As summer turns to fall, it's the ideal opportunity to prepare your home for the coming colder and wetter weather. While it may require the weekend to tackle, completing the following tasks on the exterior of your home now can help you avoid much larger issues down the line. Our Folsom Designing Dreams Handy Pros put together an exterior maintenance list of home care items to get your home in top shape for the weather ahead.
Inspect Your Homes Roof
Regular maintenance and seasonal repairs can significantly extend the life of your roof and help avoid costly roof repairs in the future.
- Inspect the roof for signs of wear that could indicate a potential leak.
- Check for loose, cracked, or missing shingles or roof tiles.
- If needed, hire a licensed, certified roofing professional.
- Remove moss, as it poses a threat to the roof.
Clean Gutters & Downspouts
Regular maintenance helps prevent water damage and ensures efficient water drainage. Folsom and the surrounding Sacramento area are known for their tree lined streets. Consider installing gutter guards to minimize debris buildup if you have several trees around your property.
- Clean and inspect gutters and downspouts thoroughly.
- Ensure that all gutters and downspouts are properly attached to the house, free of debris, and in good condition.
- Verify that downspouts are angled away from the house.
Check Windows & Doors
Regular care of your windows and doors will not only improve energy efficiency but also keep your home warm indoors.
- Check windows and doors for drafts and leaks.
- Look for any indications of wood rot and make necessary repairs. Hire a handman to do repairs in a timely manner if necessary.
- Apply caulk and weather striping where needed, this includes the garage door.
Trim Trees & Shrubs & Remove Debris
Keeping branches and shrubs trimmed can help prevent moisture-related issues and discourages pests, such as termites, from making their way into your home. Regular landscape upkeep not only keeps your property looking neat but also extends the life of your home’s exterior.
In addition to trimming back your landscape, it's important to periodically check for any debris that might accumulate around the foundation of your home. Remove leaves, twigs, and other organic material that could trap moisture against the structure.
- Trim trees and shrubs away from the house to minimize leaf accumulation in gutters and prevent potential roof damage from falling branches.
- Ensure there is no contact between wood and soil with the siding to minimize rot.
Examine Outdoor Pipes & Hoses
Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in safeguarding your home during the chilly season. While we are fortunate that winters in Folsom aren't snowy, it can still get cold enough to freeze.
- Insulate pipes and disconnect hoses from their spigots. Drain and store hoses to prevent any water inside from freezing and causing damage.
- Fix outdoor leaks if visually detected.
Examine Outdoor Lighting
As the sun sets earlier, it’s a great time to check the exterior lighting around your home. Consider using solar-powered lights along pathways and garden edges to enhance visibility without increasing energy costs. Additionally, think about incorporating smart lighting systems that can be controlled remotely, for safety and security.
- Check all exterior lights to ensure they’re functioning properly and change the timer if necessary.
- Replace any burnt-out bulbs and consider installing motion-sensor lights for added security and convenience during the darker months.
Maintain Outdoor Furniture & Decorations
It's a good idea to check for any repairs that might be needed on your outdoor furniture before storing the cushions away for the season. This way, when the warmer season returns, your outdoor space is ready for enjoyment without delays.
- Clean and store outdoor furniture and decorations to protect them from the elements.
- Cover larger items that remain outside to prevent weather damage like mold.
By taking the time to carefully inspect and maintain the exterior of your home, you'll not only save money in the long run, but also enjoy peace of mind throughout the fall and winter seasons.
Why You Need A Handy Pro
Don’t have time to check off these items yourself, schedule a Designing Dreams handy pro Healthy Home Review online, www.myhandypro.com. Our handy pro will conduct a home review and provide you with customized recommendations to get your home ready for fall, and all year around. Our reliable pros help you spot the subtle signs of problems that might lead to bigger unexpected home repairs in the future. From routine home maintenance to unexpected repairs, our professional handy pro service helps keep your home operating at its best.
By Mia Gray Design Dreams Handy Pro
