Fall Home Maintenance Part Two: Your Home’s Exterior

While indoor home maintenance is critical as you prepare for the fall and winter months, your home’s exterior is equally important. There are key items that need to be checked to ensure you and your home are well-cared for this winter.

Clean your gutters and downspout. If this isn’t on your annual to-do list, it should be. If the gutters or downspouts are full or clogged, rain water doesn’t flow as it should through your gutter system, thus it will overflow from the gutter straight to the ground below which can mean trouble for your foundation. Too much water at the base of your foundation is a breeding ground for many issues, including a cracked foundation.

Inspect the roof. Now’s a great time of year to identify and replace any missing or damaged shingles. If you are comfortable doing this, great. Otherwise, hire a trusted professional.

Weatherize windows. Again, a good time for making sure screens and weather-stripping are in good shape and ready for cold temperatures.

Inspect the perimeter of the house. Take a stroll around the house to inspect your foundation and grading. If soil has washed away from the base of the foundation, now’s the time to refill it, making sure the grade declines away from your home.

Repair and seal driveway. Before cold weather hits, you need to inspect your driveway and walkways for cracks and damage.

Clean the deck. After a summer full of activity, including small kids, family gatherings and pets, your deck deserves a good cleaning. Break out the pressure washer and make her shine.

Cover and store outdoor furniture. Take advantage of the beautiful weather to clean your outdoor furniture and store what you won’t be using this winter. When spring arrives, it will be ready to be put to work.

Bring latex paint inside. Many people don’t realize that freezing weather can and will ruin latex paint.

###

Have more questions? Call us—we’d love to help! Call the professionals at Go Green Plumbing at 336-252-2999 for service 7 days a week/24 hours a day. If water runs through it – We Do It!