Getting the exterior of the home ready for the cold winds, snow and ice is critical for keeping Old Man Winter out and keeping you warm and toasty inside. Give your home a once-over and tend to winter preparation tasks and repairs before the year's first frost. By being proactive, you'll lower your energy bills, increase the efficiency and lifespan of your home's components, and make your property safer and more comfortable.
- Check all the weatherstripping around windows and doorframes for leaks to prevent heat loss. Replace weatherstripping, if necessary.
- Examine wooden window frames for signs of rot or decay. Repair or replace framing to maintain structural integrity.
- Check for drafts around windows and doors. Caulk inside and out, where necessary, to keep heat from escaping.
- Inspect windows for cracks, broken glass, or gaps. Repair or replace, if needed.
- Trim overgrown branches back from the house and electrical wires to prevent iced-over or wind-swept branches from causing property damage or a power problem.
- Shut off exterior faucets. Drain water from outdoor pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads to protect against pipe bursts.
- Check fireplace for drafts. If it's cold despite the damper being closed, the damper itself may be warped, worn, or rusted. Consider installing a Chimney Balloon into the flue to air seal the area tightly.
- Clean or replace the air filter in your furnace for maximum efficiency and improved indoor air quality.
- Check that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order.
- If you have an older thermostat, replace it with a programmable unit to save on heating costs.
- Make sure fans are switched to the reverse or clockwise position, which will blow warm air down to the floor for enhanced energy efficiency and comfort.
- Examine exposed ducts in the attic, basement, and crawl spaces, and use a sealant to plug up any leaks.
- Check for missing, damaged or warped shingles and replace, as necessary before you get stuck with a leak.
- Check the gutters and downspouts for proper fastening, and re-secure if loose or sagging. The weight of snow and ice can pull gutters off the house.
- Clean gutters of any debris. Make sure downspouts extend away from the house by at least 5 feet to prevent flooding of the foundation and water damage from snowmelt.
- Ensure all vents and openings are covered to prevent insects, birds, and rodents from getting inside to nest in a warm place
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Remodeling Innovations Group
11801 Silverspring Drive Suite 109
Milwaukee, WI 53225
414-916-3330
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 Garlic Mushroom Roast with Savory Gravy
Ingredients:
2 T olive oil
1 Chuck Roast, 3-4 pounds you want some visible fat,
salt and pepper
1/4 cup flour
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
3 large Gloves of garlic sliced
2 Pounds White Mushrooms, whole
2 T Butter
1 Jar (12 ounces) Homestyle Bistro Au Jus Gravy 1 Jar (12 ounces) Homestyle Savory Beef Gravy 12oz. Sweet Pettit Carrots 4-5 Large Potatoes Cut up
Directions:
Heat oil in large skillet, medium-high. S&P well, dredge in flour. Sear on all sides until browned. Put in crockpot.
Add butter, mushrooms and onions to the skillet and cook, until mushrooms are slightly browned, and onions are translucent. Add to crockpot. Spread garlic over roast, add carrots and potatoes and pour in the gravy. Cover & cook on LOW 8 to 10 hours, or until very tender. Remove roast, mushrooms, carrots, and potatoes to a serving platter and cover to keep warm. Pour remaining contents into a saucepan(get it all, this is what makes jarred gravy taste home made) and bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, or until desired thickness.
Serve and ENJOY!!!
 
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