It’s almost winter in Minnesota which means preparing your home and family for the wicked cold. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Last year metropolitan home owners experienced an unusual amount of water damage due to the build up of ice dams on roofs. The end result was moisture build up in attics and wall cavities which, when left alone during the warmer spring and summer months, led to mold growth and health problems. If you are a home owner, keep an eye on your roof to make sure there aren’t large areas of ice building up along the edge of your roof line. Large hanging icicles may be a sign that melting water is unable to flow to the ground. Noblemen Homes can install heating elements on your roof to prevent the build up of ice dams. This small step can prevent moisture damage to your home during later months as well as prevent health problems if moisture infiltration should turn into mold.

• Now is a good time to insulate your attic or unfinished basement to reduce heating costs during the coldest months of the year. Insulation also can reduce cooling costs during the summer months. Noblemen Homes is available for insulating your attic or finishing of your basement to provide a warmer and functional space for you and your family.

• Finally, make sure you don’t have air leaking in along your windows or door jams. During the winter, those small spaces not only will cost you money in heating costs, but also can result in condensation which may damage your wood work, or cause mold growth. There are many resources available to reduce unwanted airflow.

From everyone at Noblemen Homes, we hope that you have a blessed Christmas season, and that your stay safe and warm through the winter!