As you gear up for autumn, take the following fall home improvement ideas to get your Minnesota house in top condition for the impending cool weather.
Roof Inspection
Your roof should be checked bi-annually for wear and tear – at minimum. Make any necessary observations from the ground to avoid unnecessary foot traffic or risk of falling. If you cannot get a good look at roof damage, hire a licensed potential. Replace any cracked, buckled, or curled shingles. Inspect the pipes, chimneys, and skylights, and fill in any leaks or gaps to keep out ice and heavy snow. Is the roof damaged beyond repair? Fall is an ideal time to replace it so that you can have the new roof installed before it snows.
Clean the gutters
Keeping the gutters clean reduces the risk of ice damage. Once the leaves have fallen, clean out the gutters and downspouts, making sure that no leaves or debris are blocking the drainage areas. Flush the gutters with water and then check the joints, tightening the brackets as needed. If your gutters are old or damaged, look for new gutters that feature built-in leaf guards to make future gutter cleaning jobs much easier.
Caulk the windows and door frames
Caulking and sealing the windows and door frames keeps the warm air inside and the cool air outside. This task is simple and inexpensive and minimizes the risk of cracks and mold buildup due to water getting inside and freezing.
Check the attic insulation
Many types of insulation requires a vapor barrier to protect the material from becoming damaged from moisture. Some types of insulation do not require this preventative measure. If your attic could benefit from better insulation, there are retrofitting options available at a reasonable cost.
Turn off exterior water supplies
When the temperature dips below freezing, pipes full of water can freeze. Turn off the valves for exterior hose bibs. Run the water until the pipes are empty, making sure that you’ve drained the water fully to minimize pipe damage.
Are you looking for more fall home improvement ideas? Do you need assistance getting your property ready for cooler temperatures? Midwest Roofing, Siding & Windows has been locally owned for more than 40 years and provides a lifetime workmanship warranty for our roofing systems.
Contact Midwest Roofing, Siding & Windows for help with your roof repair and replacement needs.
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