How to Prepare Your Home’s Exterior for Fall: Roofing, Decks, & More

There’s so much to love about the arrival of the fall months, especially with the way the weather changes in the Chicagoland area. Gone are the hot summer days, but the cold, cold winter days aren’t quite here yet. In other words, the fall days are the perfect sweet spot. At the same time, though, it’s important to make sure you’re using your time wisely to properly prepare your home for fall and by extension, winter. So, what can you do to make sure your roof, siding, windows, decking, and the rest of your home’s exterior is ready for the temperatures to drop? Let the pros at Craftsmen Revival guide you through some of the steps you can take.

How to Prepare Your Roof for the Fall & Winter Months

Perhaps the biggest key to preparing your home’s exterior for fall is to make sure everything with your roofing system is properly maintained and in good condition. After all, your roof is the first line of defense against rain, wind, and snow, so the fall months present the perfect time for you to get everything in order ahead of the freezing temperatures that come later in the fall and especially into winter. Start with an inspection so that you can get signs of wear and tear and a clear understanding of the repairs you need to prevent leaks and further damage.

You’ll also want to make sure your gutters and downspouts are cleared out periodically throughout the fall, as leaves will begin to drop into your gutter system and potentially create problematic clogs that can lead to backups and potential water damage from those backups.

Preparing Your Windows to Help Maintain Indoor Comfort This Fall

When the weather outside reaches its extremes, the energy efficiency of your home becomes even more crucial. And when it comes to your home’s energy efficiency, your windows will play a huge role. Scheduling an inspection and possibly maintenance or repairs is a great idea ahead of the fall, as you’ll be able to make sure your windows aren’t prone to allowing drafts and leaks to threaten the energy efficiency of your home.

Of course, investing in replacement windows could be a wise choice if your current windows aren’t performing as they should. After all, you need your windows to effectively limit heat transfer to contribute to your home’s energy efficiency, but it’s not just that. Your windows limiting heat transfer can also lessen the strain on your HVAC system as it works to keep your home’s interior at a steady, comfortable temperature when the weather outside is getting colder.

Ensuring Your Siding Is In Tip-Top Shape Before Colder Temperatures Arrive

As much as your home’s siding does to contribute to the curb appeal of your property, it also needs to be in its best condition to provide proper protection for your home’s exterior. After all, your siding is supposed to shield your home from the elements, which is why routine maintenance to check for any cracks, warping, or gaps is so important. When even the smallest areas of damage are present, harsh weather conditions can quickly make matters worse.

It’s also important to take this time of year to wash your siding, as mold, mildew, and dirt can accumulate over the summer and you may find that failing to address that can lead to your siding material being damaged. Of course, fresh paint or sealant could be in order, too, which would help protect your home’s exterior against moisture and the harsh elements.

Protect Your Deck From the Elements This Fall & Winter

Once fall and winter arrive in the Chicagoland area, you’re probably covering up your grill and saying goodbye to the time of year for summer barbecues and afternoons on your deck. It’s important to make sure your deck is ready for the temperatures to drop, though. Make sure you start by sweeping any leaves, branches, or debris that might trap moisture against the wood. Leaving debris unchecked can lead to rot or mildew, especially when it eventually snows.

This is also a good time to check out your deck’s integrity. Loose boards, protruding nails, and any areas with mold should be addressed right away before winter comes and it’s too late. After cleaning, resealing your deck may be a good idea so that it’s properly shielded from rain and snow. And of course, don’t forget to store any furniture cushions, grills, and patio sets safely so they can’t cause any damage when the weather turns.

Get Help From the Pros When It Comes to Preparing Your Home’s Exterior for FalI

The good news is that when you’re thinking about preparing your Chicagoland home’s exterior for fall and winter, you don’t have to go about the process alone. Rather, you have the trusted experts at Craftsmen Revival to turn to. We can help with whatever roofing, window, siding, and decking inspections, maintenance, and repairs you might need at your home, plus we can work on any replacements you might have in mind before the weather gets harsh and you have to put off your project until the spring or summer.

If you’re ready to partner with our team at Craftsmen Revival for a project regarding your Chicagoland-area home’s exterior, get in touch with us today.