Recently we shared some tips for homeowners here in the Twin Cities regarding exterior home maintenance that should be done before winter hits. Checking the condition of your roof and siding should be the first two things you tackle, but once you’ve finished that, there are other things you definitely should pay attention to before the first snow. (If you haven’t read our earlier article, click here to check that out first.) These two listed here are also very important items. Don’t overlook them in your rush to get your patio furniture put away and your yard work done.
Clean out your gutters – and then inspect them. Believe it or not, gutters and downspouts perform a very important function in the winter, not just during the rainy season. Getting the leaves and debris out before the snow falls is critical to avoiding roof and siding damage this winter. Most of the trees still have their leaves, but once those around your home have lost all theirs, it’s time to get your gutters cleared out and ready to handle winter snow melt off your roof.
Once you’ve got all the debris out of your gutters, use a garden hose and run water to check for leaks or clogs. Do a visual inspection to make sure you haven’t got areas that are sagging or loose gutter hangers. Also, water should flow away from your home from the base of your downspouts and not pool up next to the foundation. You may need to add on some extensions if that’s the case. Also consider having a leaf and debris barrier installed if you don’t already have one.
Check your windows and doors. Look for failed or loose caulk around the edges, and then do an interior check for air leaks. A great way to do this is with a lit candle. Hold it close to the frame, pass it around all four edges, and see if the flame flickers in any spot. If so, you probably have areas that need attention. Time to schedule an inspection from a licensed Minnesota replacement window and door company like ours.
Now you’ve hit the major exterior structural issues, so it’s time to do things like shut off exterior water faucets, trim your landscaping and trees back (especially branches that overhang your roof), plant your spring-blooming bulbs like tulips, and do seasonal lawn care. Put away your patio furniture in the shed or garage. And while you’re at it, this is a great time to clean out and organize your garage. Need help with that? Talk to our sister company, Garage Floor Outfitters, about storage solutions.
If your windows, exterior doors, gutters, or any other exterior items need some attention like repairs or replacement before winter, give us a call. We are a licensed Minnesota exterior home improvement and remodeling contractor, and we serve the greater Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area.
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
