FIVE IMPORTANT FALL MAINTENANCE TASKS TO DO BEFORE WINTER

Prepping your house for the winter season is necessary to minimize the risk of winter damage to your home. You can do many of these maintenance tasks on your own. If you need to consult a professional about your roof, gutter, etc., it is worth paying the bill to prevent more expensive repairs later on. Read on to learn about the five fall maintenance tasks you should do before winter. 

1. SEAL UP YOUR HOUSE

Damaged weather stripping or old, cracked caulk will allow cold air to enter your home. This will increase your heating bill because your home won’t be able to retain the warm air. Seal gaps with caulk or weatherstripping around doors, windows, and other entry points for air. If there is still cold air leaking from windows after re-caulking, your windows likely need to be replaced. 

2. CHECK YOUR ROOF FOR DAMAGE

Leaking roofs can create bigger issues during freezing temperatures. Inspect your roof safely by using binoculars and check for cracked, missing, or curled shingles. If you have a buildup of granules in your gutters, your roof may be losing its protective coating. The coating can slowly diminish over time, so this signifies a roof that is either damaged or has reached the end of its lifespan. Call your local roofing professional if you suspect your roof has taken damage to get it assessed and fixed. 

3. CLEAN GUTTERS

Gutters and downspouts are vital when keeping away water from your home’s foundation and exterior walls. Clogged gutters can cause water damage, structural problems, and mold. Clean your gutter system before leaves start falling. To avoid the leaves clogging your gutter again before winter, use mesh guards on your gutters. 

4. CHECK ON YOUR FURNACE

Dirty furnace filters will not be able to distribute heat to your home efficiently. Check on your furnace’s filter to determine if it needs to be cleaned or replaced. Every year, you should schedule a professional to inspect your heating system. If you notice the furnace is not heating the house properly or has noisy belts, you should get it inspected sooner. That way, your furnace is far less likely to quit on the coldest day of the year!

5. FINISH EXTERIOR PROJECTS

The start of fall is the perfect time to complete exterior projects without the high temperatures of summer. Touching up siding and trim paint will increase their durability. Make sure it is above 50 degrees when applying paint, or it will not adhere to the surface. Besides touching up your home’s paint, this is the perfect time to get your lawn ready for winter. Rake up and remove excess leaves sitting on your lawn and mulch your flower beds before winter. Put any exterior furniture or décor in storage so they don’t get damaged during the cold winter weather. 

If you need help, Badgerland Restoration is here to make sure your roof and windows are ready for winter! Give us a call today.