• Learn the top 7 ways to storm-proof your roof and exterior
• Discover which signs to look for before a storm strikes
• Understand how professional inspections can prevent costly repairs
• Get expert tips for gutters, siding, and attic prep
• Access a ready-to-use storm prep checklist
• Learn how M&M’s emergency response supports Midwest homeowners

When Midwest storms roll in, your roof is the first line of defense against severe weather, protecting your home, while your exterior also plays a crucial role. At M&M Home Remodeling Services, we’ve helped homeowners across Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin protect their properties with proactive storm readiness. Whether it’s hail in Crown Point or high winds in Naperville, the key is preparation.

In this post, we’ll cover seven essential tips to prepare your roofing, siding, gutters, and attic before the next big storm.

1. Inspect Your Roof for Vulnerabilities

Before any storm, your first move should be a roof inspection. Look for loose or missing shingles, loose tiles, cracked flashing, or exposed fasteners. These small issues can become big problems during a storm.

Pro tip: Schedule a professional roof inspection through our roof inspection services to ensure nothing is missed.

2. Clean and Secure Gutters and Downspouts

Gutters clogged with debris can cause overflow, leading to fascia damage, roof leaks, and foundation issues. Clear out leaves, twigs, nests, and other debris. Ensure downspouts extend away from the home.

Need help? Learn about our gutter solutions for homes in storm-prone regions.

3. Reinforce Siding and Soffit

Loose siding, soffit, and fascia panels are especially vulnerable in high winds. Make sure these elements are secure and intact. Any warping or gaps should be addressed immediately.

We recommend James Hardie siding for its storm-resistant design.

4. Seal Entry Points and Attic Vents

Water can enter through attic vents, damaged trim, or unsealed eaves. Ensure attic insulation is dry and intact, and check all openings for signs of wear.

Visit our attic insulation page to learn how proper insulation supports storm protection.

5. Trim Nearby Trees and Shrubs

Overhanging limbs can crash into your roof or siding during a storm. Remove dead branches and dead limbs, and cut back trees near your home to prevent impact damage.

6. Prevent Ice Dams Before They Start

Ice dams can wreak havoc on your roof during storm season, especially when heavy rains, high winds, or sudden temperature drops hit your area. When warm air from your attic melts snow on your roof, the water can refreeze at the edges, creating a dam that traps water and leads to leaks, water pooling, and even damaged shingles. Left unchecked, ice dams can cause significant storm damage, requiring costly repairs or even a full roof replacement.

To protect your roof from this risk, start with a thorough roof inspection before severe weather arrives. Look for loose or damaged shingles, damaged flashing, and clogged gutters—these are all vulnerable areas where water can seep in and cause further damage. Regular inspections help spot problems early, minimizing damage and reducing the risk of leaks.

Proper attic ventilation is key to preventing ice dams. Make sure your attic is well-insulated and ventilated to keep temperatures consistent and prevent snow from melting unevenly. Installing a waterproofing membrane on your roof deck adds an extra layer of protection, helping to keep water out even if ice dams form.

During hurricane season or when storms with high winds are in the forecast, consider upgrading to impact resistant shingles and securing your roof with hurricane straps. These measures help protect against flying debris and falling branches, which can make your roof vulnerable to leaks and other storm damage.

Don’t forget to keep your gutters clear of debris—clogged gutters can cause water to back up and pool on your roof, increasing the risk of ice dams and water damage. Trim overhanging branches and secure loose items like satellite dishes to prevent falling debris from causing further damage during a storm.

By prioritizing regular maintenance, timely repairs, and professional roof inspections, you can minimize the risk of ice dams and protect your roof from the next storm. If you notice signs of water pooling, leaks, or loose shingles, contact a roofing expert right away to ensure your home stays safe and secure all season long.

7. Document Conditions for Insurance

Take photos of your roofing and exterior before storm season begins. This documentation is critical when filing an insurance claim for storm damage.

Check out our storm and insurance page for claim support services.

8. Establish a Response Plan

Know who to call after a storm. M&M offers fast response for emergency repairs, temporary repairs, assessments, and insurance support across Chicagoland and beyond.

Explore our full Peace of Mind Proven Process to understand how we protect your property.

FAQ

Q: What should I do if I see missing shingles after a storm?
A: Contact M&M immediately. We’ll provide a thorough inspection and guide you through your repair or replacement options. Missing or damaged shingles should be repaired or replaced promptly to minimize damage and prevent potential roof damage. Roofs are the first line of defense against storms, and protecting your roof and walls from wind, rain, and even hail is essential to prevent your home from sustaining damage when a storm hits. It’s also important to ensure all roofing materials are properly secured before a storm arrives to minimize potential damage caused by flying debris or strong winds.

Q: Does homeowner’s insurance cover roof storm damage?
A: In most cases, yes. Especially if you’ve documented your roof’s pre-storm condition. We help navigate the claim process. Insurance policies may cover various types of roof damage, including hail damage, wind damage, and damage caused by heavy rain or strong winds.

Q: How fast can M&M respond after a storm?
A: Typically within 24 hours in our service areas. Our local crews are equipped for rapid deployment. M&M can provide temporary repairs to protect your home from further damage until permanent repairs can be made. Prompt action after a storm arrives can help prevent further damage caused by water infiltration, wind, or other factors causing damage to the roof and structure.

Ready to Weather the Next Storm?

Don’t leave your roof and home exposed. Schedule your inspection or call (708) 756-7800 to speak with an expert today.

Prepare now, protect always—trust M&M Home Remodeling Services.

The post How to Protect Your Roof Before a Storm appeared first on M&M Home Remodeling Services.

Why You Should Schedule a Roof Inspection Now

Below, you will find some of the main reasons people opt for a roof inspection. We, M&M Home Remodeling Services, even offer a free estimate for your roof, so don’t hesitate to contact us; we’ll be happy to help!

It Is Your Responsibility to Take Care of Your Investments

It’s no secret that roofs are not cheap; in fact, they are quite an investment. You wouldn’t want your hard-earned money to go to waste just because you didn’t catch a problem in good time. 

Regular Inspections Help Identify Problems Early On

Most asphalt shingle roofs last about 20–30 years. However, that doesn’t mean minor problems, such as water leaks, cracked or missing shingles, etc., can’t occur along the way. If not addressed, those issues could lead to a potential disaster.

The thing is, structural concerns and water damage, for example, can stay unnoticed until it’s too late. That’s because, by the time water starts seeping through your ceilings and walls and the problem becomes obvious, it’s already done considerable damage to your home.

An expert will be able to identify and fix any potential issues early on.

Even if things do go south because of a natural disaster, extreme weather conditions, etc., the report our experts compile after inspecting your roof will help you take full advantage of your insurance.

Again, your roof is a valuable asset, so you should make sure it’s protected. 

Best Roof Maintenance Tips

Of course, you shouldn’t leave everything to the professionals. It’s our job to fix any problems, but you are the one who should try their best to prevent issues from happening in the first place. Here’s how:

Clean the Gutters

We know this might be quite an annoying chore, but make sure you get your gutters nice and clean at least four times a year. That will significantly prolong the life of your roof.

Get Rid of the Debris on Your Roof

Make sure you don’t leave tons of leaves and dirt piling up on your roof. It’s a good idea to do a thorough clean-up a few times a year, especially during the fall.

Check Your Shingles

Signs of roof damage can include cracked, curling, or missing shingles. Regardless, if you spot anything wrong with the shingles, call an expert and address the problem right away. The longer you wait, the worse.

Trim Overhanging Branches

This might not sound like a big deal, but it is! A big tree hanging right over your roof can pose a serious risk during the winter. Snow and ice chunks may fall from the branches, damaging your shingles and even threatening people outside the house.

Get Your Free Estimate Today

People choose M&M because we have proved our expertise throughout the years. With more than 50,000 impressed customers, we can proudly say we are one of the top, most trusted companies in the field. Contact us today, and let our team of professionals do the rest!

The post Should You Make Roofing a Priority in 2020? appeared first on M&M Home Remodeling Services.

Not to worry, though; we’ve prepared the ultimate checklist for roof maintenance in the summer. Just go through these one step at a time, and your roof should stay in top-notch condition.

1. Book That Annual Inspection

Everyone knows that problems don’t solve themselves, and that’s especially true when it comes to roofing. If there are any leaks, damaged shingles, or clogged gutters, we should deal with them before they become our worst nightmare. 

That’s why we do recommend booking an annual inspection when summer rolls in. By fixing whatever is downgrading the quality of your roof now, you may save a lot of money on repair bills later on, purely because you dealt with the damage on time!

2. Check Your Insurance Policy

If you live in a particularly stormy area, don’t forget to check your insurance policy for any gaps. Since heavy rain and strong winds are rather unpredictable, your house is at a huge risk of damage. Unfortunately, if there are any gaps in the coverage, you may have a hard time covering all the costs. 

In the end, if we don’t want to go into debt because of our damaged roof, we have to think in advance. Therefore, we must take inventory of our home and photos of its condition, and meet with an insurance agent to resolve any potential issues.

3. Clean Out the Gutters

Blocked gutters are no joke, that’s for sure. Indeed, if the gutters are clogged, standing rainwater can damage our home since it’s not able to flow off the roof. 

That can lead to a variety of issues, from mold growth in the walls (if the water goes over the exterior walls) and ground oversaturation (which may cause cracks in the foundation) to shingle, fascia, and soffit damage. Luckily, we can prevent all of those if we tackle the gutters on time and clear them out!

4. Switch Out Any Damaged Shingles

And speaking of shingles, whether they are damaged or simply missing, we should deal with them quickly. If we don’t, there’s no telling what could happen to our roof since it will be exposed to the elements. 

The roof is extremely vulnerable if there are gaps or holes. In that case, strong winds could easily damage it further and even lead to water damage. Besides, it’s evident that replacing just some shingles rather than the whole roof is the more affordable solution. However, it will only work if we do the repairs timely!

5. Make Sure There Are No Leaks

Interior damage can be challenging to deal with, especially if one small leak becomes much bigger due to poor maintenance. Therefore, before summer ends, we must check the roof for any leaks. If there are some and we don’t deal with them on time, we risk wall, insulation, and foundation damage, not to mention electrical wiring issues.

6. Put Some Effort Into Tree Maintenance

Finally, you will also need to deal with any surrounding trees. They shouldn’t be too high or wide (trim them to ensure a six feet clearance). You ought to remove any dead or weak branches as soon as possible as well.

In the right conditions, a tree could fall onto the roof, which may not only be costly to fix but dangerous too. Alternatively, the branches may damage the shingles and the protective coating, as well as cause granule loss. In the end, there’s no reason to risk this kind of damage, especially if all it takes to prevent it is some tree maintenance!

Call M&M Home Remodeling 

Want to enjoy your summer without worrying that you’ll literally lose the roof over your head? This checklist will help you keep your roofing in mint condition. But even if there’s some damage, there’s no need to despair. M&M Home Remodeling has got your back. Get a free estimate now and ensure your roof stays strong through every season, rain or shine!

The post Summer Roofing Checklist: 6 Things to Do Right Now appeared first on M&M Home Remodeling Services.

Ice and Water Damage

Downspout Blockage

Downspouts are the vertical pipes that carry all of the water from our gutters away from our roofs and homes. They’re an integral part of every home and one that can, unfortunately, get clogged easily. 

During the winter, each new layer of rain or snow that goes into the gutters will freeze in the downspout. After a while, the ice will cause a huge blockage that can damage our entire gutter system, which can cost a fortune to replace.

Ice Dams

Since the spouts are clogged, all of that ice will start freezing along the roofline. Once the weather clears up a bit, these ice dams will melt, and the water will start seeping into the roofline. When that happens, our shingles will peel off, and we’ll need to replace them.

Pressure

As the ice keeps building on and around the gutters and downspouts, its weight will start to create immense pressure. After a while, the gutter system will reach its breaking point, and it might even completely collapse. When that happens, we’ll have to install a brand-new system because there’s no saving it.

Icicles and Water Damage

We all know how dangerous icicles can be and that, when they fall, they can seriously hurt someone. But when they form around the gutters, they also, bit by bit, pull it away from the roof. If the icicles are big enough, they can even rip the gutters from the house and cause severe structural damage.

Roof and Fascia Damage

In the back of every gutter, there’s a metal piece that prevents the water from going behind it, called a drip edge. As the ice starts building, it’ll start growing under the drip edge, which will begin expanding.

Once it expands, the drip edge will start affecting our fascia and roof so much that it can cause rot. Since it’s so difficult to spot, we might not notice it for a while. And by the time we do, it might be too late, and the rot will have destroyed the edge of our home.

How to Protect Gutters

Cleaning

The best way to ensure we don’t feel the consequences of water and ice damage is by cleaning on a regular basis. Before the first snow falls, we can take our gloves and gadgets, grab a ladder, and start cleaning. We should make sure that there’s no debris or clogs along the gutters or downspouts. 

Of course, if we can’t or don’t want to clean them ourselves, we can always call the professionals at M&M Home Remodeling Services. The team there can help keep our gutters clean and debris-free.

Using Gutter Guards

Another way to ensure our gutters are always clean, not just in winter, is with gutter guards. They will prolong the life of our gutters while keeping all of the dirt, debris, and pests out. What’s more, with the guards in place, we won’t have to clean them as often, and there’s a much smaller likelihood of clogging.

Final Thoughts

Clogged and icy gutters are extremely dangerous, and if left untreated, can cause severe damage. Replacing an entire gutter system or a roof can be a costly and taxing process.

To avoid having any of these problems, we should keep our gutters clean all year round and consider investing in gutter guards. To learn more about how and when to install them, contact M&M Home Remodeling Services. We’ll answer any questions you have and provide quick and effective service.

The post Protect Your Gutters This Winter — What to Do and Why appeared first on M&M Home Remodeling Services.

Here’s what you can do to make his landing a little smoother:

Make Sure That Your Chimney Is Ready 

Naturally, you don’t want Santa to come out of your chimney all black and dusty with soot, and he probably wouldn’t appreciate it, either. He’ll never make it to all of those houses if he has to clean his suit after each home he visits. So, you should clean your chimney before he arrives.

Start by quickly cleaning the fireplace, then scrub all the way up to the top. When you’re finished, collect the soot from the bottom and do a detailed scrub of the fireplace.

Don’t Forget the Gutters

Before he goes down the chimney, he has to walk the whole roof to get to it. Now imagine if he were to slip and fall because your gutters were full of leaves. You probably wouldn’t find yourself on the “nice” list anytime soon. 

Do yourself a favor and clean your gutters thoroughly. Not only will that make it easy for Santa to get to your chimney but also reduce the risk of water damage to your roof.

Roofing Inspection Is a Must

Landing a sleigh is no easy task, especially on the roof. One big Santa, eight reindeer, plus all those presents — that’s got to weigh a lot. To prevent your roof from crashing down on you when Santa comes, you should check if it’s sturdy enough to handle the weight. 

However, you should never do a roof inspection on your own. Always go with a reliable local company; let their team inspect your roof and make the necessary repairs.

Prepare for Santa’s Landing

Before you even think about putting up decorations, you should crop the surrounding branches that stick out. Santa should have a clear view of your roof, a.k.a. his landing spot. If there are branches blocking his way, he could have an accident and hurt himself. And you definitely wouldn’t get any presents after that.

Carefully Choose the Decorations

As far as roof decorations are concerned, you should definitely go with something more subtle. Although Santa loves over-the-top decorations and lights as much as we do, he won’t appreciate if he gets tangled in them. So, keep it simple.

For instance, you can use LED strips to make a runway on the roof, which Santa can use to land with his sleigh safely. In addition, you can add arrows that will help him navigate on a cold foggy night. Keep in mind that Santa also has nine reindeer, so you should make enough room for all of them!

Other Nice Things You Can Do 

If you want, you can also leave a gift for Santa to show him that you care. He gives presents to all the children in the world, yet he never receives presents himself. And that needs to change! No matter if it’s cookies or a cute little “Thank you” note, Santa will be grateful. 

On the other hand, you can also leave some snacks for the reindeer. They’d surely appreciate some carrots after a long night of pulling the sleigh.

Final Thoughts

The truth is — Santa’s arrival is the perfect excuse to do the yearly roof inspection and gutter cleaning before the snow comes. And if you’re in NW Indiana or Chicago area, make sure you call M&M remodeling services and get a free estimate.

The post How to Prepare Your Home for Santa’s Arrival appeared first on M&M Home Remodeling Services.

Now, most people think that cleaning your gutters just means stepping onto a ladder and removing some debris. But, it’s usually a bit more than that. If you want to find out which mistakes are most common when cleaning your gutters and how to avoid making them — keep on reading.

Ladder Safety

Before you step onto the ladder to clean your gutters, make sure you’ve read the instructions printed on them. Then, inspect the ladder and check for any potential damage. If you see any cracks, avoid using it and get a new one.

Next, remember the three-point system — two hands and a foot or two feet and a hand must be on the ladder at all times. Also, you should always have someone to help you secure the base of your ladder.

Finally, and this might be the most important step — set your ladder down on a firm surface. Don’t clean your gutters after heavy rainfall, because you could slip and fall off the ladder.

Overreaching

Another common mistake you can make when cleaning your gutters is overreaching. Yes, we know that stepping off your ladder and moving them every time is annoying. But, it is crucial that you do so to avoid hurting yourself.

Using the Wrong Type of Ladder

Every ladder has a specific weight and height limitation. If you see that you’re over the height or weight limit, you might get hurt when you step on it. Also, if your ladder is a bit too short to clean gutters, don’t try to extend them by adding random objects.

Protective Clothing

Next, we also wanted to talk about protective clothing. One of the worst things you can do while cleaning your gutters is wearing open-toed shoes or shorts. When you’re stepping on a ladder, wear shoes with rubber soles and make sure they’re closed.

Also, remember to put on a hardhat. In case of a fall, a hardhat could save your life. Now, it’s also important to wear protective eyewear and gloves. When you’re cleaning, wear safety glasses to avoid getting debris in your eyes. On the other hand, gloves will protect your hands from any debris or bacteria that could be lurking in your gutters.

Using the Wrong Tools

There’s more to cleaning your gutters than stepping on a ladder and scooping out some debris. If you want to avoid cleaning them every few months, here are some of the things you’ll need:

• Garbage bags or tarp
• Hand trowel
• Hose spray attachment
• Plumber’s snake

But, even with these tools, your gutters could still be clogged — which brings us to our next point.

Clogged Gutters

Since it’s sometimes difficult to see the interiors of your gutters, you might not be able to unclog them completely. If your gutters get clogged, the water won’t be able to trickle down and it could damage your foundation. Consider having gutter guards installed to keep your gutters clear of debris.

Gutter Guards

By installing gutter guards, you’ll be able to keep your gutters free of leaves, debris, and wildlife. Also, you won’t have to clean them so often, and they’ll become resistant to freezing, rust, and holes. At M&M Home Remodeling Services, we can install your gutter guards, and you won’t have to worry about a thing. We’ve been doing it for over 40 years, and we guarantee our customers’ satisfaction.

Things to Consider

There you have it – the most common mistakes to avoid when cleaning your gutters. As you can see, it can be a dangerous job, and you need to be extremely careful when cleaning. First, make sure your ladder is not damaged and never try to overreach.

Also, remember to wear protective gear, like closed-toe shoes, gloves, and glasses. Finally, make sure to use the right tools for the job. If you want to keep your gutters clean for a longer time — consider investing in gutter guards. They’ll save you a lot of time and money in the future while keeping your gutters debris-free.

The post Mistakes To Avoid When Cleaning Your Gutters appeared first on M&M Home Remodeling Services.