As we transition into fall and winter draws nearer, it’s time to consider getting our homes ready for the coming months. The colder weather can be hard on the exterior of our homes, and small tasks that will help to keep your home running more efficiently are often overlooked. Here are a few exterior home maintenance tasks you can do now, to ensure your home sails through the winter months!
Trim tree branches
Fall and winter can bring strong winds, snow and even ice storms. While tree branches can provide much needed shade in the summer, they could break off in a storm and cause extensive damage to your home. To avoid this, keep branches trimmed back to six feet away from your home.
Patch up cracks
Cracks in your driveway could pose a huge problem if left untreated. When snow falls on your driveway and into the cracks, it can cause the concrete to freeze and then expand, making the cracks even bigger. Depending on the material of your driveway, find an appropriate product to patch up cracks in the fall and avoid winter damage altogether.
Mow the lawn
Cutting your grass is something that should be done regularly. Frequent mowing keeps your grass looking trim and tidy and stops your lawn becoming a hiding place for small creatures, like rodents, who may scurry into your home given half the chance.
Touch up paint
Paint is the outermost protective layer of your home. If paint is flaking or chipped, it means that protective layer is compromised. Chips and cracks could let in moisture, which cause mould and rot. Touch up any paint on the exterior of your home to avoid this issue!
Remove moss
Moss may look attractive covering your home but it can actually cause huge problems for your home’s overall health. Moss can harbour a lot of water, which in turn will seep into your roof and eventually inside your home. To avoid any water damage or mould issues caused by moss, make sure you remove it before it has a chance to spread.
Clean the gutters
Cleaning out gutters is probably one of the least enjoyable outdoor tasks but it is a necessary one. Clear your gutters of any rotten leaves, sticks or other debris to prevent them from overflowing with water in the case of a heavy rainfall.
Rake leaves
If you have taken good care of your lawn this summer, continue to do so during the fall and winter months. Make sure to rake up any leaves before the snow falls. Leaves left under a layer of snow can rot and smother the grass, meaning you won’t get a lovely green lawn when next spring rolls around.
For more home tips, make sure to follow Royal LePage Performance Realty on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn! Planning a move? Contact us today for a free home evaluation, or browse through hundreds of real estate listings in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario on our website!
