6 Home Projects to Do Now to Avoid Costly Repairs This Winter

Fall is here which means winter is coming, and while we all know that, it doesn’t mean we’re ready for it. Your home might not be ready for it either! So if you want to avoid costly home repairs this winter, here’s what you should do now:

Get Your Roof Inspected and Repaired

A roof inspection can be a valuable way to check your property for any issues that need attention. Look for missing or damaged shingles, loose or missing nails, mold or mildew, leaks and wind damage. If you live in a region prone to snow and ice accumulation (like the Midwest), it’s especially important that your roof is in good shape so it can handle heavy loads of snow.

A leaking roof can cause serious damage to your home as well as expensive repairs like drywall replacement or water cleanup inside the house. If you suspect there are problems with your current shingle installation or if you have experience issues with past installations then now is an ideal time to get these issues checked out by an expert before they grow into bigger problems down the line.

Inspect Your Siding

Check for signs of damage, loose nails and cracks or gaps. A simple inspection can reveal issues that may be costing you money in the long run. Look for signs of water damage, including peeling paint and cracked boards or siding. This could be a sign that your home is experiencing moisture issues inside the walls, which could lead to mold growth down the road if left unchecked. If you do find any signs of water damage on your siding—or even just some mildewy spots—it’s best to act quickly and call an expert before it starts spreading more aggressively across your home’s exterior surface area as well as its interior space (and potentially into other areas).

Check and Replace Window Caulking

Caulking is a common problem in homes. It’s often overlooked and can lead to costly repairs down the road, but it is easy to replace and can be completed by a homeowner if you follow these simple steps:

• Gather your materials: window caulk, paint brush or sponge applicator tool and bucket or container of water

• Clean the window frame (if necessary)

• Wipe away any debris from caulking area with damp paper towel or cloth- you may need to remove the old layer of caulk before putting down new caulking

• Apply fresh caulking in one continuous bead all around perimeter of window frame (you may need more than one tube depending on size of window)

• Smooth out the bead of caulk using the water and an applicator tool (you can also just use your finger if your looking to save some cash)

• Let the new bead dry for at least 48 hours before opening and closing your window or door to prevent cracking and damage to your new bead of caulk

If you are in need of more than just a new bead of caulk you can always contact an expert to inspect your window and give you repair or replacement options.

Clear Gutters and Downspouts

If you haven’t cleared your gutters and downspouts, now is the time to do it. Your gutters and downspouts are a vital part of your home’s exterior structure and help keep water away from where it can damage other parts of your home (like foundation walls and windows). But if they aren’t cleaned regularly, leaves, dirt and other debris can build up in the drainage pipes that lead away from those structures—and when that happens, water won’t drain properly out of them.

Gutter cleaning is something we all know needs to happen eventually—but how often should you get on this task? Most people clean out their gutters at least once a year. It’s even recommended that you clean out your gutters at least twice a year if you are in a n area that has a lot of tree cover.

Seal Holes in the Foundation

The foundation of a home is the structure that supports the weight of your house, and it includes all of the components that anchor your home to the ground. Foundations are usually made up of concrete, masonry block, or wood framing that sits atop compacted dirt or gravel. Foundations may also include support piers (if you need more space for storage underneath your house), footings (to transfer load from beams to soil) and drainage systems (so water can drain away from your foundation).

The most common way for a foundation to leak is through cracks in its walls or flooring system. These cracks may be small enough for you to see with only your naked eye, but they can cause serious damage if left alone—and they’re often hard to spot because they’re hidden behind walls or under floors where most homeowners don’t look very often! Cracks caused by shifting soil or settling foundations are difficult but not impossible repairs; other types of leaks may require professional help before any type of DIY project begins.

Examine Your Flooring, Especially Entryways

Entryways are the first thing you walk on after coming inside, so it’s important to make sure your floors are in good shape. Inspect all flooring for loose boards or damaged areas like cracks and holes. If you discover any issues, fix them immediately to avoid more costly repair work later.

If you have hardwood floors, examine the subflooring beneath them as well (remove carpet if possible). Look for signs of rot or staining that could lead to a leaky foundation. If necessary, replace any damaged boards before winter weather arrives so the moisture doesn’t penetrate through the wood into insulation or other parts of your home’s structure.

While fall is a great time to take on home projects, it’s also the perfect time to do some preventative measures. By doing these 6 things now, you can avoid costly repairs later.

Contact our team today to get your home inspected and ready for winter!