How to Prevent—or Handle—Frozen Water Pipes for Your Omaha Home

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Winter might be harsh outdoors, but when frozen water pipes burst, the real emergency conditions are, ever so suddenly, indoors. Whether you’re thinking ahead to protect yourself from this bad scenario—or you’re thinking on your toes in an actual pipe-burst situation—you can use the following helpful tips from Omaha home restoration experts to ensure that you act smart. Choose your scenario below.

Prevention Tips:

1. Insulate your water pipes.

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not expanding ice from within a pipe that makes it burst; it’s the remaining liquid water finding nowhere else to go but out. Wherever your pipes are warm to the touch, insulation is likely needed. Insulating your pipes not only serves as a preventative measure for pipe bursts, but also reduces the cost you pay for hot water. Ask a local hardware store for pipe insulation that you can install yourself—quickly and painlessly. You can also receive federal tax credits in the process.

2. Seal those seams.

To keep cold wind away from your pipes, seal cracks and holes in your walls with caulking. Simply walk along the walls of your house and feel for drafts. And for fainter drafts, light an incense stick. When the smoke is offset, there’s a draft. 

3. Some doors are best left open.

Did you know? Kitchen and bathroom cabinets can keep warm inside air from reaching pipes under sinks or in adjacent outside walls. It’s a good idea to keep cabinet doors open during cold spells to let warm air circulate around the pipes to prevent freezing.

4. Don’t hesitate to use your taps.

As long as water is running and pressure doesn’t build up, there’s a far lower risk of freeze and pipes bursting. Also, it’s okay to let faucets lightly drip where you believe there could be risk of cold pipes. The slight relief in pressure prevents potential buildup within your pipes.

5. Leaving for a trip? Don’t over-lower the heat.

While understandably it saves money to lower your thermostat when you’re away from home, it’s important to not be overzealous and allow your home to cool excessively in your absence. A home kept reasonably warm will ensure pipes share the same cozy condition.

Emergency Tips:

In the event of a frozen or broken pipe, it’s best to call a certified professional and Omaha home restoration expert immediately. In the meantime, locate the main water shut-off valve in your home. Depending on where you live and your house type, your shut-off valve may be in a utility room (or on an outside wall in a utility area of the house), crawl space, basement or at the meter. Twist it completely clockwise to interrupt the flow of water.

While a pipe burst requires immediate assistance, you can also call a professional any time of year for additional precautionary tips on how to prevent this worst-case scenario. And for the best repair and restoration in the instance of water damage and other incidents, contact a certified, award-winning construction contractor serving homes and businesses since 1987.

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com

Need a Roof Replacement or Repair? Three Helpful Tips.

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The roof is that part of the home or business that often goes neglected due to its location, but when it comes to comfort it means everything. While it’s important to address any issues with your roof promptly—you can also prevent any issues before they occur. Here are just a few simple tips to help make the process easier.

1. Timing is everything.

Roof Replacement.

With the warm season upon us, now marks the ideal time to replace your roof. The cold months and inclement weather often impede workers from being able to do the job, while late spring and summer are perfect times to perform work on your roof most efficiently and effectively.

Roof Repair.

Just as repairs ranging from hail, heavy wind damage, fire and other disasters require immediate attention, so does the slightest leak into your house. It’s more convenient to work with a contractor who works directly with your insurance company through an insurance claim center.

Roof Inspections.

While homeowners are encouraged to occasionally inspect their roof with a pair of binoculars, scheduling a professional inspection at least once a year—twice ideally—is far more effective and puts a professionally-trained eye on your roof that can better detect any signs of damage. The preventive nature of inspections make them a smart investment that could save you money when it really matters down the road.

2. Choosing a professional—look for proof.

A good reputation.

Has the company earned local awards to prove itself as a standout against the competition?

A sound roofing warranty.

This not only signifies a company’s faith in the high quality of its own work, but commitment to the satisfaction of each customer.

Testimonials.

While it’s important to find a roofer that’s certified, it’s also important to locate solid customer testimonials that lend credibility to a company’s level of care, friendliness, and timeliness getting the job done.

3. Experience.

Total Construction has been providing service for roofing as well as complete restoration and remodeling needs since 1987. Whether it’s damage from fire, water, wind, or hail, the professional team at Total Construction provides the experience and dedication to quality craftsmanship for all types of restoration projects—for virtually any structure type.

Proper Attic Ventilation: A Breath of Fresh Air

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As the summer swelter takes full effect and temps rise to annual highs, the circulation of cool air is important throughout your home—as well as your attic. In fact, homeowners who understand the need for proper attic ventilation enjoy more efficient cooling bills, a longer lifespan for their roofs and the avoidance of costly problems down the road.

The Importance of Doing it Right.

Attic ventilation, done to professional standards, ensures a constant cycle of fresh air while keeping the attic cool in the summer. But here’s where it works hardest to benefit your home: Ventilation reduces the risk of fires, prevents wood from rotting, stops mildew from forming and equalizes your roof and attic temperatures to guard you from roof damage in the future. Even in the cold months, proper ventilation prevents the buildup of moisture, ice dams, and condensation that can allow mold to collect and damage the boards your shingles are nailed to.

It’s simple: A roof that breathes year-round enjoys fantastic protection and longevity that others do not. That’s not only good for you, but also good for any other parties involved in your roof, such as shingle manufacturers, who will often void a guarantee if the roof and attic don’t have proper ventilation.

For expert attic ventilation, roof repair, installation or any related service requiring professional attention, you can always call the roofing experts serving customers since 1987.

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com