If you spent most of your free time this summer enjoying balmy temperatures, picnicking, lounging on the beach, or hiking, there is a good chance that you put off many of the projects you wanted to get done around the house. Fall is just around the corner now, however, and it is a great time to get out your maintenance list and tackle some of those projects before the chilly winter weather arrives. Many building materials perform best when installed at moderate fall temperatures, and working outside is more comfortable than it is during the hot days of summer. If you don’t have a list prepared, consider these home improvement projects that are perfect for autumn days.
Dress up your house with a new exterior
The exterior of your home creates an impression of your entire property. When neighbors, friends, and passers-by see a house with chipped paint, outdated siding materials, and a drab, faded look, they can’t help but think that the whole house is poorly maintained. Curb appeal is an important factor when you are selling a home, but it shouldn’t end there. If you need to give your house a new look, there are many ways you can spruce up your exterior this fall. Touching up chipped paint or selecting a whole new color scheme will certainly brighten things up.
If you are seeking to invest in a new, durable exterior that is easy to maintain, fall is a perfect time to hire a contractor to install vinyl siding. This versatile product comes in a variety of colors and styles that will make any home look like new. Perhaps the best feature of vinyl siding is that you will no longer need to keep up with painting. If you clean your siding once a year, it will continue to make a great first impression for many years to come.
If your home is already seeing the benefits of vinyl siding, autumn provides perfect temperatures for doing that yearly cleaning. A soft-bristled brush, mild cleanser, and a garden hose or pressure washer are all you need to keep your vinyl siding looking its best. Power washing can be a great way to clean up other exterior materials that are looking dingy as well. In most cases, you’re going to want to use a low setting to avoid damaging your exterior, but you will see a difference once you get to work.
Prepare to save money over the winter with replacement windows
One of the biggest expenses homeowners face over the colder months is their heating bill. Part of the reason these utilities are so costly is that homes often have old, single-pane windows that are in disrepair. Cracked panes and frames, worn-out weather-stripping, and general lack of energy-efficiency all contribute to heat loss that causes your furnace to work harder to heat your home.
When you make the switch to new replacement windows, you start seeing a return on your investment immediately. Fall is an excellent time of year to have new windows installed because your heating system is just about ready to kick into full gear when cold temperatures arrive. The savings don’t stop when winter ends, though. You will see considerable savings on your air conditioning bill, as the energy-efficient properties of replacement windows help keep your home cool in the summer. They also block UV rays that can cause fading to interior walls, draperies, and home furnishings.
Get to work on your roof
Summer storms can do a lot of damage to your roof, wearing away at granules on shingles, blowing shingles off the roof, and creating an environment for algae to grow. If you are facing a bigger project, like missing or worn out shingles that need to be replaced, you should call a trusted contractor for an estimate. Autumn is a great time to have roofing replaced, because the temperature is still warm enough to allow the shingles to seal properly, and you are taking steps to prevent further damage by the harsh elements of winter.
If your roof is marred by black streaks that take away from its visual appeal, you likely have algae growing on your shingles. Getting rid of this issue is a problem that many homeowners tackle on their own. There are roof cleaning solutions available to get rid of algae, but be sure to read the instructions carefully and wear protective gear. You will want to apply the cleaning solution from the top down, in sections about four feet wide. After application, let the cleaner do its job for 15-20 minutes and then rinse top to bottom. If you are using a pressure washer, be sure to keep it on a low setting, to avoid damaging shingles, and always avoid walking on the wet surface.
Keep your gutters clean
Clean gutters are essential to protect your roof, walls, and landscaping. Their purpose is to carry rainwater and melted snow and ice away from the house so that it doesn’t penetrate the interior and cause harm to walls, ceilings, foundations, and landscaping. Chances are intense summer storms have filled your gutters with twigs, leaves, and other debris that inhibits their ability to function correctly.
Autumn is an ideal time to clean out your gutters and ensure that they are in good working condition before ice and snow arrive. If trees surround your home, timing is a concern. You should wait until most leaves have fallen, but you will want to have them cleaned before winter weather arrives. In addition to cleaning the gutters, you should also ensure that there are no loose fittings and that downspouts and splash blocks are in place to divert the water away from your home.
When you have several projects to complete before winter arrives, it can seem overwhelming, so it is vital to prioritize your list and complete all tasks that fit your budget. Place the chores that will best protect your home and save you money at the top of your list. For those tasks that require professional assistance, you should always call on a reputable, trustworthy contractor like Mr. Roof. Call us today at (800) 884-9760 to find out how we can help.
