As summer winds down and cooler weather settles into Western New York, September is the perfect time to take a closer look at your home’s exterior. Fall is more than just a change of seasons, it’s an opportunity to take care of maintenance and improvements before winter arrives, or a great time to plan ahead.
From drafty windows to overflowing gutters, small problems can become bigger and more expensive when exposed to months of snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.
Here are 7 home improvement projects to consider this fall.
1. Check Your Windows for Drafts
Your windows play an important role in keeping your home comfortable throughout the year. Before temperatures drop, check for drafts around window frames and sashes.
Signs that your windows may need attention include:
- Noticeable drafts
- Condensation between panes of glass
- Difficult operation
- Damaged or deteriorating frames
- Increasing heating and cooling costs
- Cold rooms near windows
If your windows are showing their age, fall can be a great time to explore replacement windows before the coldest weather arrives.
2. Inspect Your Entry and Patio Doors
Doors are another area where homeowners can lose valuable heated or cooled air. Check the weatherstripping around your entry doors and patio doors and look for visible gaps or damage.
A new exterior door can do more than improve energy efficiency. It can also update your home’s appearance, increase security, and create a more welcoming entryway.
Whether you’re considering a new entry door, storm door, or patio door, choosing the right product and professional installation can make a noticeable difference.
3. Clean and Inspect Your Gutters
Fall leaves and debris can quickly fill gutters and downspouts. When water can’t flow properly, it can spill over the sides of your gutters and potentially cause problems with your roof, siding, foundation, and landscaping.
Before the leaves really start falling, inspect your gutters for:
- Sagging sections
- Loose fasteners
- Leaks
- Rust or deterioration
- Clogged downspouts
- Improper water drainage
If your existing gutters are worn out or continually require repairs, seamless gutters can be a worthwhile upgrade.
4. Take a Look at Your Roof
Your roof will have to withstand everything Western New York winter can bring—snow, ice, wind, and freezing temperatures. Fall is an ideal time to have your roof inspected.
Look for obvious warning signs such as missing or damaged shingles, excessive granule loss, damaged flashing, or areas where the roof appears worn.
If your roof is approaching the end of its expected lifespan, replacing it before winter can help prevent unexpected problems during the coldest months of the year.
5. Inspect Your Siding
Your home’s siding provides an important layer of protection against the elements. Walk around your home and look for cracked, loose, warped, or damaged siding.
Damaged siding can allow moisture to reach areas where it doesn’t belong. Replacing worn siding can also give your home a completely refreshed appearance while providing an additional layer of protection from Western New York weather.
6. Make Sure Your Home Is Ready for Winter
September is also a good time to create a broader winter-preparation checklist.
Take a walk around your property and look for areas that could become problems once the weather turns colder. Check exterior caulking, trim, doors, windows, drainage, and other areas where moisture or cold air could enter.
Taking care of these projects now can help you avoid scrambling for repairs when winter is already here.
7. Start Planning Those Bigger Projects
Not every home improvement project needs to be completed immediately. Fall is a great time to start planning projects you’d like to tackle in the coming months.
Maybe you’ve been thinking about replacing your windows, upgrading your entry door, adding a new patio door, replacing your roof, or updating your home’s siding.
Starting the conversation early gives you time to explore your options, compare products, establish a budget, and plan the project around your schedule.
Prepare Your Home for Western New York’s Winter
Fall doesn’t last long in Western New York. Before the leaves are completely down and temperatures begin to drop, take some time to evaluate your home’s exterior.
Addressing problems early can help protect your home, improve comfort, and give you peace of mind heading into winter.
At Springville Door & Window Inc., we help Western New York homeowners with quality windows, doors, roofing, siding, and seamless gutters. With locations in Springville and Fredonia, we’re proud to serve homeowners throughout the area.
Ready to start your home improvement project? Contact Springville Door & Window Inc. to discuss your project and explore your options.
