Seasonal Checklist for your home-Windows, Doors, Siding

BY FABRICIO DE ARAUJO

The temperatures are still hot outside, but colder, wetter weather will be here before you know it. Don’t get caught off guard before winter hits. A good tip is to take a look at the outside of your home now and make a list of items to improve, repair or replace.

When you walk outside and look around your house, there are a few obvious things you might notice that need some attention before the weather changes. If you see shingles on the ground, your roof might need some repairs. Painting the house might be on the list.  Make sure your gutters are clean, too.

Some other important things you should also look at are your windows, front doors/entry doors, and siding.

Here is a checklist of items to observe when inspecting your windows, doors, and siding:

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-Take a look at the caulking around windows. Is it cracked, separating or pulling away? If so, this could allow for water to enter and cause damage.

-Check for gaps around the windows. This would allow for bad air or smoke to enter the home.

-Feel for drafts coming through the windows.

-Look and see if your windows have any fogging in between the panes of glass.

-Do you have discoloration on your floors and furniture? If so, the UV rays are not being blocked.

-Check if the weep holes in the window are clogged. If the weep system doesn’t work well, then when it rains, it won’t allow water to drain and will back into the house.

-Exterior glazing beads are starting to come off.

-Dry rot

-Check all the old caulking around the outside of the house

-Gaps around doors

-Make sure all weatherstripping is intact

-Is the siding buckled and/or wavy? If so, this could lead to water infiltration.

All of the items on the list above are just a start for you. If you aren’t sure whether what you are seeing can be repaired or needs to be replaced, consult with an expert. The last thing you want is to ignore a small issue that could cost you a lot more in the future. The goal is for your home to not only be energy-efficient but also as comfortable as possible.

Custom Exteriors offers a free in-home consultation. One of our experts can come to your home and give you an estimate to replace your windows, doors, and/or siding if it’s determined that a repair is not an option. Make an appointment today! We look forward to making your home as comfortable as possible this winter.

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