6 Fall Home Maintenance Tips
The end of September is near and Fall is officially upon us. Early in New Hampshire’s Fall season we get to enjoy apple and pumpkin picking, leaf peeping, and many more fun outdoor activities. Plus, getting a break from the Summer humidity is a nice perk! But before we know it, the Winter weather will follow. Which is why it is best to handle all of your home maintenance before the snow and freezing weather arrives.
Here are some Fall maintenance tips we have put together to help you prepare your home each year:
Check Your Attic
For many of us, we do not venture up to the attic unless we are retrieving decorations, tucked away documents, and the like. But it is important that you do check your attic at least once per season to ensure there is not any water leaking into your home. Over time, as your roof ages, shingle damage occurs, or if there is not proper ventilation and insulation, moisture will find its way underneath the protective layers of your roof. This can cause a whole host of problems that you more than likely do not want to deal with. At the first sign of a water leak, address the problem with a roofing professional. The same can be said for if your home regularly experiences ice dams in the winter. As that can be a sign that there is not proper ventilation to allow your roof to breathe.
Check Window and Door Seals and Trim
Check all windows and doors around the perimeter of your house. Go along the trim and look for any holes. If holes are found, you can use caulking to plug the area. If left untreated moisture will build up in these areas leading to large cracks or worse, mold.
Trim Branches
Perform an exterior inspection of your home and check for any branches that could impact your roofing system. Heavy snow and excessive winds can cause these branches to sag or break off onto your roof, which can lead to shingle and gutter damage. It is best to trim any branches that you think could be a threat to the exterior of your home when bad weather hits.
Drain Water From Exterior Pipes
When the weather gets below freezing it can cause water-filled pipes to burst. Frozen pipes can be avoided by shutting off the water to any external waterways such as spickets on the exterior of your home or the irrigation system. Once the water has been shut off, continue to run the water until it is all gone. You can also blow air through the lines to ensure that all water has been fully removed.
Cover Exterior Appliances
Does your home have an exterior air conditioner unit? As we dive into Fall, you probably will not have a need to cool your home with the air conditioner. Take a leaf blower and remove any leaves or other debris surrounding the unit. You can typically find AC covers to securely fit around your unit, but a general use tarp that is secured properly will also serve as a barrier between your air conditioner and the winter weather.
Inspect Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters and downspouts can lead to roof damage due to excessive and pooled up moisture. To ensure that water is not sitting in your gutters, clean out any leaves and other debris that could prevent water from flowing to the downspouts. If unable to do this yourself, you can also call in a professional gutter cleaner. They can come to your house once or twice each year (Spring and Fall typically) to give your gutters and downspouts a thorough cleaning.
If you are noticing any signs of roof damage to your home, connect with the professionals at NH Grand Roofs to see how we can help. We are available by phone at 603-552-7152 or you can email info@nhgrandroofs.com to receive a free estimate for your roofing project.
