With the cooler fall weather approaching, it is time to think about protecting your home from the elements. Winter weather can wreak havoc on a home without proper maintenance. Take advantage of the final days of summer to inspect the exterior of your house, make any necessary repairs, and be prepared for winter.
Steps to Preparing Your Home For Fall
1. Check Siding, Gutters, and Roof
Check and reseal any cracked or missing caulking on the siding, particularly around windows. Inspect your roofing and check for any damaged, loose or missing shingles. Also, it would be good to make sure no moss, pine needles, leaves, or other debris builds up on the roof.
2. Check the Foundation
Seal cracks in exterior concrete to prevent further moisture penetration and cracking. Check for proper drainage around the foundation. Soil should slope away from the home to make sure water will flow away from the structure. Fill in any areas that have settled.
3. Check Painted Surfaces
Examine painted surfaces for any cracking, peeling, or fading. Repaint if necessary.
4. Check Weather-Stripping Sealing
Ensure the weather-stripping around exterior doors is sealing adequately.
5. Trim Landscape & Yard
Trim bushes, trees, and plants that have grown too close to the structure or might rub the painted surface.
6. Detach Hose Bibs
Make sure no hoses are attached to exterior hose bibs prior to freezing weather. If they are left attached it can trap water in the pipe that will freeze and break the pipe.
Establishing good habits of yearly maintenance will help extend the life of your home. Weather damage can be costly to repair, so making sure that the elements stay on the outside of your home is of utmost importance. By preparing for the winter season now you will curb costly issues later. Your efforts will definitely be worth it!
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