Now that summer is coming to a close, it’s time to focus on fall home improvement projects. Fall is the key time to evaluate your home exterior and prepare it for the harsh winter months ahead for many parts of the country.

To get your house ready, start by giving your exterior a thorough review. Everything should be checked, cleaned up and made ready to handle Mother Nature when she comes blowing in within the next few months.

Evaluate your roof

Look for missing or loose shingles, deterioration of asphalt shingles along with mold, algae or splitting of real wood shingles.

Clean your gutters

Get leaves and gunk out now so that gutters won’t get backed up, clogged and frozen in the winter, causing ice formations. Gutters should be securely attached to the home and sloped for proper drainage.

Check siding and trim

Make sure there are no rotting boards or insect infestations in any wood exterior products. Determine if a new paint job is needed before the winter weather hits. Should these items need replacement, research man-made low-maintenance products, like fiber cement siding?

Check the functionality of your garage door

You’re in and out of your garage door many times each day. Make sure it’s functioning properly and has strong air infiltration seals to help keep energy bills down. If you’re ready for a new look or a harder-working garage door, consider the steel and aluminum options.

Seal the windows

Make sure your windows have strong weather-stripping in place with energy-efficient glass that is still working.

Check your doors

As with windows, your entry doors should have weather stripping that’s not worn out around the entire opening. This helps keep drafty cold air out of your house during winter months.

Secure or replace railings

Loose or unstable railing systems can be dangerous. Check all balusters, handrails, and elements of front and back rail systems to assure they’re functioning properly.

Spend time with your landscaping

Once the leaves have fallen, get out the rakes. Remove dead leaves and underbrush around the house and garden area. Re-mulch key landscaping areas. Trim back trees and bushes away from the house to get your home ready for the winter.

Home ownership means continually maintaining the exterior elements of a house. With the cooler weather, autumn is the ideal time to upgrade and improve those key exterior elements to assure your home is ready for the winter months ahead.