Oct
Fall Exterior Checkup: Prepare Your Home for Winter
The leaves are starting to fall and the days are getting chilly. Now that autumn is well upon us, it’s time to concentrate on preparing your exteriors for winter. From your roof and gutters to windows and siding, follow this fall exterior checkup list to prevent costly damage during the colder months. It’s also a wise idea to hire a Burlington roofer to handle some of the riskier tasks such as roof inspections and repairs.
Roof Inspection
Don’t wait for your roof to leak this winter. Book a roof inspection now to catch small issues from worsening into costly problems later. You can do a cursory inspection yourself from the ground. Look for:
- Missing, cracked, or curling shingles
- Moss or algae growth
- Sagging areas or soft spots
- Exposed or rusted flashing
- Damaged chimney caps or vents
Gutters and Downspouts
Leaves and acorns can clog up your gutters. When that happens, water can overflow and cause serious problems, such as foundation cracks, wood rot, and basement flooding. Here’s what to do:
- Clean out leaves, twigs, and debris
- Check for sagging sections or leaks
- Make sure your downspouts are positioned to direct water at least five feet away from the foundation
- Install gutter guards to reduce year-round maintenance
Siding and Trim
Your siding has to withstand a lot of harsh North Carolina weather. Check it now for signs of wear and tear before the colder conditions make it worse. Check for:
- Peeling paint or faded finishes
- Cracks, warping, or loose panels
- Rot or moisture damage around windows and doors
- Pest activity, such as wasps, ants, or rodents
Damaged siding can invite cold air and moisture into your home, damaging interior walls and reducing energy efficiency.
Windows and Doors
Drafty windows and doors can drive up your heating bills. Take some time to seal any gaps where energy leakage could occur. Here’s what to do:
- Check caulking and weatherstripping
- Inspect locks and hinges for wear
- Look for condensation or fog between panels
- Install storm windows for extra insulation
Driveways and Walkways
If water seeps into the cracks in your driveway or walkway, it will freeze and expand, leading to even bigger cracks and potholes.
Check for:
- Cracks or uneven sections
- Pooling water or poor drainage
- Loose bricks or pavers
Sealing cracks now will prevent a bigger repair later on, not to mention a tripping hazard.
Exterior Lighting and Safety Features
Once the days start to get darker earlier, you’ll need to rely more and more on exterior lighting.
Test and inspect:
- Porch, patio, and pathway lights
- Motion-sensor security lights
- Timers or smart lighting systems
- Handrails on steps and ramps
All of these components should be functional and positioned correctly so no one slips and falls during icy weather.
Get Ready for Winter
Your home is supposed to protect you – do it a favor and make sure it is well-equipped to make it through winter. That starts with a proactive exterior checkup this fall to ensure your roof, gutters, siding, and other systems are ready to face Mother Nature.
Contact Redeem Roofing
Rely on our Burlington contractors to help you with your fall maintenance checklist. Contact us for a free quote and consultation today on anything from roofing to siding.
We were extremely pleased with Redeem Roofing! They did an excellent job, cleaned up everyday & nothing was ever left undone! Would Highly recommend them! - Reather H.
- Category: Roofing