It may be hard to fathom, but winter will be here before we know it.
If you have understandably put off some household renovations during the summer — after all, it’s hard to think of loose gutters when the weather is so gorgeous and everyone is in the pool — you might want to start working on these projects before the mercury drops. Once the snow starts falling and/or the rains come, it will not only be more challenging to complete certain renovations and repairs, the harsh weather may cause issues to get worse.
So, with that in mind, the following renovation and/or repair projects should really be tackled sooner rather than later.
Install or Upgrade a Security Camera System
If you have always intended to install a security camera system around your home, or you need to upgrade the old model you already have, the late summer/early fall is the perfect time to do this task. Once the cold winter storms come in, you won’t relish the idea of being up on a ladder installing the cameras above doors and windows. Plus, if you do the task now, you can rest assured that your home will be well-monitored as the holiday season comes up and packages start to arrive at your door. As for what type of security camera system to get, the wire-free or Nocturnal lines from Lorex are great options, especially in areas of the country where the weather gets really nasty in the winter. Both of these cameras will not only get clear footage, but they will also continue to work no matter what Mother Nature throws their way, including heavy rainstorms, extreme amounts of snowfall, sub-zero freezing temps, and — looking ahead to next summer — blistering hot days.
Repair Loose Roofing Shingles and Tiles
Another home renovation that should be marked off as “completed” before the cold weather hits involve roof repair. As Consumer Reports notes, if you have the slightest inkling that your roof has loose or damaged shingles or tiles, have a licensed roofer come by to inspect the roof sooner rather than later. Just one cubic foot of snow can weigh 20 to 25 pounds, so if there are loose shingles, the snow can cause them to move around more, which will cause water to get through the roof and get into your home.
Clean and Possibly Replace the Gutters
Again, it is hard to feel a sense of urgency about your gutters when it’s 80 degrees outside. But as Family Handyman notes, grit your teeth, climb up on a ladder and inspect all of the gutters now when the weather is still nice. You might be surprised to see how much is in there — everything from leaves and pine cones to old pieces of bird nests and feathers. If you spot any gutters that are broken or cracked, go ahead and replace them as soon as you can. And while you are at it, double-check that the downspouts are facing away from your home’s foundation. Once winter shows up in all her glory, you will be glad you got this messy chore out of the way during the summer, and that the gutters are clean, in great shape and able to move water away from your home.
Being Proactive Makes All the Difference
When it comes to home renovations, especially the ones to the exterior of the house, being proactive is always a good plan. By taking care of these three chores now, you can rest assured that your home will be more secure, safe, and in good shape before the cold weather arrives.
