Fall has arrived and winter is just around the corner. Before the snow begins to fall, there are things you should do outside your home to ensure it is ready for the winter season. Below are five outdoor projects to tackle during the fall.
Check Gutters
Clogged or leaking gutters can create major (and costly) problems for homeowners, from ice dams to excess water going on your roof or foundation. With the added moisture coming in winter, fall is the ideal time to check and clean gutters to ensure there is proper water flow and drainage. If there are trees near your home, you may want to wait until most or all of the leaves have fallen, or you will need to plan multiple gutter cleanings.
To clean your gutters, use a ladder so you can see into the gutters. Start by removing any dirt, leaves, and debris with your hands or a gutter scooper. Once you have removed as much as you can by hand, run a garden hose, starting at the highest point of the gutters and working towards the downspouts. This will help to remove any additional debris and ensure you have good water flow through the gutters. Finally, this will also help you find any cracks, splits, or sags that need to be repaired. Commercial gutter caulking is available at hardware stores for repairs. If cracks, splits, and sagging is excessive, you may need to replace the gutters.
Inspect Roof
Did you know the average cost to repair a roof leak is almost $1,000? The easiest way to avoid that costly repair is to inspect your roof, especially before the snow, wind, and rains hit. While you can do a roof inspection and repairs yourself, you may want to consider hiring a professional to get the best overall result and ensure your roof is leak-free for the winter months. If you do decide to do it yourself, start by checking for cracked, missing, or loose shingles, and replace any that are in rough shape or missing. While on the roof, check metal flashing around ventilation components. There should be no signs of rust, and they should be caulked where they connect to the roof. If caulking has deteriorated or is missing, re-caulk around the vents.
Check Windows and Doors
Windows and doors can be easy to forget, but they are very important to the energy efficiency of your home. Improper sealing can cause energy loss and create drafts in your home, meaning more money spent on heating. Before the really cold weather hits, inspect wall windows and doors, inside and out. Check for loose framing, deteriorating or missing caulking, and any damage that affects the seal. Install weather stripping or caulking as needed. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, sealing up a drafty home can save you up to 20% on heating bills.
Inspect Foundation and Exterior Walls
Another place where you don’t want water coming into your home is the from the foundation or exterior walls. Much like the roof, leaks in your foundation or exterior walls can get very costly. To avoid this, inspect both the foundation and your exterior walls and make any needed repairs. On the foundation, surface cracks are normal due to expansion and contraction, but to avoid them becoming larger and allowing water in your home, you will want to fill them. On exterior walls, check for cracking that needs to be repaired and inspect painted surfaces for peeling, chipping, or blistering, which can indicate the paint film is failing and will no longer protect your siding or other surface material under it. Repaint any areas that are showing signs of extreme wear. If you have exposed wood surfaces on your home’s exterior, including decks, and you have not sealed them recently, you should do that as well.
Pest Control
Just as we move indoors for the winter, so do pests. Sealing your home with the steps mentioned above will help prevent pests from entering your home. However, you may also want to do some basic pest control, such as spraying pesticides, around your home to help keep it pest-free. Other pest-control measures to take during the fall include:
- Cleaning your yard of debris, including leaves. Pests are looking for a safe, warm area to take shelter. Piles of leaves and debris are enticing options.
- Do not store firewood near your home. There are many types of pests that like to eat, shelter, and nest in firewood. Remove the temptation of them moving from the firewood to your home by storing it away from the house.
- Use a dehumidifier in your basement and garage. Pests are attracted to areas of moisture, so if your basement or garage is prone to high moisture, consider using a dehumidifier.
Looking for your dream home? Liberty Homes has been building new homes in Utah for nearly 30 years. We take pride in our trade, crafting each home as if it were our own. Our quality, affordable homes are energy smart and thoughtfully personalized for your active Utah lifestyle. We currently have townhomes available in Salt Lake County and single-family homes in Heber City. Plus, 55-plus single-family homes coming soon in West Jordan. Contact us today to find your dream home.
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