The leaves haven’t started falling yet—and that’s exactly why now is the perfect time to look up.
September is a transition month in Ohio. Summer is winding down, cooler temperatures are arriving, and before long, we’ll be dealing with falling leaves, colder rain, wind and eventually winter weather.
Before all of that arrives, take a few minutes to walk around your home and give the exterior a closer look.
Here are five things every homeowner should check this fall.
1. Look Up at Your Roof
Your roof takes a beating all year long from sun, wind, rain and changing temperatures. By September, it may be showing signs of wear that aren’t immediately obvious from the ground.
Look for:
- Missing, cracked, or damaged shingles
- Shingles that are curling or lifting
- Dark or discolored areas
- Loose flashing around chimneys, vents and other roof openings
- Excessive granules collecting in your gutters
You don’t necessarily need to climb onto your roof to spot potential problems. A walk around your home with your eyes pointed upward can reveal quite a bit.
And remember: a roof doesn’t have to be leaking to have a problem.
Taking care of a small issue now can potentially prevent a much bigger—and more expensive—problem once winter arrives.
2. Check Your Gutters Before the Leaves Do
Fall leaves and gutters aren’t exactly the best combination.
If your gutters are already sagging, pulling away from your home, damaged or not draining properly, September is a great time to address the problem—before they’re filled with leaves.
Look for:
- Sagging or separated gutters
- Leaking seams
- Loose or missing sections
- Gutters overflowing during rain
- Downspouts that aren’t directing water away from your home
Your gutter system has an important job: moving water away from your roof and foundation.
A little attention now can go a long way when the leaves—and fall rain—start piling up.
3. Take a Walk Around Your Siding
Your home’s siding does more than determine how your house looks. It’s an important part of protecting your home from Ohio’s weather.
As you walk around your house, look for cracked, warped, loose or damaged siding. Also pay attention to areas where moisture may have gotten behind the siding.
And don’t forget the big picture.
Has your siding become noticeably faded or worn over the years? If your home’s exterior is looking tired, fall can be a great time to start thinking about an update.
Sometimes a new exterior can completely transform the look of a home.
4. Look for Signs of Water
Water is one of your home’s biggest enemies—and September rain can actually help you spot potential problems.
During or after a good rain, take a look around your property.
Is water overflowing from your gutters?
Is it pooling near your foundation?
Are there wet spots on your siding?
Are your downspouts directing water where they should?
Inside your home, keep an eye out for water stains on ceilings or walls, particularly around areas where the roof meets another structure or where vents and chimneys penetrate the roof.
If something doesn’t look right, don’t wait until spring to investigate it.
5. Take a Step Back and Look at the Whole Exterior
Sometimes the easiest way to spot a problem is simply to walk away from the house and look at it as a whole.
Does the roof look even?
Does anything appear out of place?
Are there areas of siding that look different?
Are the gutters straight and secure?
You know what your home normally looks like. If something suddenly catches your eye, it’s worth paying attention to.
Don’t Wait Until Winter to Find Out Your Home Isn’t Ready
Fall is one of the best times of year to make sure your home’s exterior is in good shape.
Before the leaves fall, before the temperatures drop and before winter weather arrives, take a few minutes to look up.
And if you find something that needs attention, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
Ehrnsberger Exteriors is locally owned and proud to serve homeowners throughout Putnam County and surrounding communities. From roofing and gutters to siding and other exterior needs, our team is here to help you protect your home—and do the job right.
This fall, take care of your home before your home has to take care of you.
Ehrnsberger Exteriors
Neighbors First. Roofers Always!
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