weather. Check the seals of windows and doors, repair any cracks, and consider adding weather-stripping for an extra layer of defense. Cooler weather means it’s a good time to explore painting your home.
Insulation Inspection:
Proper insulation goes hand in hand with a robust roof. Examine your attic’s insulation to maintain a comfortable home temperature, making adjustments as necessary.
HVAC Health:
Optimize your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to brace for the cooler nights. Regular servicing and filter changes will ensure a warm and cozy home.
Pest-Proofing:
A sturdy roof is your first defense against pests. Beyond that, seal any cracks or gaps in your home’s exterior to keep unwanted visitors at bay.
Safety First:
Prioritize your home’s safety. Regularly check smoke alarms and fire extinguishers to ensure they’re fully functional and up-to-date.
Fall is the season to fortify your home, ensuring it’s well-prepared to face whatever nature throws its way. Embrace these practical tips, with a special emphasis on roofing, to navigate Florida’s unique fall season with confidence. Remember, as your local roofing experts, we’re here to provide guidance, support, and professional services to meet all your roofing and home maintenance needs.
House painting is typically done during mild weather, but it doesn’t mean you can’t do it any other time of the year. Here are the reasons why roof painting during the winter season is not a bad idea.
It’s Easier to Find a Good Contractor
Summer is the peak season for building, Jacksonville roofers, and remodeling contractors. This means if you are planning on any kind of home improvement during the summer break, you need to book it months ahead. Otherwise, your list of available professional painters will be very short. Having your house painting done during off-peak season will give you a better selection, perhaps even on short notice.
If you choose to paint your house yourself, you have to take certain precautions to make sure you get the best results, particularly when exterior painting is involved. Keep an eye on air and surface temperatures as most types of paint need to cure at about 35 degrees or higher. If upper-story walls are part of your exterior painting project, you’d be risking injury unless you have safety training and equipment. It should be left to professionals.
Paint Dries Faster
Humidity levels are generally low during the winter season, which helps paint dry faster. This is ideal when you’re painting your home’s exterior and have a limited window of time to paint, or you are indoors and need to open the windows for ventilation. You may have to allow for a bit of heat loss as your paint dries, but the tradeoff – quicker drying means fewer fumes – is worth it. Comparatively, humidity levels are high during the summer season.
You’ll Be Up to Date With Color Trends
Design publications typically announce upcoming trends towards the end of the year. Doing your house painting around the same time gives you the option to be ahead of the curve by incorporating the trendiest color combinations into your home’s color palette.
Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing, and Exteriors is your leading provider of roofing and home exterior waterproofing services. Give us a call at (904) 262-6636. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
A crawl space is a narrow space that is unoccupied and unfinished in a home. It serves as a buffer between the first floor of the house and the ground. It’s about 3.5 feet from top to bottom, so it’s just enough for someone to crawl through, hence the term “crawl space”. As a buffer, it protects the home’s inhabitants from dampness in the ground.
Why Moisture Stays in a Crawl Space
There are different reasons that lead to excessive moisture or moisture that won’t go away in a crawl space. The most common culprit is poor waterproofing that fails to protect the foundation of the home from moisture penetration. It’s also possible for the water to come from a broken pipe in your plumbing system.
However, some causes are beyond the homeowner’s control. For example, if your home is built in an area that’s prone to flooding or if unusually strong rains have saturated the ground. Condensation is another source of the problem.
What Happens When Moisture Stays in a Crawl Space?
You might think that moisture in your crawl space doesn’t deserve your attention as long as it stays in your crawl space. However, the problem is that moisture in your crawl space doesn’t limit its effects there.
Mold thrives where moisture and darkness are present. Mold is a threat to health as the air from the crawlspace rises and enters your home.
Your home has support beams, and they’re in your crawl space. Moisture can cause those beams to rot. If you have wood floors, they can be affected as well. Repairing rotted wood is often expensive.
How to Prevent Moisture Buildup in a Crawl Space
It’s advisable to contact home waterproofing experts to prevent water from entering your home, including the crawl spaces. Keeping water out is easier and better than taking it out.
However, if there is water in your crawl space already, you can invest in a sump pump to remove it. A crawl space dehumidifier can make the area even drier.
Prevent water penetration with home exterior renovations by a professional. Get in touch with Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing, and Exteriors. Call us today at (904) 262-6636.