As the leaves change and the temperatures drop, it’s essential to prepare your home for the coming winter. By taking care of a few exterior tasks this fall, you can save yourself time, money, and potential headaches when the cold sets in. Here’s a helpful checklist to get you started!
1. Clean Your Gutters
Why it’s important: Clogged gutters can lead to water damage and ice dams during winter.
What to do: Remove leaves, twigs, and debris from gutters and downspouts. Ensure water flows freely and inspect for any damage that needs repair.
Tip: Consider hiring professionals for a free gutter cleanout with a house wash (offered by Allbrite!).
2. Inspect Your Roof
Why it’s important: Prevent leaks and water damage by catching roof issues early.
What to do: Look for missing or damaged shingles, cracks, or areas where water might pool. If you notice significant wear, contact a professional to assess for repairs.
3. Pressure Wash Exterior Surfaces
Why it’s important: Mold, mildew, and dirt can degrade your home’s siding and outdoor surfaces.
What to do: Pressure wash siding, decks, patios, driveways, and walkways to remove grime, ensuring your home looks great and stays in good shape. This also helps prevent slippery surfaces.
Bonus: Allbrite Pressure Wash can handle this for you—just schedule your fall cleaning!
4. Trim Trees and Shrubs
Why it’s important: Overhanging branches can damage roofs and power lines during winter storms.
What to do: Trim any branches that hang too close to your roof or windows. Remove dead limbs and prune back shrubs to ensure healthy spring growth.
5. Check for Cracks in Driveways and Walkways
Why it’s important: Cracks can worsen with freezing temperatures, leading to costly repairs.
What to do: Fill in any cracks in concrete or asphalt before winter. This prevents water from seeping in, freezing, and expanding, which could lead to more significant damage.
6. Inspect and Protect Outdoor Faucets and Hoses
Why it’s important: Freezing water can cause pipes and hoses to burst.
What to do: Drain and store hoses, and shut off outdoor water valves. Insulate faucets to protect them from freezing temperatures.
7. Seal Gaps Around Windows and Doors
Why it’s important: Sealing gaps improves energy efficiency and prevents drafts, saving you money on heating bills.
What to do: Check for cracks or gaps around windows and doors and seal them with weatherstripping or caulking.
8. Prepare Your Outdoor Furniture
Why it’s important: Protect your investment in outdoor furniture from the elements.
What to do: Clean and store patio furniture, cushions, and grills, or cover them with waterproof covers to prevent weather damage.
9. Schedule a Holiday Light Installation
Why it’s important: Getting your holiday lights up early ensures you beat the rush and can enjoy a festive display without the stress.
What to do: Contact Allbrite Lights for a professional, hassle-free holiday light installation. We handle everything from design to take-down.
10. Test Your Outdoor Lighting
Why it’s important: With shorter days, well-lit pathways and entrances are key to safety and curb appeal.
What to do: Replace any burned-out bulbs and consider adding additional lighting to brighten up dark areas.
By following this fall maintenance checklist, you’ll not only protect your home from potential damage but also enhance its curb appeal. For more tips or to schedule your fall cleaning, contact Allbrite Pressure Wash and Allbrite Lights today!
