Unlike winter, fall seems to come and go in the blink of an eye. So when it comes to exterior projects, a lot of us feel as though we have a short window in which to complete them.
Well… yes and no.
There are definitely some areas that require attention before winter really sets in. And, there are other outdoor maintenance projects that can be done during the colder months – even year round. Here are some tips to help you prioritize and keep your home in tip top share all year long.
What you should do now
Even though we don’t always experience arctic temperatures and massive amounts of snow here on the Cape, winterizing your home is really important. That sun, wind, rain and lovely salty air may have resulted in wear and tear on your home – and some due diligence now could save you from some unpleasant winter surprises. The most critical part of winterizing is making sure your home is structurally sound and weather tight. We’re in an area that is especially prone to weather-related moisture, so if you have signs of rot now, you want to be sure to nip it in the bud so it doesn’t progress.
Here are the key areas we suggest you address now. (You can also check out this a free printable worksheet from Wholefully.com, which covers household winterizing in detail)
Paint and siding
- Inspect exterior of home for any signs of rot; repair as needed
- Replace any missing or damaged shingles
- If you have siding, look for gaps and fill with caulk: replace anything that can’t be repaired
- Repaint where needed, after necessary reapirs are made
Roof and gutters
- Replace any missing or damaged shingles
- Clean gutters and downspouts
- Inspect for leaks around the chimney, vents or skylights and have repairs made, if needed
Windows and doors
- Carefully check wooden frames for any signs of rot; repair or replace as needed
- Check windows and doors for weak spots or drafts – apply caulking to prevent heat from escaping
- To further improve heating efficiency, replace screens with storm windows and doors
What you can do year-round (when it’s 35 degrees+)
Exterior paint
Many people assume the incoming cold weather coming means it’s too late to paint this year. Not so. Thanks to new technology, many manufacturers have reformulated their paints to extend the temperature range in which they can be used. New low-temp paints can be used in temperatures from 35 to 50 degrees. So if you’re thinking about painting the exterior of your house or commerical property, you’ve still got time – no need to wait until spring.
Power washing
Late fall – once the leaves have dropped – is actually an excellent time to power wash your home. In the spring, your plants will start to grow and bloom, but that’s long way off. The good news is that no new growth means nothing to mask any mold that ay be lurking around the exterior of your home. We can power wash year round, as long as the temperature is at least 35 degrees.
