As the leaves fall and temperatures drop, now’s the perfect time to make sure your home is ready for the colder months ahead. A little maintenance now not only helps you avoid costly repairs later—it also ensures your home is safe, cozy, and welcoming for the holiday season.
Here are five key steps to take this fall:
- Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Clear out leaves and debris to keep rain and melting snow flowing away from your home. Clogged gutters can cause ice dams and water damage—issues that are far more expensive to fix once winter sets in. Inspect the roof for damage, and ensure gutters are clear to prevent water from backing up and causing ice dams or leaks. - Seal Drafts Around Windows and Doors
Inspect your windows and doors for gaps or worn weatherstripping. Check for air leaks and cold air entering through gaps, as sealing these can help reduce heating bills. Sealing up drafts keeps warm air in, lowers energy bills, and helps your home feel comfortable when guests arrive for the holidays. - Protect and Level Concrete Surfaces
Uneven sidewalks, driveways, or patios can worsen through freeze-thaw cycles, leading to trip hazards and bigger problems down the road. Before the ground freezes, contact Perma-Seal to professionally level your concrete using repair methods such as slab jacking or mud jacking to prevent further damage. - Check Your Attic Insulation
Proper attic insulation keeps warm air from escaping and helps your heating system run more efficiently. Attics and a poorly insulated attic are major sources of heat loss; proper insulation prevents cold air from entering and helps keep the home warm during the winter season. Insulation in attics and crawl spaces also helps prevent pipes from freezing and bursting, which can result in costly repairs. Additionally, attic insulation is important for preventing ice dams and moisture problems on the roof. If you’ve noticed uneven temperatures between rooms or rising energy bills, it’s time to have your insulation evaluated. Perma-Seal can help ensure your attic is properly insulated for comfort and energy savings throughout the entire winter season. - Inspect Your Foundation
Take a walk around your home and look for cracks in walls, uneven floors, or doors that stick—these can be early signs of foundation issues. Inspect basement foundations and crawl space walls for cracking, water intrusion, and soil pressure issues. Sealing cracks in exterior walls and foundations helps prevent water intrusion and moisture problems during the winter months. It’s essential to consult a structural engineer or contractor to determine the most suitable foundation repair method, such as helical piers, steel piers, carbon fiber, mud jacking, or slab jacking, based on the soil and foundation type. Addressing foundation repairs now can save money and prevent more expensive repairs in the long run. Perma-Seal’s foundation repair experts can assess and fix issues before the cold weather causes further shifting or damage.
Taking care of these tasks now means fewer worries—and more time to enjoy the season with family and friends. These projects help keep your home ready for the winter season, prevent water damage, and save money on costly repairs. Prepare for power outages, service your furnace and fireplace, and ensure you have adequate storage space for outdoor equipment during the winter months. Proper winter preparation helps protect your home’s foundation, walls, and pipes, and keeps your house comfortable and safe. For complex jobs, it’s essential to hire a professional contractor or structural engineer, as some repairs exceed the capabilities of DIY projects. If you notice uneven concrete, poor insulation, or signs of foundation settling, call Perma-Seal for a FREE professional inspection. You can also explore their financing options to help manage the cost of necessary repairs. You’ll head into winter knowing your home is protected, comfortable, and ready for the holidays.
