October 29, 2018 (Mobile, AL) — While extreme weather is unpredictable, Home Improvement Expert and Host of “Today’s Homeowner,” Danny Lipford, wants homeowners to know there are key steps they can take to be prepared. To share his advice nationwide, Lipford launched a series of TV segments airing Oct. 22-29.
“The biggest investment a homeowner can make to guard against extreme weather,” says Lipford, “is installing a solid, durable roof.
“If you think about it, it really makes sense. The roof protects everything beneath it, so making sure you have one that can go the distance is very important.”
Lipford broadcast from a home that recently had a metal roof installed, and shared some of these key advantages of metal roofing with viewers:
•Metal roofing is made from steel, aluminum and even copper, and provides a strong cover for the home.
•Metal roofs are able to withstand hurricane-force winds, hail storms, heavy rain and wildfires.
•The average lifespan of a metal roof is 50+ years, making it a good choice for long-term value.
•Metal roofs are made from recycled materials, and can be recycled themselves at the end of their use.
•Metal roofs are low maintenance and energy efficient, helping to keep conditioned air exactly where it belongs.
Lipford also pointed out to viewers that metal roofing has come a long way since its inception. It is now available in a variety of colors and styles resembling shakes, tiles and even asphalt.
While roofing is traditionally a job for professionals, Lipford offered viewers these inexpensive and DIY strategies they can tackle now to further protect their homes from severe weather:
•Seal the envelope.
One of the easiest places to start, according to Lipford, is sealing up the perimeter of your home. Inspect all windows and exterior doors, and seal up any cracks with a quality exterior caulk. Homeowners should also pay attention to other protrusions on the home’s exteriors such as vents and hose bibs. Often, those areas will have larger cracks and expandable foam may be necessary to get a tight seal. Finally, Lipford recommends replacing any worn or damaged weatherstripping and ensuring a tight seal for exterior doors and thresholds. Securing these cracks and crevices will prevent wind and water from entering the home, and, as a bonus, make it more energy efficient.
•Keep it clear.
Water damage is a major threat to homes during severe weather events. To reduce the risk of water damage, Lipford advises keeping gutters clear and offers a clever DIY solution to help remove debris. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up into the eaves and eventually overflow into the walls of the home. Lipford cautions homeowners not to forget about clearing downspouts and surface drains to keep water from backing up and causing problems.
•Make the grade.
Foundations and basements are also susceptible to water damage during extreme weather. Lipford recommends creating a high-to-low grade for the landscape beginning at the foundation and sloping outward several feet. This will cause water to flow away from the home rather than pooling at its foundation and possibly leading to intrusion.
“You’ve heard it before, but the best offense really is a great defense,” says Lipford. “These are several steps homeowners can and should take – now – to get their homes in shape for any extreme weather that may occur. Just a few items checked off the list now can save money and headaches down the road.”
The lifestyle segments will reach over 12 million viewers and are sponsored by Today’s Homeowner Media and the Metal Roofing Alliance. Find additional severe weather tips and home improvement advice at Today’s Homeowner.com.
About Metal Roofing Alliance
Representing metal roofing manufacturers in the United States and Canada, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) was formed to help educate consumers about the many benefits of metal roofs.
The main objective of MRA is to increase awareness of the beauty, durability and money-saving advantages of quality metal roofs among homeowners, as well as to provide support for metal roofing businesses and contractors. For more information, visit MRA.
About Today’s Homeowner Media
Today’s Homeowner is a trusted home improvement authority delivering fresh, original, practical advice to consumers across diverse media platforms including the top-rated, nationally syndicated “Today’s Homeowner” television show, now in its 21st season, and its radio counterpart, the nationally syndicated “Today’s Homeowner” radio show.
Additionally, the media brand hosts the top home enthusiast destination website, TodaysHomeowner.com, drawing more than 2 million monthly visitors, robust social media channels and the award-winning lifestyle blog and web series, “Checking In With Chelsea.” 3 Echoes Productions, the professional production arm of the brand, serves an impressive national clientele with expert video services.
Host and founder of the brand, Danny Lipford, is among the most sought-after home improvement experts in the country. The seasoned remodeling contractor and media personality served as the home improvement expert for CBS’s “The Early Show” and The Weather Channel for over a decade and has made more than 190 national television appearances on “FOX & Friends,” “Inside Edition,” “Morning Express with Robin Meade,” FOX Business Channel, “Rachael Ray” and more. He travels the country making appearances as a brand ambassador and spokesperson, and contributes expertise to hundreds of popular magazines and online media outlets each year.
