The summer is winding down and the fall weather is just around the corner. Now is a good time to prepare your home for the cooler months ahead. One of the most important things you can do is make sure your home’s exterior is in good shape. After all, a little bit of maintenance now can save you a lot of trouble later on. In this blog post, we will outline an August home maintenance schedule that will help you get your home ready for autumn!
August Home Maintenance Schedule
As the temperatures start to cool down, it’s important to take a few steps to prepare your home for the colder weather ahead. Here is a helpful August home maintenance schedule that will help you get your home ready for fall:
Replace Rotten Wood Outside
One of the most important things you can do to prepare your home for fall is to replace any rotten wood outside your home. Rotten wood is not only unsightly, but it can also be a serious safety hazard. Especially during the winter, rotten wood can be a tripping hazard. So, if you see any rotted wood around your home, be sure to replace it ASAP.
Deck Repair
Another important item on your August home maintenance schedule should be to repair your deck if it has become damaged. If your deck is in need of repairs, now is the time to do it. Winter weather can be tough on decks, so it’s best to get any repairs done before the cold weather hits. An added benefit is that when spring rolls around next year, your deck will be ready to go!
Inspecting and Repairing Loose and Sagging Gutters
As part of your August home maintenance schedule, you should also inspect and repair any loose or sagging gutters around your home. Loose gutters can cause all sorts of problems, including water damage to your home’s exterior. So, if you see any loose gutters, be sure to tighten them up or replace them entirely.
Install or Repair Gutter Covers
If you don’t already have gutter covers, now is a good time to install them. Gutter covers help to keep leaves and other debris out of your gutters, which can cause all sorts of problems. Additionally, if you already have gutter covers, be sure to inspect them for any damage and repair or replace them as needed before leaves start falling this fall.
Repairing or Extending Downspouts to Prevent Pooling of Water near the Foundation
As the seasons shift, you should also take a look at your downspouts. If they are not properly draining water away from your home, this can lead to all sorts of problems, including foundation damage. So, if you see any pooling of water near your home’s foundation, be sure to repair or extend your downspouts as soon as possible.
Window and Door Repair/Replacement (Caulking Windows/Caulking Doors)
If you have any windows or doors that are in need of repair or replacement, now is the time to do it. Caulking your windows and doors is a great way to prepare them for the colder weather ahead. Not only will this help to keep warm air in and cold air out, but it will also prevent drafts and save you money on your energy bills.
Mailbox Repair/Replacement
This is something many people don’t think about – but mailboxes can take a beating during the winter, so it’s best to get any repairs done before the cold weather hits.
Paver Repair
Pavers, or paving stones, are flat construction units made of stones, brick, or concrete used normally as exterior flooring. If you have any pavers that are in need of repair, now is the time to do it. Winter weather can be tough on pavers and damage them further, especially as ice forms or you shovel snow off of them. By fixing them while the weather is more temperate, you can avoid unnecessary cleanup down the road.
Roof Repair
Your roof plays a very important role in protecting your home from the elements, so it’s important to keep it in good condition. If you have any roof damage, now is the time to get it repaired before snow and ice accumulate and can make it difficult or impossible to perform repairs.
Water Damage Repair
Water damage can lead to all sorts of problems, including mold and mildew growth. So, if you see any water damage occurring, be proactive about cleaning it up and repairing the source.
Weather Stripping
Weather stripping is a great way to prepare your home for the colder weather ahead. By sealing up any gaps or cracks around your doors and windows, you can help to keep warm air in and cold air out. This will also help to prevent drafts and save you money on your energy bills.
JW Home Improvement: Exterior Remodeling in MD, VA, and DC
By following this simple August home maintenance schedule, you’ll be well on your way to getting your home ready for the cooler weather ahead! Taking these simple steps now will save you a lot of time and trouble later on down the road. Plus, by taking care of your home now, you’ll be able to enjoy it for years to come! If you need assistance with any of these projects, contact JW Home Improvement. We specialize in exterior remodeling in MD, VA, and DC and would be more than happy to help you get your home ready for the cooler weather ahead. Contact us today to request an estimate. Don’t forget, we also offer a 15% discount to military personnel!
