What the Experts Have to Say

As we approach the peak of autumn and the winter weather following, it’s important to prep your home for the cooler months ahead. With the shift in seasons, home remodeling services are expected to spike in demand.

Being proactive is important. A leaky roof, gutters filled with debris, and damaged siding have the potential to prevent your home from feeling warm and cozy all winter long.

Prepping Your House

To protect your home, it’s beneficial to understand what causes the cold to seep into your home in the first place. It may be easy to pinpoint the elements (such as snow, ice, or low temperatures) as the reason for a chilly home. However, neglect of important home maintenance tasks is perhaps the biggest issue leading to a lack of warmth and comfort in the house.

For example, damaged siding will probably prevent your home from being insulated and protected from the cold weather. Similarly, a roof in poor condition with missing shingles will most likely cause leaks over time.

Doing a basic assessment of your home and identifying the most common repair and maintenance issues before they happen, or worsen before winter is your best plan to avoid a drafty and unpleasant home in the winter.

As such, it’s a great idea to hire experienced professionals to achieve the highest quality results in the shortest amount of time. It’s always better to schedule an inspection with a reputable contractor to be proactive.

Checking for Roof Leaks

Homeowners should familiarize themselves with the tell-tale signs of roof damage. The most obvious of the signs include water stains on the ceiling. However, a seasoned expert may be able to spot more discreet signals of a leaky roof.

Warped, patchy shingles are a definite sign of damage. Tree limbs and excess debris on a roof may also contribute to future roof issues. While climbing into your attic may provide you with more access to signs of a roof leak, it may be a better idea to hire a professional due to the skin and lung irritation caused by fiberglass insulation.

Maintaining Clean Gutters

Gutter cleaning and maintenance can be tricky, but the payoff of a clean, strong home free of pests is tremendous. It’s recommended to clean your gutters prior to the first major leaf fall in autumn, and once more before any significant snowfall. This allows you to be more thorough in your cleaning efforts before leaves or snow get in the way.

Installing gutter covers minimizes this tedious work, giving you more time between each instance of cleaning. Gutter covers come in a vast array of sizes and types; there’s bound to be an option that suits your current gutter system. Their minimal design doesn’t detract from the aesthetic appeal of your home, and different color options may even enhance your home’s curb appeal.

Replacing Damaged Siding

Over time, even the most resilient and durable siding options can get damaged. Occasionally, it’s recommended for homeowners to do an informal inspection of their home’s exterior. Check for chipped, broken, or worn-down siding. If you identify siding damage, be sure to give a local contractor a call to schedule a free estimate.

There are so many beautiful siding varieties that will help your home stay protected and insulated this fall and winter season. New, aesthetically appealing siding may even increase your home’s value!

—

A consistent home maintenance routine helps homeowners save money and time in the long run. Contact Nu Look Home Design for a free roof inspection as part of your fall- and winter-ready roof routine by calling 410-636-1650.