There’s a crispness to the air and that can only mean one thing – fall is finally here! While apple cider, caramel apples, and jack-o’-lanterns pop into your head first, Ferguson Roofing wants you to also think about critical home improvement projects. Early fall is still warm enough to work outside, so continue reading for tips on how to prepare for the upcoming cold weather.
Seal the Windows
Did you notice that your energy bill increased significantly from last year? It’s possible that your windows have been silently leaking out air. This could be due to anything from improper installation to parts that are wearing down over time. Luckily, most of these leaks can be sealed by caulking. If the leak continues, however, installing new windows will fix the problem and freshen up your home’s interior and exterior.
Perform Deck Maintenance
After the spring and summer months, it’s important to evaluate the current condition of your deck. Start by clearing the area of furniture and sweeping so that you can then check for signs of damage. Splitting, rotting, or warping wood might be a result of water damage or an aging deck. Either way, a waterproof, slip-resistant, and textured application, like Dec-Tec, is highly recommended.
Power Wash the Siding
Your property’s siding will always benefit from a good power washing – especially if it reveals any structural issues that need to be addressed. Cracked, loose, or missing pieces should be taken seriously as your home will be at risk to increasing winds and decreasing temperatures. If the damage is excessive, two options for replacement include vinyl siding and LP SmartSide.
Clean and Guard the Gutters
Now that fall has arrived, you can either constantly clean the gutters or clean them once and guard them for the rest of the season. The next few weeks will bring more debris than a gutter can handle, so choose wisely! Ferguson Roofing offers three products for gutter protection. You’ll also be preventing the possibility of ice dams from forming in the future.
Replace Faulty Shingles
Right between a blistering summer and frozen winter, fall days are ideal for carefully inspecting the shingles on a roof. Like with your home’s siding, cracked or missing shingles need to take priority. If they are made from asphalt, broken shingles can be patched and repaired. There’s also a chance that they need to be replaced entirely. Ferguson Roofing recommends several products and their trusted roofers to get the job done.
Consider a New Roof
If your current roof looks like it’s just a pile of snow (or leaves!) away from collapsing, then it’s time to consider upgrading to a new roof. You can decide if you’d like to stick with shingles or choose a metal roof instead. There are even flat or low slope roofs available, which can effectively handle slow water shedding and snow loads.
Call Ferguson Roofing
No matter what season, Ferguson Roofing is prepared to answer your call. Before trying anything on your own, remember that we are the professionals. Reach out to us for any of the projects listed above and we’ll give you a free estimate as soon as possible. Schedule an appointment today by calling (314) 521-6917 in Missouri or (618) 212-1912 in Illinois.