Winter is Coming...

Although it’s still warm outside, RJ Smith Construction is already gearing up for winter- and you should be too! Despite whether you agree with the Farmer’s Almanac prediction of heavy snowfall this winter, there is no better time to start preparing than right now.  

1. Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
​ Since most people spend the winters cooped up in their homes more often, carbon monoxide hazards are larger during this time of the year. Heaters and fireplaces, along with the increase in holiday decorations, create an influx of opportunities for fires. Making sure that your alarms are in proper working condition and equipped with batteries ensure a safer winter season.

2. Clean your chimney and gutters
The gap between the end of one winter and the beginning of another is long, leaving a lot to go wrong with your chimney. Having it properly cleaned and inspected will give you peace of mind about potential maintenance before enjoying your evenings by the fireplace. As for your gutters, they are overrun with leaves from fall, meaning they will overflow instead of draining properly. Water can quickly settle around your foundation and porches, along with leaking into basement areas, leading to quick deterioration of your home.

3. Seal cracks around the home
Ensure you’re not letting anything “slip through the cracks,” by sealing off space around doors and windows to prevent warm air from going out, and unwanted pests from coming in. Adding weather stripping, caulking, or adding door sweeps are some of the easiest ways to stay comfortable throughout the season. These small fixes are low-cost compared to the amount you could save in your heating costs!

4. RJ Smith specializes in safety on the roads during winter weather
Make sure you do the same by completely removing snow and ice from your vehicle and accounting for extra travel time. This makes for the safety of you and others traveling in winter weather. Make sure your tire tread and air pressure isn’t too low when expecting ice and snow on the roadways. While our snow team does their best to make the roads as safe as possible, always make sure to wear your seatbelt to reduce your chance of injury in the event of an accident.
 
Preparing early gives you peace of mind and more time to enjoy the winter wonderland. We’ll see you in the snow!​​