Fall is quickly approaching here in Rhode Island. We know all too well that cold temperatures and harsh weather conditions that are soon to be here can possibly cause damage to your home. Thankfully, preventative maintenance in the fall can help keep your home protected all winter long.
The cooler days of fall make working on your house easier than in the hottest days of summer or the coldest days of winter. Some fall maintenance projects can be done on your own, while others may require a professional. Here at Bruno Painting, we have compiled a list of fall home maintenance projects to help get your property prepared for the colder months ahead.
There are many benefits to power washing your home. The most noticeable is how your home looks after. Powerwashing your home will make it look like it’s new again. It adds a clean crisp look to the exterior. Powerwashing your home regularly also helps you protect your investment. It cleans your house of any mildew and mold that has accumulated. It washes away the grime, dirt, and allergens that have built up over time.
All homes should be power washed at least once a year, includes power washing the siding, roof, and any surrounding concrete or pavement. The question is, when is the best time to power wash your home? Just like painting, there is an optimal time to power wash the exterior of your home.
Powerwashing must be done while the outside temperature is above freezing. If not, the water and cold temperatures can cause things to freeze. Between 45 degrees and 80 degrees, Fahrenheit is an optimal temperature range to powerwash the exterior of your home.
Fall is a great time to schedule your home to be power washed. The temperatures are not as hot, which makes it easier for a crew to work. Any algae or allergens that have accumulated on your home’s exterior and roof can be washed away. Powerwashing not only helps prepare your home for the winter ahead, but it also helps prevent damage or wear on those surfaces.
Powerwashing essentially can be done at any point during the day, as long as it is not dark outside. Shadows and cloud coverage can make it hard to see dirty sections of your home’s exterior. In addition, the sun helps to dry the water from the power washing.
Check your gutters for damage and leaks
One area that should be checked and inspected during your fall maintenance is the roof. While it is important to power wash to remove the algae and moss that may have grown over the summer, it is also necessary to check for any cracks or leaks before winter arrives.
Fixing a roof in the winter can be very challenging. A leaky roof can cause structural damage to your home. It can also cause problems with your electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. Having electrical or heating complications in the fall and winter can lead to a slew of other issues.
Along with the roof, all gutters and drainpipes should be checked. If your roof and gutters are not draining correctly, it can cause problems. The water can accumulate, causing it to wear away the surrounding materials. This wearing away can eventually lead to a crack or leak.
Gutters and drainage pipes should be clear of blockages in order to drain properly. Hiring a professional to remove leaves and other debris will help accomplish this task.
To make sure your gutters and downspouts are draining properly, have them professionally serviced. This will ensure that there are no leaks and that your house is effectively draining off water from precipitation.
Additionally, the fall is the perfect time to check your safety devices. Do all your smoke detectors have working batteries? Is your carbon monoxide detector plugged in and functioning?
Check your driveway for cracks before the winter months so they don't spread
Lastly, if you have a paved driveway, you will want to make sure there are no cracks in your driveway. If there are, you will want to address that and plan to get them fixed or sealed. If water goes into these cracks and freezes, it can cause the pavement to expand, causing a more significant gap. What starts as a small crack can morph into a large pothole if not taken care of.
Bruno Painting is here to help you prepare for the colder months ahead. We are not only a painting company … we offer a wide range of services, including house washing, roof washing, power washing, gutter cleaning, as well as a complete array of remodeling and carpentry services. Contact us today for a free estimate to see how we can help you with your Fall home maintenance to transition your home from today’s summer months to the colder months ahead.
