๐ Preparing Your Home's Exterior for Fall & Winter: Roofing, Siding & Gutters!
๐ก๏ธ Roofing: Protecting Your First Line of Defense
Your roof bears the brunt of fall winds and heavy winter snow. ๐จ๏ธ A little preventative care now can help you avoid costly repairs later.
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๐ Schedule a Roof Inspection: Look for cracked, curled, or missing shingles, as well as signs of granule loss. Even small issues can turn into leaks when snow and ice pile up.
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๐๏ธ Check Flashing & Vents: Chimneys, skylights and vents are common leak points. Sealing these areas tight helps prevent water infiltration.
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๐ Clear Debris: Fallen leaves and branches left on your roof can trap moisture and cause premature wear.
๐ช Siding: Shielding Against the Elements
Siding doesn't just give your home curb appeal. โจ It also provides insulation and a barrier against cold winds and moisture.
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๐ช Inspect for Cracks & Gaps: Small gaps can let in water and cold air, increasing your energy bills and the risk of rot or mold.
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๐ Look for Warping or Loose Panels: Harsh winds can pull on loose siding, making it more vulnerable to damage during storms.
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๐งด Seal & Caulk: Around windows, doors and trim; fresh caulking keeps drafts and water seepage out.
๐ง Gutters: Keeping Water Flowing
Your gutter system plays a critical role in moving water and melting snow away from your roof and foundation.
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๐งน Clean Out Debris: Fall leaves and twigs are common clog culprits. ๐ If water can't flow, it may back up under shingles or freeze into damaging ice dams.
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๐ง Check for Sagging or Leaks: Loose or leaky gutters can cause water to pool near your foundation, leading to costly structural issues.
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๐ก๏ธ Add Gutter Guards: If you're tired of constant cleaning, gutter guards can help keep debris out.
๐ Final Thoughts
Fall is the season of preparation and your home deserves the same attention as your holiday checklist. By inspecting your roof, siding and gutters now, you can head into winter with peace of mind, knowing your home is ready to handle whatever Mother Nature throws at it!
๐ก Pro Tip: Partner with a trusted exterior contractor to perform a full fall check-up - you'll save time, stress and potentially thousands in future repairs. ๐ท๐ฝ