Keeping your home in good condition throughout the colder months is important. Alberta’s heavy rain, snow, wind and other extreme weather can do a number on your home’s exterior. If you’re new to the area—or to homeownership in general—it’s time to brush up on your fall home maintenance checklist. Here are our best tips to guarantee you stay safe and cozy through spring:
- Clean, repair and secure your eavestroughs and downspouts: First, remove any debris and make sure there’s no damage to your eavestroughs and downspouts. If there is, call a contractor to repair them before the rain and snow set in. Your downspouts should divert water at least three to four feet away from your home’s foundation.
- Repair exterior caulking before winter arrives. You might not think much of a draft here and there, but when the temperatures drop below freezing, drafts can interfere with heating your home. Don’t let hot air leak out—repair your exterior caulking to protect the windows and doors, and keep your energy bills low.
- Consider energy efficient upgrades: Speaking of saving on energy bills, a few energy-efficient upgrades can ensure you’re able to save money throughout the colder months. Consider adding new insulation and sealing your furnace ducts (in addition to repairing your exterior caulking, of course).
- Inspect your roof for damage: When your roof is damaged, water can leak into the attic or the space between the roof and the top floor of your home. This is a great time to go outside and give your roof a long, hard look. (Binoculars can help, especially if you don’t want to get up on a ladder.) Look for shingles that are curled, cracked or buckled. Those will need to be replaced before the rain and snow arrive. It’s best to have your roof inspected and repaired by a professional, but make sure you at least give it a once-over yourself after every major storm.
- Drain your exterior pipes to prevent damage: Next, you should drain your exterior hoses and pipes. Turn off the valves to the exterior, then run the water until the pipes are empty. This will prevent water from freezing, expanding and cracking your pipes. (It’s also a good time to insulate your interior pipes.)
- Seal your masonry: Finally, look for cracks and joints along your steps, driveway, walkways and other areas with masonry. If you notice any issues, repair or replace them as soon as possible. Not only will this prevent further damage, but it will also help you avoid safety hazards—especially when the walkways are icy and wet.
These fall exterior home maintenance tips won’t take much time to complete, but if you find and solve a problem before winter, it will pay off. It’s harder to solve issues like a leaky roof when rain and snow are coming down over the province.
When you need quality siding and roofing assistance, reach out to Rhino Exteriors today. Let us help you make your home more beautiful than ever.