Where to Start: Exterior Fall Maintenance For Minnesota Homes

As the nighttime temps dip close to the freezing mark, it’s time to button up those homes to prepare for another Minnesota winter.  There are things to be done both inside and outside of your home, but it’s a good idea to get the exterior maintenance done first while the weather is mild.  Here are the major points you want to include on your to-do list:

Minnesota Exterior Home Maintenance Checklist

Start from the top down; some items are inspection only, while others are things that need to be done.

• Check your roof for signs of damage. Your roof is your home’s first line of protection against old man winter – especially ice and snow. So you want to make sure it’s ready for another cold season.  We don’t recommend you get up on the roof yourself, because that’s dangerous. But using a binoculars and a ladder, you can probably observe your roof well.  Look for shingles that are missing, loose, curled, or otherwise appear damaged.  Pay special attention to those areas where it seems like the roofing granules are missing or sparse.  If you have concerns or if your roof is older, arrange for a professional roof inspection.  (Check your homeowner’s policy and your roof warranty to see if there are provisions regarding periodic roof inspections. This is not uncommon.)
• Check the condition of your siding.  Your siding is a significant element in protecting your home, second only to your roof.  Walk the perimeter of your house and look for loose or cracked siding, gaps in siding sections, holes (not matter how small) and missing or failed caulk. Repairs should be made immediately, because any place your siding is compromised, you have a potential for air and water infiltration. Not only does that waste energy but it is also a way in for damaging moisture, insects, and rodents. If you find more than minor repairs are needed, perhaps it’s time to consider having your siding replaced.

Now that you’ve tackled the two most important exterior home maintenance items on your list, don’t put that tool box away just yet.  There are still other things you need to get taken care of around the outside of your home this fall.  Watch for our next blog post for details. 

Window Outfitters, Inc. is a licensed Minnesota home remodeling contractor.  Our specialty is energy-efficient replacement windows and doors, but we also install siding, gutters, and more.  If the exterior of your home needs a little help getting ready for winter, give us a call for a free in-home consultation.

 

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.