We still have a while before the temperatures drop enough for you to turn on the furnace and bundle up, but why not get ahead of the winter prepping game? Start with our end of summer home exterior maintenance checklist, and you’ll be good to go before the leaves even begin to fall.

Review

First, survey your home for damage and general wear and tear:

• Inspect siding, roofs, gutters, windows, and doors for cracks, peeling, and missing materials.
• Check for broken flashing seals around vents and chimneys on the roof.
• Look for sagging or disconnected gutter sections along the roof edges.
• Examine the ground along your home’s foundation for broken fasteners or roof granules.

Instead of climbing a ladder for a DIY remedy, trust a professional home exterior remodeling contractor to patch up your roof, fix broken gutters, and repair siding if you notice any problems when you inspect your home this fall.  

Reclaim

Don’t let your roof and gutters become victims of foliage, dead or alive. Overhanging branches can scrape up and wear out your shingles or break off in a storm and puncture the roof. Needles from shedding pine trees can build up on the roof and retain moisture, hindering your home’s drainage system. Remove accumulating dead foliage and trim back low-hanging branches to prevent roof damage.

Your gutters and downspouts can become clogged with leaves, roofing grit, feathers, trash, pinecones, needles, acorns, and more. Debris will weigh the gutters down and cause water to pool and overflow, settling near your home’s foundation. Consider LEAFAWAY® gutter protection from your Minnesota clog-free gutter professionals, so you never have to worry about cleaning your gutters again.

Reapply

Caulk is a waterproof filler used to seal joints in and around shutters, rail systems, window panels and frames, and doors. Every homeowner should repair dry and cracked or loose caulk to eliminate air leaks and prevent water damage. If you can fit a nickel in between the gaps of the siding and window or door frames, you should reapply caulk.

Other openings, such as gaps between movable building components, may require weatherstripping. Check your door thresholds and window sides and sashes to see if the rubber or metal is damaged. Replace missing or worn weatherstripping around windows and doors to keep the elements out and the conditioned air in.

Replace

Home improvements are a big—yet worthwhile—investment. According to the United States Department of Energy, the average American spends $200 to $400 every year on wasted energy that is lost through drafts, air leaks, and outdated HVAC systems. Properly installed energy efficient windows and doors can reduce heat and cooling loss. Contact your Minneapolis/St. Paul window replacement contractor to install new ones and lower your energy bills.

A roof, siding, and gutter replacement could increase resell value, boost your home’s curb appeal, and maximize energy efficiency. Seamless steel siding is one of the most weather-resistant, low maintenance, and environmentally friendly materials in the home siding industry. Check with Spotless & Seamless Exteriors, your local steel siding contractor, to see what styles and colors are available. Review our blog about when to consider a new roof or replace gutters if you are having trouble making a decision.

Spotless & Seamless Exteriors can handle any of your home exterior remodeling needs. Contact us for a free estimate.