It’s officially the start of the fall season! We know that many homeowners here in the Midwest will be preparing their homes for the coming winter. This is the time for cleaning, maintenance, repairs and other exteriors projects. There’s a lot to do, and it can be hard to keep track of it all. That’s why we have put together a comprehensive fall home maintenance checklist to keep you on task.
Follow this list to ensure your home is clean and well maintained this fall.
Roofing
Note: Inspecting your roof can be dangerous. If you are uncertain about or unable to get up onto your roof, contact a roofing contractor to inspect your roof.
- Look for shingles that are buckled, cracked, blistering or otherwise appear damaged.
- Look for missing shingles.
- Look for masses of moss or lichen, mold, algae or similar plantlike growths. Apply moss killer and/or brush moss of roof with a broom.
- For metal roofing: check for signs of rust and areas where paint is chipped and cracked.
- Inspect vents, skylights and other outlets to ensure they are properly sealed.
- Check for granules from shingles in your gutters. This is a sign that your roof is getting old.
- Head into your attic to look for dark spots or other signs of leaks in your roof. If you do not have an attic, inspect the ceilings in the rooms, hallways, closets, etc. on your highest floor.
Siding
- For vinyl siding: look for cracks, warped stripes and gaps between siding strips.
- For wood siding: look for rot, mold and insect damage.
- For stucco and fiber cement siding: look for holes where mold can grow and for other signs of water damage.
- For metal siding: look for rust and areas of chipped/cracked paint.
- Thoroughly clean your siding with a power washer. If algae or moss growth is present, use a product to kill/reduce it.
- A fresh coat of exterior paint/primer will help keep out moisture during the winter months.
Gutters
- Unclog any clogged downspouts.
- Clean debris from and thoroughly clean out gutters.
- Check to make sure gutters and downspouts are securely attached to the house.
- Repaint if the paint has begun to fade or crack.
- Make sure that downspouts are depositing water at least six feet from the foundation. Extend them further, if necessary.
- Replace any dented, rusted or cracked sections of gutters.
Windows
Note: Inspect windows from both inside and outside of your home.
- Inspect the frame for cracks, rotting and other imperfections.
- Paint frames with an exterior paint and primer to lock out moisture.
- Fix any leaks or gaps with sturdy caulk. If damage seems substantial, consult a professional for window installation or replacement.
- Look for cracks or chips in the glass pane.
- Closely feel around your windows from inside of your home to check for drafts. This is a sign that windows are old or improperly sealed.
Schedule Repairs or Get an Estimate
With back to school, Halloween, Thanksgiving, etc., the fall can move by very quickly. Don’t wait to get on our schedule for an estimate or to have work done on your home. While we do work throughout the winter, we can never control what the weather will be like. If you need an estimate on repairs for your home, contact Schmidt Roofing today!
