Holiday season has arrived, which means that colder, harsher weather is coming into view, and the days are getting shorter. With the fall will be in full swing soon! This article can serve as a quick exterior fall home maintenance checklist with a focus on windows, doors, roofing, siding and gutters to ensure the home’s ready and protected.
Windows
- It’s time for that regular cleaning & inspection where you simply wipe them down to see any potential damage to the frames and sashes.
- Any repairs needed? Now’s the time to be proactive and make those repairs which were put off during spring and summer.
- Weatherstripping is an easy way to seal window areas and trap heat inside where it belongs (while lowering your winter energy bill). Also, repair any worn out rubber seals.
Doors
- Check not only the doors themselves, but everything directly around them like outdoor faucets, patio furniture which should be covered or come inside, doorway lighting, decks, steps and walkways.
- Repair or replace anything that’s breaking down in the frame like rubber sealing and consider weather stripping, using door sweeps, etc., to conserve heat.
Roofing
- Schedule a roof inspection if one wasn’t conducted in the spring or summer. These are essential and required under most roofing warranties. Inspectors will spot a large assortment of potential problems most homeowners are unaware of.
- Check any attic areas to see how insulation is holding up and whether the ventilation is blocked or hampered in some way. For those in much colder climates where snow and ice accumulation is a serious issue, this is a critical inspection.
Siding
- Check first around windows and doors, then the rest of the home to spot any loose siding which could let the cold air, water and moisture create problems for interior walls. If they aren’t addressed, the siding may expand during freezing temperatures and get worse.
- Look for any cracking, warping, rot and other general signs of siding degradation.
Gutters
- After the leaves have fallen check those gutters to ensure the home’s drainage system is working properly! Once it starts raining and getting icy or slippery, being on the roof is far more dangerous. And, once winds begins picking up being on ladders is also sketchy.
- Get any damage promptly repaired and be sure fascia boards are in good shape.
Contact Us Today
While this isn’t an exhaustive or comprehensive list by any means, these are the basics of getting busy with fall home maintenance before any small issues or problems become big ones once the weather hits. If you need help preparing your home’s exterior for the fall season, our team at E.M. Snow is ready to assist! Reach out to us today by calling us at (781) 893-4546 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your exterior remodeling needs!