Posted by Bealing Roofing Comments Off on Preparing Your Home for Winter Uncategorized

Fall is here, and as we enjoy the striking colors of fall leaves, we must also remember that winter is just around the corner. Fall is the best time to take a bit of inventory and make some repairs to ensure your home is running at its best before the winter season hits. Use this handy checklist to make sure your home is ready before ol’ Jack Frost pays a visit!

Check the foundation for cracks

Take a close look at your foundation and the areas where masonry meets the siding. See any cracks? These are a prime area for water to infiltrate and, in the winter, freeze. Over time, water infiltration will also lead to very unhealthy mold and mildew growth. Be sure to seal these cracks with caulk. Also, check where pipes and wires enter the house. These areas were likely caulked at installation, but over time caulking can age, fail, and fall off. 

Check windows and doors

The most common area for a home to suffer heat loss is around the windows and doors. Grab that caulk gun again! If you see areas where caulk is missing, you will want to fill these areas in. 

Check the roof

Your roof is your first line of protection against the elements. A leaking roof can lead to a multitude of problems, and over time, those problems can become costly. Water damage from a leaking roof can cause deterioration of insulations, wood and drywall damage, and potentially cause damage to plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. Your first step is to inspect your roof for missing or loose shingles. Be proactive and have this done before discovering a leaky roof during a snowstorm. The best advice is to have a licensed local roofing contractor inspect your roof.

Clean gutters

As fall eventually winds down, you will want to inspect your gutters. If you live in a wooded area, this is critical. Make sure leaves are removed and nothing is clogging your gutters. This will allow winter ice and snow to properly drain as it melts. Clogged gutters lead to ice dams, which can get under your shingles and cause serious damage. 

Porch and deck maintenance

If you have a porch or deck, you can do a few things to ensure you are prepared there as well. Check to make sure handrails are secure. The last thing you want is for someone to slip, grab for a handrail, and the handrail fails. Also, make sure the stairs on decks are secure and not loose.

Following this short checklist will help you make sure your home is well protected as the winter months approach. Need help with that roof inspection? Give the roofing experts at Bealing Roofing & Exteriors, Inc., a call.