10 | August 30, 2018 | 22nd century media home improvement 22ndCenturyMedia.com Making sure the heating system is ready for cold weather StatePoint Media Preparing the roof for winter weather Is your roof ready for fall and winter weather? You may think it is, but have you looked at your roof recently? Your roof is your home’s first defense against wind, rain and snow. A good, solid roof — free of defects — will protect a home from the ravages of fall and winter weather for many years. Your roof must be able to withstand the extreme challenges that weather brings. Cold, windy days, heavy gusty downpours and snow and ice storms all play havoc with your roof. For peace of mind and protection of your home, your roof must be prepared to handle whatever weather nature brings. Don’t let the outside conditions impact the inside of your home. A small roof leak today can lead to a major water problem tomorrow. Missing or damaged shingles provide pathways for rain and melting snow to make their way into your home. Your roof must be water tight. If you have any concerns about your roof, gutters or siding, you should contact a professional to have them addressed immediately before extensive damage can happen to your home. If you suspect you may have a roof, siding or gutter problem, contact Prusak Roofing for a free estimate. We will complete a full inspection of your roof, gutters, fascia and soffit systems, explain any problems you may Savvy homeowners know that with cool weather comes a bit of preparation. A quick audit of your heating equipment can mean less wasted energy, a more comfortable home and lower energy bills. Nearly half of all heating and cooling equipment in U.S. homes never performs to its advertised capacity and efficiency due to incorrect installation, according to U.S. government estimates. And if you have an older system that was built before current efficiency standards, you could be spending more than needed on heating your home. If it’s time to replace your system, be sure to have it properly installed by an HVACR professional, certified by North American Technician Excellence (NATE), the nation’s largest nonprofit certification body for HVACR technicians. NATE-certified technicians are skilled professionals who have proven their knowledge in the HVACR industry by passing specialized certification tests. “The NATE-certified techs who perform maintenance and repairs do a consistently great job,” said Rob Kirkpatrick, a longstanding customer of Thermal Services, a Nebraska-based contractor. “We never have any concerns if the job is done right.” Beyond having an efficient heating system properly installed, you can prepare for the season in the have and provide recommendations on how to fix them. Minor roof issues can generally be repaired at a reasonable cost and can extend the life of most roofs. If your problem is more complex, you will be able to address it before it causes additional damage to your home. You can trust Prusak Roofing with your roof. We following ways: • Clean heating filters. Check them every couple of weeks and change them at least twice in the season, or as directed by the manufacturer. • Check and maintain insulation. Improperly insulated walls, floors, are the contractor of choice for thousands of new and repeat customers throughout Chicago and the suburbs. We are family owned and operated since 1963. A company owner will come to your home, assess the situation and discuss options with you. We are extremely proud of our A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. You can also find us on Facebook, check us out on Angie’s List or at our website at www.pru sakroofing.com. If you think you have storm damage from the heavy wind and rains this past spring or damage is discovered during the roof inspection, Prusak Roofing will work with your insurance company to assist you in the claims process. If damage is detected due to storms in the area, you may qualify for a new roof. Prusak Roofing is your best choice for roofing, siding and gutter projects. We are committed to customer satisfaction, quality workmanship and honest business practices. Our goal is to provide our customers with a positive experience from beginning to attics, basements and crawlspaces drain away heat and can also lead to moisture imbalance. Adding weather stripping and caulk around windows and doors can also improve a home’s insulation. • Turn down the thermostat or install a programmable thermostat to regulate temperature. • Clean the furnace area. Don’t keep chemicals or cleaning products near a heater, and don’t store anything next to it that could impede ventilation. • Free all vents and returns of obstructions. Don’t lay carpet over vents, place furniture over or in front of them, or obstruct the flow of air. • Dry air feels cooler than moist air, so install a humidifier. A simple humidifier may make the home feel five degrees warmer than a home with dry air. • Look into geothermal heating systems which use earth’s natural heat and are among the most end. Look at our reviews online! Prusak Roofing offers roofing and siding services, including new roofs, tear-offs, re-roofs, new siding/gutters and downspouts, roofing and siding repairs and blown-in insulation service. We also offer an annual maintenance program that can add years to your roof, siding and gutters. Don’t delay, contact Prusak Roofing today for a free estimate. Submitted by Prusak Roofing, 8907 Odell Ave. in Bridgeview. For more information, visit www.prusak roofing.com or call (708) 422-2624. efficient and energyconserving heating and cooling technologies currently available. • For optimal performance of your HVAC system, get an annual service contract which includes both heating and cooling maintenance. But take care to avoid poor service and scams. To find a qualified local contractor who employs certified HVACR professionals, look for the NATE logo or go to www.na tex.org. By incorporating a few energy-friendly habits into your routine and by making sure your heating system is operating optimally this season, you can keep utility bills low while maintaining a cozy, comfortable home.
22ndCenturyMedia.com home improvement 22nd century media | August 30, 2018 | 11 RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED • S<strong>HI</strong>NGLES • FLAT ROOFS • EPDM RUBBER • GUTTERS • FASCIA & SOFFIT 708.422.2624 STORM DAMAGE EXPERTS INSURANCE CLAIMS WELCOME FREE ESTIMATES! • SIDING • ROOF MAINTENANCE • SOLAR TUBES • SOLAR FANS • BLOWN-IN INSULATION Family Owned and Operated Since 1963! FINANCING AVAILABLE! QUALITY SERVICE WWW.PRUSAKROOFING.COM LIC # 104009024 $500 OFF FALL SPECIAL Any Roof Over $2,500 Not Valid with any other offer Expires October 31, 2018. *Certain restrictions apply