Having maintenance work done on your home in Olympia or Tacoma this fall before winter sets in is one of the most effective ways to keep your home in its best condition. While fall weather is relatively cooperative when it comes to home maintenance, taking care of any exterior projects that were put off from the summer should be done soon, before colder, wetter winter weather arrives.

There are many exterior tasks to do to maintain your home’s exterior. Not sure where to begin your exterior home maintenance? Here are some tips on fall home maintenance tasks and ways to protect your home. 

Roofs 

As the first line of defense when it comes to weather, your roof is one area of your home you do not want to ignore when it needs to be repaired. Replacing a roof is an expensive project, so it’s essential to perform a routine checkup to ensure your roof is undamaged and protects the structure of your home or office. Preventing water from leaking through your roof can prevent serious damage to the underlying structure, including your walls, floors, and more. 

Look for loose shingles and keep an eye out for roof leaks or cracks around your chimneys. Moss or algae growth on roofs can be a sign that excessive moisture is accumulating on your roof, and it will need to be cleaned and sealed to prevent unwanted substances from coming back. 

Gutters

Cleaning gutters is commonly thought of as a spring-cleaning project, and rightfully so. However, cleaning your gutters in the fall after leaves come down will prevent your roof’s water drainage systems from clogging. By cleaning gutters after most of the fall foliage has fallen, you can protect your home, garage, and other structures on your property from damage.

Clogs in gutters and downspouts can form if leaves, sticks, and other debris from strong winds get lodged inside. Clean out the gutters thoroughly and then check for any unseen blockage points by spraying water through the system until a steady stream flows through to the downspout. This will ensure water does not pool or freeze in areas that can potentially cause damage this winter.

Sealing Windows and Doors

Water intrusion and cold air seeping inside your home can occur from cracks and worn seals around windows and doors. Openings around pipes and in spots along your foundation can also cause unwanted seepages. Remediating the openings by resealing or filling in holes will keep out moisture and will reduce heat loss in these areas, thus saving on heating costs.

Excessive condensation inside windows is one of the most common indicators that there is an improper seal on your doors and windows. You can also do a simple inspection inside your home by feeling for airflow in these areas. 

Painting

Siding and painting updates are a great investment to keep your home looking its best with the goal of protecting your home, inside and out. Repairs and updates to exterior surfaces can help protect your home by preventing damage to the parts underneath. 

Inspecting the exterior of your home for physical damage caused by water or debris will help detect early signs that repairs are needed. For painted surfaces, there are certain clues that you can look for. These include peeling, cracking, and blistering. Other types of siding surfaces, such as cedar or concrete, can be inspected for other signs, any of which indicate the need for repair and repainting.

Fall is the perfect time to get your home ready for winter. It’s also a great opportunity to spruce up your outdoor space before it starts getting too cold. The first step in this process is to take a look at your home’s exterior and see what work may need to be done. If you feel that a task or project is too big to do yourself, calling an expert is the way to assure that the tasks of preparation, repairing, and painting will be done right the first time.

We’ve been painting homes and businesses in Thurston and Pierce County for over 40 years. We understand the weather here in Washington state, the types of homes we have, and the type of service people who live here expect from a painting professional.

We are dedicated to helping our clients maintain their home’s exterior for years to come. If you think your home is in need of repair or painting, contact Flying Colors Painting for a free estimate and let our skilled team of professionals provide you with a beautiful exterior or interior update!