It’s not too late to check off those crucial home projects that ready your house for winter weather. Many of these projects are easy for the handy homeowner to take care of, but as you dig in, you may discover bigger issues or an opportunity to improve your home. Now is the time to take a closer look and call a professional if your project is bigger than you expected.
If you have put off your winter home project To Do list until now, consider getting busy with the following must-do’s before winter really sets in.
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Clean out your gutters – Leaves and debris have almost certainly collected in your gutters over the last couple months of fall, potentially causing clogs that will allow ice dams to build up this winter and damage your roof and gutters. While you are clearing the leaves, check your gutters and downspouts for damage and get repairs made so you have maximum efficiency for snow melt and heavy rain.
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Clear window wells and foundation drains – As you follow the downspouts to your foundation, take a minute to check and clear basement window well drains and your foundation drainage system to be sure your basement and foundation are protected.
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Repair or replace window and door seals – Take note of your windows from basement to roof. Cooler temperatures have probably already alerted you to drafty areas that need to be resealed. New weather stripping along window sashes and door jams is easy to install, but if your windows are old, you may want to consider replacement windows. Winter is a great time to install new windows and doors and they will quickly pay for themselves with the savings on your heating bills.
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Prune low-hanging tree limbs – Branches hanging over or touching your roof can cause significant damage to your roof shingles and gutters, not to mention allowing critters to find their way into your attic. Take care to remove them and take the time to look over your roof for damaged or missing shingles. Now is the time to get roof damage repaired before melting snow and ice can cause further damage to your home. If you can’t safely prune these branches, call a professional to remove them and have a professional roofer inspect your roof if you suspect damage.
The professionals at Precision Siding & Construction are always available for inspections and guidance when it comes to home improvements and repairs. Contact our team for repairs or replacement windows, roofing, siding and gutters, as well as all your interior home improvement projects.