The dog days of summer came early this year, and though we’re all looking for ways to keep cool, this sweltering heat won’t last forever. Cooler nights and shorter days are coming faster than you think, so there’s no better time than right now to get your home’s exterior ready for the fall.
HomeWise Roofing and Exteriors has put together a top-to-bottom checklist of tasks to get your home’s exterior in the best shape it’s ever been. Then you’ll be able to free up those beautiful fall Saturdays for cookouts, football parties, and all your favorite seasonal fun.
Start at the Top
Before we even start talking about the features of your house, let’s look upward…directly above your house, where no doubt your trees have been growing and extending their branches all summer. Are limbs resting on or hovering over your house? Cut those back so they do not put strain on your roof, not to mention the risk of falling limbs landing on your home and damaging it when a storm blows through.
If you have above-ground power lines, you’ll need to have the foliage cut away from them too. If you’re an OPPD customer, they’ll take care of any trimming near the power lines. Your part is cleaning up the debris left behind.
Roof Inspection
Let’s next talk about the physical structure of your house, beginning with the roof. Over time, the elements can cause tremendous damage to your roof, breaking and cracking shingles, and leaving your home vulnerable to dreaded water leaks. This is one of the tasks in which it pays to call in the experts, and HomeWise just happens to specialize in roofing. Give us a call and we’ll come out and give your roof a thorough inspection and make recommendations for any needed repairs and replacement.
Gutters
Gutters collect and whisk away the water and debris that fall on your roof, but over time, leaves, twigs, and other debris pile up, creating blockages that cause water to overflow, become trapped against the eaves of your home, and cause significant damage. Be sure to clean your gutters out regularly and check them for leaks that may impair function and create new problems.
Chimney
Get ahead of the demand for a chimney sweep and get your chimney cleaned right now. Inspect it for cracks and make any needed repairs. A faulty chimney is not just inefficient, it can also cause a fire hazard.
Eaves and Trim
Walk around the perimeter of your house and check all of the wooden trim. Look for peeling paint, water damage, warping and rotting. Repair the damage and protect exposed wood with a fresh coat of paint.
Exterior Walls
Whether you have siding, brick, stucco, or any other home exterior covering, this is your first line of defense against pests, rodents, and the elements. Inspect your home thoroughly, looking for cracks, holes, or other problems. Don’t delay in getting those holes sealed and cracks repaired. A large crack could be an indicator of a serious problem in your home’s foundation and time is of the essence in addressing it.
Along with roofing, HomeWise specializes in siding repair and placement. If you find this is what your home needs, reach out to us. We will be glad to help.
Windows and Doors
Is your cool air staying inside where you want it? If you’ve been watching your power bill creep upward, you may be losing your air conditioning through drafty windows and doorways. Assess the caulking and weatherstripping around your windows, and check the weatherstripping around your doors. They can both crack and tear away over time, so chances are, replacing them can be an afternoon DIY project.
Foundation
Even if you didn’t notice cracks on the walls of your house, take the time to inspect the foundation. Some small cracks occur inevitably with the settling of the house. What you don’t want to allow is that crack to remain open, inviting in moisture and unwanted critters.
Deck Maintenance
Caring for your deck will make it the hub of autumn entertainment for years to come. Carefully inspect the wood for damage and rails and steps for strength and stability. Is it time to restrain or paint your deck? Are there loose boards? Warped wood? Tackle those projects now and you’ll be set to enjoy that deck during the months you want to be outside.
Sidewalks and Driveways
Expanding tree roots, settling, and other factors can crack your paved areas just as they can cause cracks on your house. These pose tripping hazards that can lead to serious injury, and they do expand and worsen over time. Repair or replace damaged pavement before the problem becomes unmanageable.
You may also want to consider solar-powered lighting to illuminate walkways. Darkness falls early in autumn and winter, and well-illuminated walkways not only beckon with hospitality, but they are an appealing safety feature.
Irrigation System
Finally, if you have an in-ground irrigation system, your days of watering the lawn will soon be coming to a close…at least for a season. Learn how to drain and winterize the system now, repair any damaged sprinkler heads, and know that, come spring, you’ll be ready to provide your landscaping with the water it needs.
Caring for Your Home’s Exterior
Performing regular, seasonal maintenance and repair on your home’s exterior is an important habit to develop, one that can save you tremendously over time by preventing problems or stopping them while they are small and easily repaired.
For any roofing, gutters, siding, windows, or doors needs, HomeWise Roofing and Exteriors is your hometown expert. Let us help you prepare your home for the changing seasons ahead with quality products and outstanding customer service. Give us a call to schedule a consultation today.
