Don’t wait until the leaves are already on the ground to get started on repairing exterior home problems. From the driveway to the roof, there are many aspects of your home that should be inspected and fixed to prevent further damage from occurring during the winter season.
Clear Clogged Gutters and Extend Downspouts
The gutter system is essential for the removal of snow, ice, and meltwater in winter, but when the leaves start to fall it can clog quickly. Similarly, the downspouts may be too short or improperly placed, causing the draining water to collect right beside the home, which can lead to interior flooding.
Repair or Replace Cracked, Loose, or Missing Shingles.
Repair any loose shingles or flashing, and replace any missing or damaged shingles to patch up your roof before it’s coated in ice and snow. If you don’t feel comfortable being on the roof for this work, hire a pro to do some fall roof maintenance work for you.
Seal Siding Gaps and Repair Warped Siding
Water doesn’t just enter the home through the roof and fascia; it can also seep in through gaps in the siding, especially if your siding has gotten damaged over the spring and summer months.
In many cases, you can simply put the siding back into position and secure it, but if your siding is damaged, then September is a great month to remove the cracked or warped pieces and replace it with new siding before it can lead to water incursion problems.
Replace Old Weatherstripping and Caulk Small Cracks
The gaps and cracks around windows and doors can let water into your home, but they can also cause your heating bills to soar as heat escapes through these openings.
If your doors already have weatherstripping, inspect it to ensure it’s in good condition, and replace the weatherstripping if you find that it is in rough shape or if your doors lack weatherstripping currently.
Trim Tree Branches
Trees can cause a lot of problems during late fall and winter because storms can pull loose branches down on the house, in the yard, and even on your cars. This is especially common when winter ice clings to the branches, adding significant weight that can cause the branches to break.”
Fill Driveway Cracks
When water enters the cracks in your driveway or walkways, then freezes, the ice expands the cracks, further damaging your concrete or asphalt. Patching these cracks in September will help keep your driveway and walkways in good condition throughout the winter months, but don’t wait too long to handle this repair.
Repair or Replace Soft, Loose, or Broken Deck Boards
Instead of waiting, get out there now to repair any loose boards and replace any soft or broken deck boards so that when spring rolls around you don’t have to watch where you step to avoid falling through.
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