When the summer draws to a close, it’s time to ensure that your home is prepared for cooler weather. With nearly 70% of Americans owning a home, roofing and home improvement services may be in high demand as fall approaches.

As such, it’s vital to begin preparing your house as soon as possible. Leaky roofing, debris-filled gutters, and broken siding can all turn a cozy winter at home into a drafty and unpleasant nightmare.

Let’s explore some tips and tricks for keeping your house in tip-top condition before the cool wintry winds begin to blow.

Preparing Your House for Fall and Winter

To prepare and protect your home this winter season, you’ll need to first understand what poses the greatest threat to your property. You may be tempted to blame the snow, ice, and low temperatures.

But poor maintenance is perhaps the greatest threat to your home and household. Roughed-up clapboard siding won’t keep your home insulated or protected from the weather. Similarly, a patchy roof with missing shingles is bound to leak and sag.

By addressing the most common repair and maintenance issues that are worsened by winter weather, you could avoid many of the costly and unpleasant side-effects of poor home maintenance.

Naturally, hiring a team of experienced professionals could help you achieve the highest-quality results in the shortest amount of time. Time is of the essence, so it’s always better to schedule your services sooner rather than later.

1. Checking for Roofing Leaks

There are several signs of roof damage that homeowners should familiarize themselves with. While water stains on the ceiling tend to be the most obvious sign, a well-trained eye will be able to spot the lesser-known ones.

Shingles that look scaly, patchy, or warped are a sure sign of damage. You may be able to spot an excess amount of debris on your roof without using a ladder. Dead tree limbs and fallen leaves can also contribute to roof failure.

You might also climb into your home’s attic to search for obvious signs of leaks, but this can be dangerous. Fiberglass insulation isn’t particularly friendly to skin or lungs, which is why it may be better to hire a professional for a roofing evaluation.

2. Cleaning and Maintaining Gutters

Gutter maintenance may not be the most exciting way to spend a Saturday afternoon, but it might mean the difference between a leaky, pest-ridden roof and a clean, strong home. Still, timing this gutter cleaning and maintenance can be tricky.

You’ll want to clean your gutters before the first major leaf fall of the autumn season. But you’ll also want to clean them again after the trees are bare and before any significant snowfall. This leaves a very small window of opportunity.

Fortunately, you could also install new gutters and gutter covers to minimize this tedious labor. Gutters that are covered and protected from debris won’t need to be cleaned out quite as often as traditional models.

3. Investing in Gutter Covers

No matter what type or size gutters you need, there’s a covered option waiting for you. Leafguard and covers are often affordable, versatile, and easy to install. Their streamlined design doesn’t detract from the aesthetic appeal of your home.

Still, installing gutter covers may not be the best DIY project. Working atop a ladder can be treacherous, and may be better off left to the professionals. Expert gutter cover installation may also include bake-on colors for added appeal.

4. Replacing Broken Siding

While siding does have some significant benefits and advantages over other exterior construction materials (especially wood and brick), it isn’t entirely indestructible. Over time, even the most durable siding options can chip, break, or wear down.

Take a stroll around the exterior of your house and check the foundation and siding. Make sure that there are no cracks, tears, or obvious signs of damage. If you do find some worrying wear, be sure to reach out to a local contractor for a free estimate.

There are tons of attractive siding options that could help your home stay dry, insulated, and well-protected this fall and winter season. New siding may even increase the overall value of your home!

5. Consulting With a Roofing Contractor

You may want to consult with a roofing contractor before winter arrives. Even after checking for roof leaks, cleaning your gutters, and repairing broken siding, there may be unexpected issues lurking around your property.

Be sure to hire a roofing contractor with a valid contracting license to ensure you receive the highest quality work. It may also be worthwhile to read previous client and customer reviews. Lastly, hiring locally is almost always beneficial.

6. Replacing Cracked or Warped Windows

Glass is a temperamental material that is prone to cracking or warping over time. Extreme shifts in temperature, a build-up in internal condensation, and several other factors can contribute to the deterioration of glass windows.

Wooden frames are also notorious for warping and shifting over time. As such, most windows need to be replaced every 20 years or so. If you’ve noticed any issues with your home’s windows, replacement may be more worthwhile than repair.

Modern window installation services offer homeowners a wide selection of sturdy, long-lasting, well-insulated options. Brand-new windows could help lower annual utility bills and keep your household warm and toasty through the winter.

Keep Your Home Safe and Warm

Preparing your house for fall and winter has never been easier. By checking for roofing leaks, cleaning your gutters, investing in gutter covers, and repairing any broken siding, you can prevent a variety of expensive damages.

Of course, it’s equally important to check the condition of your doors, especially the weather stripping that helps them seal shut. Any warped or cracked windows should be replaced before winter arrives. Otherwise, a home may become drafty.

Prepare your home before it’s too late with help from the professionals at Landmark Roofing. Call 443-214-2533 or email us today for more information!

Contact Us