It’s that time of year again! As temperatures begin to drop and days get shorter, time to start thinking about all the repairs and projects you’ve been putting off around the house. But before you start your winter to-do list, there are a few cosmetic home repairs you should finish first. These quick and easy projects will not only improve your home’s curb appeal but also help you avoid more costly repairs down the road.
1. Repair Peeling Paint
Peeling paint is one of a home’s most noticeable signs of disrepair. If your home’s exterior paint is starting to peel, taking care of it as soon as possible is essential. Peeling paint not only looks terrible, but it can also lead to further damage to your home’s siding or trim. Water, snow, and ice can seep into cracks and cause even more damage.
To avoid this, scrape off any loose paint. Before applying a new layer of exterior paint, repair any cracks or holes in the siding or trim. This will help ensure that your new paint job lasts many years. Unlike indoor repainting, which can be done any time of year, exterior painting should only be done when temperatures exceed 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
You should also hire a professional exterior home painting company to do the job for you. They can pressure wash your home’s exterior to remove any dirt, grime, or mildew built up over the years. This will help ensure that your new paint job will look its best. They will also be able to repair any damage to your home’s siding or trim before painting.
2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts are essential in protecting your home from water damage. Leaves, twigs, and other debris can build up in your gutters and cause them to become clogged. Clogged gutters and downspouts cannot effectively channel water away from your home and foundation, leading to leaks and water damage inside your home.
You should clean your gutters and downspouts at least twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. Cleaning them before winter is essential to prevent ice dams from forming. You can clean your gutters and downspouts yourself with a ladder or hire a professional gutter cleaning company to do it for you.
If you choose to clean your gutters and downspouts yourself, be sure to use caution. Ladder safety is essential to avoid injury. Be sure the ladder is on level ground, and someone is nearby to spot you in case you fall.
3. Seal Cracks in Your Driveway
As water freezes and expands in cracks of your driveway, it can cause even more damage. Most driveways are made of concrete, which is very porous. Water can easily seep into small cracks and cause them to expand and become more prominent. This can lead to costly repairs down the road.
To prevent this, seal any cracks in your driveway with concrete sealant before winter arrives. This will help reduce the risk of further damage and keep your driveway looking smooth and level all winter long. If you have a large crack in your driveway, you may want to hire a professional to repair it before sealing it.
Some homeowners also choose to have their entire driveway resealed before winter. This can help protect it from salt and other elements that can accelerate the aging process. If you decide to do this, hire a professional with experience in resealing driveways.
4. Check Your Roof
Of course, your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, and it needs to be in good condition to protect the rest of your home from the elements. You want it to look good, too. Winter is a tough season on roofs, so it’s essential to make sure yours is in good condition before the snow and ice arrive.
Start by checking for any missing, cracked, or loose shingles. If you find any, replace them as soon as possible. You should also check for any leaks in your roof and have them repaired before winter arrives.
In addition, snow and ice can build up on your roof and cause damage. To prevent this, you can have a professional install ice and water barriers around the edges of your roof. This will help keep your roof in good condition and prevent costly repairs down the road. Others install heated cables along the edges of their roof to prevent ice dams from forming.
Completing these cosmetic home repairs before winter arrives will improve your home’s curb appeal and help prevent more costly damage down the road. Aside from keeping your home beautiful, these repairs will also help you avoid any nasty surprises come wintertime. So get to work and enjoy your winter worry-free!
