Fall is here! Fall brings football, fire pits, pumpkin spice, and of course, fall home maintenance. Now is the time to make sure your house is in shape for the cooler months ahead. As you make your fall cleaning list for the interior of your home, remember that the exterior needs attention as well. The sooner you complete your checklist, the better, because this is the best time to take advantage of the moderate weather to repair any damages before the first frost sets in.
Complete the five items below so that you have a plan in place to address anything that may need attention before winter sets in!
Inspect Your Windows
Inspect your windows to make sure they are in good, working condition. Check window panes for signs of cracking or chipping, evaluate the rubber seals holding the window glass in place, and look for gaps around the outside of your window frame. If you are seeing issues, thespruce.com offers Should You Repair or Replace Your Windows? Next, install your storm windows and doors and remove screens. Before storing, clean and repair your screens, spray them with a protective coating and place them in a dry area of the basement or garage.
Check For Drafts
Heat loss through windows is responsible for 25 to 30 percent of heating energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Detect leaks by having someone stand outside at night as you shine a flashlight on door and window frames inside. If the person outside sees light, you may have a leak. Check electrical outlets, fireplace dampers, attic hatches, vents, and baseboards for drafts. Goodhousekeeping.com tells you How to Draft-Proof Your Home for a Lower Heating Bill.
Inspect Exterior Walls
Inspect exterior walls to see if any paint is peeling or blistering on your house. Peeling paint is a sign that the existing paint film is failing and can no longer protect the siding of the building. Left uncorrected, the siding itself will deteriorate, leading to expensive repairs in the future. Check siding for dented or cracked panels, loose or missing panels, warping, and rot. If you think you may need new siding, Dynasty Restoration has 7 Signs Telling You Your Siding Needs to Be Replaced to help you determine your next steps.
Inspect Your Roof
Make sure the roof is in good shape. Inspect for missing and loose shingles. Ice, rain, snow and wind combined with rapidly changing temperatures and humidity wreak havoc on roofs. Your roof is your first defense in protecting your home. Without it functioning properly, water damage can occur. This causes deterioration to insulation, wood and drywall, making electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems vulnerable. It is better to proactively deal with repairs in the fall than to discover a leaky roof during a snowstorm. Have a licensed, certified roofing professional check the condition of your roof.
Inspect and Clean Your Gutters
Gutters that do not drain well can cause significant issues, so check for damage on a regular basis. Look for any holes, cracks, rust, or places where the gutters do not line up properly. Make a note of the areas that need attention and address them as soon as possible. If the damage is extensive, you should plan to replace your gutters to avoid further damage. After leaves have fallen, clean out the gutters and downspouts, flush them with water, inspect joints, and tighten brackets if necessary. Clogged gutters are one of the major causes of ice dams. Dynasty Restoration has 5 Things You Need to Do to Keep Your Gutters Flowing.
Once you complete your checklist, the experts at Dynasty Restoration are available to address any needed repairs so that your winter is worry free! Contact us today!
