9 Super Easy Outdoor Fall Maintenance Tips for Winter

Fall in Grand Junction, CO, is a magical time. The sun is less intense and the air crisp. Changing leaves add a warm glow to the landscape. Some people take this time to wax their skis and pack up their kayaks for the coming winter. As you pull out your sweatshirts and pack up your shorts, don’t forget to winterize your home. 

You can evade the frost, ice, and snowstorms by locking yourself inside. But we are not sure your home exterior will hold up well if you don’t take preventive measures right now. As well as checking your home, do these things, and you won’t have to worry about what winter weather will throw your way. 

1. Look for foundation gaps 

Go around your house and check the foundation for cracks, gaps, and openings. These fissures will allow melting water to get into your home’s basement or crawl space. When water gets in, it will foster mold and damage your wooden furniture. Worse, these gaps can weaken your foundation walls and lead to structural failure. Don’t attempt a DIY. Let professionals like the experts at Foundation Repair of Western Colorado do the job. 

2. Clear all debris in your yard 

Twigs, wood chips, small rocks, and tree branches may not bother you in the fall, but they can be destructive come winter. Rain and melting ice can carry them, and they might end up blocking your drainage system. To avoid this scenario, clear all the debris and unwanted materials. Turn your dead foliage into compost for your garden. 

3. Direct your drainage well 

You should ensure that the outside drainage system is working. If the yard is sloping toward your home and not away, re-grade it. The ground needs to slope by six inches over 10 feet all around your home. Such a slope will discourage cascading water flow from collecting around the foundation of your house. 

4. Clean your gutters 

Trees do shed their leaves in fall in readiness for winter. Some of it will end up on your roof and in the guttering system. Ask your local roofing cleaners to remove the leaves, as they can obstruct melting ice from flowing down to the downspouts. Leaves can also encourage ice dams, which will release water into your home’s perimeter. While you’re at it, ensure the downspouts are angled properly so water doesn’t end up in your foundation. 

5. Inspect your roof 

Your involvement with the roof shouldn’t end with cleaning or fixing the gutters or downspouts. Check the roof for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and tiles. Also, check to see if there are holes that might cause leaks or depressions that could allow water to collect. A faulty roof can cause wood rot and compromise your HVAC or electrical systems. Make sure your roofer inspects the roof, re-beds tiles and seals holes so melting ice or rain doesn’t end up in your ceiling or walls. 

6. Prepare your yard equipment 

Your summer yard equipment needs to move indoors. Clean all digging tools and drain your gas-powered equipment before moving them in. Get out your snow shovels and roof rakes as well as snow blowers. You’ll need these once the snow starts piling up on your roof, driveway, and entryways. 

7. Insulate exposed water pipes 

Water pipes on the outside are prone to freezing and thawing, which exerts pressure on their insides, causing them to burst. Wrap the pipes with electric tape followed insulation so they won’t freeze when temperatures dip. 

8. Maintain your lawn 

Your lawn needs some TLC as well. Start by clearing debris and dirt, then reseed patchy areas. Trim bushes or plants that stand too close to your walls. Prep and plant spring bulbs like daffodils, as they’re hardy. 

9. Weatherproof doors and basement windows 

You need to inspect these fixtures for drafts and weak frames. Apply weatherstripping material all around the edges to block cold air from getting inside. This will make your home warm and reduce your dependency on your heater to warm up the interior living space. 

If you’re not sure whether your home is ready for winter or just needs a professional to point areas you may have overlooked, get in touch with the experts at Foundation Repair of Western Colorado. We have been waterproofing basements and helping homeowners like you with winter preparation. Be sure to request a free foundation repair inspection and quote and get all the answers you need before winter arrives.