When the weather cools down and the leaves begin to fall, it’s critical to get your home ready for the chilly temperatures ahead. Performing regular maintenance can help you avoid permanent damage and expensive repairs down the road. Here are a few home fall home maintenance tips and tasks that will ensure that your home is ready for the upcoming season.
Clean Your Gutters
Thousands of gallons of water are drained off your house’s exterior and foundation walls each year by your roof’s drainage system, so it’s crucial to keep it running properly. Clogged gutters can cause flooding in your basement, as well as damage to your home’s exterior. Additionally, when clogged, gutters are more prone to corrosion and rust. So, make sure that gutter cleaning is part of your fall maintenance to-do list. After cleaning, you can also cover your gutters with mesh guards to prevent debris from accumulating.
Luckily, cleaning gutters is a simple task that most homeowners can do on their own. All you’ll need is a ladder, some eye and hand protection, and a gutter scooper. Gather leaves and other debris with your hands, then use the gutter scooper to clear out more compacted waste. Once clean, you should also make sure that your gutters and downspouts are free-flowing by pouring some water down them.
Repair Driveway and Walkways
Damaged pathways, driveways, and steps are dangerous all year round, but they’re even more hazardous during the winter, especially when they ice over. By addressing these issues in the fall, you’ll be able to prevent these small cracks from becoming costly repairs in the future.
When inspecting these surfaces, look for cracks that are more than 1/8-inch wide and patch them with filler and sealer. Also, take note of any uneven sections or loose railings. Most simple repairs can be completed on your own, but a professional should take care of any significant damage.
Seal Leaks in Windows and Doors
Cold air and moisture can enter your home through gaps around windows, door frames, and where pipes enter the house. To help keep your house warm, make sure to use weather stripping or caulk to patch any holes that are larger than a nickel.
If drafts around your windows and doors continue, it may be time to get your windows replaced. A professional, such as those at E&E Contracting, can replace your defective windows with more energy-efficient ones, which will increase your comfort while lowering your heating bills.
Touch Up Exterior Paint
As you continue your outdoor home maintenance, keep an eye out for peeling paint, which is likely an indicator that your paint is starting to deteriorate. Note that peeling paint is not only a cosmetic issue. Not addressing it early on may result in future costly repairs. A quick paint touch-up can help your siding and trim last longer. It’s also a good idea to apply a fresh coat of paint or sealant to any surface that may be covered with snow.
Prep Your Lawn
While autumn leaves may be visually appealing when strewn out on your lawn, it’s important to rake them on a regular basis. If left on the ground for an extended period of time, fallen leaves can potentially damage your grass.
Aside from cleaning up the leaves, also be sure to trim back the branches on trees close to your house. This will prevent them from collapsing and damaging your roof or home, especially after heavy winds or snowfall.
Inspect the Roof
It’s beneficial to inspect your roof at least once or twice a year, and fall is a great time to do it because it will ensure that your roof is prepared for the cold temperatures, snow, and ice that winter may bring. Begin by inspecting your roof from top to bottom, using binoculars and a ladder if needed. Be on the lookout for shingles that are missing, loose, or damaged, and also check for damage to metal flashing around vents and chimneys. If there is any damage, it may be time for a total roof replacement.
Keep in mind that while a visual inspection of your roof can reveal some obvious external damage, it’s probably in your best interest to have a professional do a comprehensive inspection.
Don’t Hesitate to Hire a Professional
If you’ve identified some issues during your fall maintenance that you can’t fix by yourself, don’t be afraid to call a professional. E&E Contracting specializes in a wide range of home improvement and remodeling projects, from window and door replacement to roof repairs. Request a complimentary estimate today, and learn how we can help make sure your home is ready for the months ahead.