When the fun of summer is almost over and the cold winds start to approach, homeowners may find it a great timing to inspect their homes and know which parts need maintenance, especially to prepare for the winter. Many homeowners are not aware of the fact that winter winds, snow, ice, frigid temperatures, and moisture can post a serious threat and damage to their houses, especially if they are already damaged to begin with.

Exterior home maintenance can help to avoid interior issues in some cases, and the perfect time to do it is during the fall. Here are some exterior home maintenance tips to help you get started.

Inspect and Clean the Gutters

Gutters should be inspected once during the fall at the very least, and if your home is surrounded by leafy trees, they should be inspected frequently until all leaves have fallen. If a clog is found, remove whatever is responsible for the clog immediately. Visit our Gutters page for more tips and services.

If you don't inspect them during autumn, it can turn into clogged gutters, which will cause excess snow and water to spill over the side and onto the ground, creating slippery patches and exposing your home's foundation to potential seepage damage.

Spot Foundation Cracks

Once the temperature drops, water isn't the only factor to rule out for causing potential damage to your home. Colder temperatures force insects and rodents to seek warmth, and they can do so by trying to gain access to the home. To prevent this, homeowners should inspect the exterior of their property and look for any cracks in the foundation that vermin may be able to use. These cracks should be sealed immediately. What better time to do an inspection than during the autumn time.

Check your Roof

Fall is one of the best signs to look for warning signs: Shingles that are buckled, cracked, or missing; rust spots on flashing. Any loose, damaged, or missing shingles should be replaced immediately. Check out our Roof Repair page for assistance.

Moreover, as the cold and wet weather approach, you may notice mold, mildew, and algae growing on your roof. More than being an ugly sight for your roofing, they can cause greater damage in the long run. Address this problem during fall by contacting your chosen contractor, or clean it DIY style.

Another thing to check on your roof is your plumbing vent stack. It is usually flashed with a rubber collar that may crack or loosen over time. They’ll wear out before your roof does, so make sure they’re in good shape.

Reinforce your Doors and Windows

Before the cold weather hits, set aside a day to replace your door and window screens with storm windows. You can also add weather stripping to doors and windows to help keep cool air from seeping inside. This will not only ensure your safety and comfort during the coming of winter, it will also ensure that you won’t spend more for repairs when spring comes again. Visit our Door Replacement and Window Replacement pages for more information.

Maintain your Siding

The manner of maintaining your home exterior siding depends on which type of siding you have. Each type of siding requires a distinct way of maintenance and repair. At a minimum, you should check your siding for cracks and areas where it may need to be repaired. Vinyl siding, which is the most used and popular across the states, could benefit from a power wash annually, while wood siding should be treated about every four years to protect it from the elements. Learn more at our Vinyl Siding page.

Prevention is better than cure. This may be a cliché but it is a famous saying because it’s true. It is better to know which parts of your home need maintenance and renovation before winter comes, or be sorry later and spend more.

 

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