LM AspirationsLM AspirationsThese Fall and Winter exterior home maintenance tips will help you keep your home in top shape during the chilly fall, and frigid winter seasons. Begin preparing your home in early fall to help avoid thousands in potenital damages caused by gutters filled with debris, a lose shingle on the roof, or untreated cracks in your home’s foundations.
Here are a few tips to get your started:
Repair and Seed your Lawn
By the end of summer soil can become very dry and hard, with very little water or air reaching the roots. You can solve this problem with soil aeration. This will help nutrients, water, and air get through the soil to the roots. Also, some believe that fall is the best time of year for seeding soil for the following spring, and summer.
Garden
Fall is a great time time to plant bulbs for the coming spring and summer. You can trim those perennials, and move your more delicate plants into your greenhouse.
Tree Branches
Have your tree branches trimmed back to at least 5 to 7 feet away from your siding and roof. Imagine what ice can do to weak tree limbs.
Gutter Maintenance
Gutters should be checked for any debris, like leaves, small tree branches, or anything that may cause a blockage. Think of the hundreds of gallons of water that flows through your gutters all year. Any clogging would surely result in exterior and/or interior water damage, costing thousands in repairs.
Roof / Chimney Health
Have your roof and chimney checked for any damage or weak spots. No one wants a leak, especially during the cold winter months.
Also, you may want to have the fireplace checked and/or cleaned.
Windows / Doors
Check your doors and windows for drafts. Sealant can be applied to help keep the heat in and avoid rain and moisture from getting indoors.
Check for cracks
Look for and have cracks repaired around your home, walkways, and driveway. Remember that when water freezes it can expand these cracks, and cause further damage by weakening the foundation of your home.
Outdoor Equipment
Clean and pack up your grill, lawn mower, garden tools, outdoor summer decorations, patio/deck furniture covers, cover your pool (remember to safe guard it first) and outdoor furniture. Check your winter equipment for maintenance or to see if you need to replace anything.
Outdoor Water Supply
Turn off your outdoor water supply, clear out your sprinklers, spigots, and empty your hoses.
Prep Garage
Move summer and spring toys, equipment, tools, and decorations to the back of your garage. Remove any items that shouldn’t be in the garage during the winter. Bring your fall and winter equipment like rakes, brooms, leaf blowers, shovels, snow blowers, and sleds to the front for easier access. Save yourself the frustration of having to climb over equipment to get to that rake or snowblower.
Be sure to contact professionals for further instructions or advice. Enjoy fall and winter knowing that you have taken care of the exterior of your home.