No need to wait, don’t let the weather be a setback to your remodel process. Now is the time to start planning for your remodel and designing. Don’t wait until the Spring and Summer when you could start now!

In the past, and depending on the location, remodeling and construction companies had to close shop for the winter. Luckily this is no longer the case for the industry. With new products and technology, we are able to work all winter long.

Most trades can perform in all weather, but there are some restrictions. The main restriction we find is the daylight hours are shorter, meaning less time during the day to work. The crew will be wearing bulkier clothing so they might move a little bit slower than in the summer. We will also take additional measures to prevent broken pipes, ice damming and other water-infiltration problems. You might be thinking, “what about snow?” Well in reality, snow is easier to handle than rain! It’s much easier to tarp snow and is much more forgiving than rain.

If you’re someone who enjoys spending time in your backyard in the Spring in Summer, you might not want to wait until the Spring to build. People who typically start in the spring usually have a torn up yard all through the Summer. If you start in the Winter, you should be able to enjoy your yard all Summer long!

Another great thing about building in the winter is how quickly the work permits are approved. Because fewer people are building in the winter, there are less people applying for permits.

We are extremely lucky in Missouri to have these mild winters which allow us to work all year long. These past few months have been some of the busiest for us and we’re looking at many more projects coming soon! If you were planning to wait until the Spring, give us a call! You can start planning and designing now and get your build done quicker.

The post Can You Build in The Winter? appeared first on RIGGS Company in St. Louis, MO.

Sprinklers/Hose
Be sure to blow out and drain your irrigation system so that they do not freeze. Shut down and drain any outside spigots because they can and will freeze as well.

Lawn and Yard Maintenance
Many people don’t think about yard work when the temperature drops, but now is the perfect time to prune your shrubs or trim trees that might be getting a bit too close to your house. The last thing you need is a winter storm coming through and dumping snow and ice on a tree, causing it to collapse on your home.

Chimney Inspection
One of our favorite winter activities is spending time with friends and loved ones around the fireplace. But before you enjoy that first fire, it’s important to have the chimney inspected and cleaned if necessary.

Clean the Gutters
Once all of the leaves have fallen, but before the first snow is the perfect time to clean out those gutters. It’s also nice to get out there and clean them before the temperature drops too significantly, we don’t want you to freeze!

Inspect Your Heating System
Sooner than later you will be turning on your heat, and before it gets too cold outside, be sure to have your heating system inspected. You wouldn’t want a nasty surprise when you’re trying to warm up your house only to discover there’s something wrong. If you haven’t had your heating system inspected recently, at least change your filters.

Weather Stripping
Don’t let cold air come in your house, it’s not only frustrating and uncomfortable, but will also increase your heating bills! Get a door sweep or install weather stripping along windows that might allow drafts. You might even consider installing new, heavier curtains that are thicker and offer more draft protection.

Buy Winter Essentials
It might seem a bit premature to purchase ice melt and shovels now, but you’ll thank us! There is always mass hysteria when the weathermen predict a storm headed towards St. Louis. Undoubtedly there will be a shortage of ice melt and shovels at the local hardware store. Stock up early and avoid the crowds when the first storm comes.

It might seem like winter is ages away, but in a blink of an eye we’ll be preparing for a winter storm. Be sure to prepare your home as well!

The post 7 Ways to Prepare Your St. Louis Home for Winter appeared first on RIGGS Company in St. Louis, MO.

Here are a few tips to protect your home this winter:

• Water Shut Off – Be sure to shut off water that leads to any hose bibs/spigot. The water inside the hose can freeze, which can continue to back into the spigot until it reaches your pipes. frozen pipes
• Insulation – Check your home’s garage, crawl space and attic for exposed pipes. These are typically unheated areas and the most likely to create a break. Adding insulation will prevent the pipes from freezing. Remember hot water lines will freeze just like cold ones, if they are not currently in use.
• Keep doors open – Pipes need warm air to fight off freezing. Open bathroom and kitchen cabinets to let warm air get to the pipes.

If you need help implementing any of these tips, please do not hesitate to give us a call.

This tip brought to you by RIGGS Company & Design • 314-721-7646 • Kirkwood, MO

The post Tips to Keep Your Pipes from Freezing appeared first on RIGGS Company in St. Louis, MO.

As we inch closer to the winter months, we thought we would offer up a few tips that would help you prepare your home for Jack Frost’s bite. Winter Maintenance Tips

#1 Chimney – Before you have your first fire of the season, it is important that you first have your chimney cleaned out by a professional chimney sweeper. Failing to do so can cause buildup of creosote in the chimney, which is combustible and leads to many fires

#2 Windows – While we encourage checking your windows before the beginning of each season, it is especially important during the cold months. Heat often escapes around the window frames. Make sure that all latches work, the edges are properly caulked and that the glass is not cracked.

#3 Ventilation – Check to make sure the vents are clear and that your furnace will run. If it has been a few months, be sure to replace or clean your air filter too.

#4 Downspouts – We suggest adding extensions to your downspouts so that water runs at least 4 feet away from the foundation. Also consider having the downspouts drain away from driveways or sidewalks in the winter to prevent ice buildup and possible falls!

#5 Exterior Faucets – It is extremely important that you make sure all of the water is drained from your exterior faucets. Sitting water in pipes can freeze, which will cause your pipes to expand and possibly burst. Start by disconnecting all hoses and draining the water that remains in faucets.

#6 Gutters – Check to make sure the gutters are clean and free of all debris before the snow and ice sets in. Clogged gutters can trap water, snow, and ice and lead to a buildup of ice we call an “ice dam”. When this happens water can actually travel up under your roof shingles and cause damage to the plywood, get into the attic, and even into the house!

Need helping getting your home in tip-top shape before winter? RIGGS can help! Call or email us today to schedule your inspection.

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