We are all struggling through the heat wave engulfing the United States currently and dreaming of cooler weather. It may not seem like it, but the temperature drop will be here before you know it. This is the perfect time to start planning your fall projects around the home to freshen up and maintain your home for years to come.
Paint the Front Door
Hands down, the easiest exterior project is also the one that reaps the biggest rewards. A freshly painted front door helps your home stand out from the block, and it can be finished in less than an afternoon. Fall is usually the perfect time for this activity; just pick that afternoon wisely. “Normally, exterior painting should be done at a time when the temps are at least 50 degrees or so and aren’t dipping below the 40s at night. This allows the paint to adhere properly and prevents it from freezing before it is fully dry.
Freshen Up Your Deck
A deck is only as good as its condition. If the wood is splintering, the finish faded, or the rails shaky, call in the experts. A buyer who sees a dirty deck that’s in disrepair may sour their feelings about your house, and even if they still want to buy your home, they will certainly use it as a negotiating point. Even if you have to outright replace the deck, it’s worth the expense.
Pressure Wash Your Home
The summer heat and downpours creates the perfect environment for dirt, grime and mold on your home. Use the cooler temperatures to pressure wash the home to make it shine like new. Not if you do not hire a professional to be careful and not get water under the siding and shingles.
Clean Your Gutters
Here, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. “While you may need to wait for inclement weather to realize your return on investment, a mere 30 minutes of routine rain gutter maintenance could prevent thousands of dollars in damage to the foundation of a home.
Caulk Cracks in the Home
Caulk can help keep out dirt, moisture, sound, and radon gas, and it can improve the general appearance of your home. Caulk before painting for a more finished look. Caulk where masonry meets siding, where pipes or wires enter the house, around window and door frames, and at corner joints formed by siding.
Raise the Roof!
Inspecting the roof twice a year should become a routine. From the ground, use binoculars to look for missing, loose, or damaged shingles. Then note any leaks from inside, which might include checking your attic. Fall is a good time to replace missing shingles, cement down curled edges, and recaulk where plumbing stacks, cable brackets, or antennae penetrate the roof. If you’re hesitant about scaling the heights, hire a reputable roofer.