5 Home Improvements You Should Make Before Winter

As the cold weather creeps in, it is crucial to make a few improvements to protect and prepare your home for winter. Autumn is perfect for taking on outdoor projects — the temperatures tend to be mild and more comfortable than at other times of the year and you can enjoy a cozy winter having just handled the necessary maintenance.

You can follow this checklist for the most important maintenance tasks to complete before the cozy season sets in. From tending to your gutters to cleaning your walkways, your home will benefit from some extra attention this autumn. 

Keep reading to explore our list of essential projects for fall home improvements!

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

Performing a few fall home maintenance tasks can make a huge difference in how your home weathers the coldest time of year. Here is our checklist of the most significant improvements to tend to this autumn:

1. Replace Worn or Damaged Siding

You can benefit from visually inspecting your home’s siding as winter approaches. Siding plays a vital role in protecting your house and foundation against the elements. It also helps slow your home’s aging process and enhances the look of the exterior.

The following are some telltale signs it is time to replace your siding:

• Loose pieces
• Missing pieces
• Pest damage
• Fading
• Cracks
• Sagging
• Warping
• Rotting
• Bubbling
• Excessive maintenance needs

Damaged or overly worn siding can develop air leaks that reduce your heating system’s effectiveness, leading to higher energy bills. Turn to a professional for siding replacement services before snow and cold temperatures wreak havoc on your home this winter. 

2. Inspect Your Windows and Doors

Drafty windows and doors can make your home feel chilly and uncomfortable, especially during winter weather. 

Take a look around your house and note any areas where you feel a stream of air. The seals around those doors or windows may be damaged or worn. If this is the case, you may need to make some upgrades. New exterior doors and windows can provide security and better temperature control. 

When it comes to home maintenance for winter, replacing old windows and doors in the fall is very advantageous for your home’s energy bills. The air passing around your windows is responsible for about 25% to 30% of your home’s heating and cooling energy use. You could save energy and associated utility costs by sealing or replacing drafty windows or doors. 

3. Examine Your Exterior Trim

Another essential project on your home improvement to-do list before winter hits is examining your home’s trim. Inspect the boards that run along your house for any signs of damage or aging. Getting up close and personal with your window and door trim will help you spot any deterioration where wind can enter your home.

If you notice any cracked or rotting areas on your trim, it is likely time to replace it. By repairing it now, you can ensure your home is properly sealed before winter weather begins. Make it a priority to replace any trim in need of an update before the cold and snow set in.

Consider booking an expert to update your trim and accents to keep your home looking and feeling its best this winter.

4. Check Your Roof

Frequent fluctuations in temperature can put your home’s roof to the test this winter. Tending to your roof in the fall is key to ensuring your house is ready for cold weather. 

If you have an older roof, it is essential to inspect it and ensure it is sealed up — a properly sealed roof will keep your home warm and dry, no matter the weather outside. Winter is not the time to tend to your home’s roofing, as cold temperatures are not ideal for installing new shingles. Shingles need a temperature that is not too high or low for their glue to be effective.

Having an expert inspect your roof during the fall can be highly beneficial. They can tell you if replacing it would be in your home’s best interest. Autumn is the best season to replace your roof, and you should prioritize getting it completed before the cold weather arrives.

5. Clean Your Gutters

Your home’s gutters have an essential job to do. They redirect the precipitation from your roof and guide it away from your house, sending rain and snow melt away from your roof, foundation and exterior walls.  

Before the winter chill sets in, you should clean out your gutters to get rid of any dead leaves and debris that accumulated over the past few months. Unclogging buildup in your system will allow the water to pass freely without causing any overflowing. Autumn is one of the best times to do this since the trees have already shed their leaves. 

Instead of performing this task by yourself, consider hiring a professional who can get the job done safely and effectively. They can also tell you if it would be beneficial to replace your current gutters before winter sets in. 

The Importance of Completing Home Improvement Projects Before Winter

Consider these benefits of completing this fall home improvement checklist:

Saving Costs

Home improvement projects can add value to your home and save you money down the road. Investing in a roof replacement project or swapping out your worn windows for upgrades this fall can prevent minor issues from turning into costly damage. Many of the tasks on this checklist can also help lower your energy bill and make your home more energy efficient. 

Improving Home Safety and Security

When you take the time to tend to your home this autumn, you will also be improving its overall safety. Whether you install new exterior doors or fix a crack in your walkway, you are taking steps to create a more welcoming and secure environment for you and your family. 

Home improvement projects are a great way to give you peace of mind before the snow and ice arrive. 

Turn to Sunshine Contracting for Your Fall Home Improvement Projects

Performing these autumn home maintenance tasks will benefit your home’s value and appearance throughout the winter. Sunshine Contracting can help. 

Sunshine Contracting has been family-owned and operated since 1993 and we want to help your family with your next fall home project. We offer a range of services, including siding, windows and roofing. Our highly-trained team performs exceptional work and delivers expert craftsmanship. We use only the best materials and we offer a lifetime warranty on many of our products and labor. 

Are you interested in learning more about our home improvement services? Contact Sunshine Contracting to schedule your free quote today!