Fall Home Maintenance Checklist: Prepare Your House for Winter

Contributed by Associated Materials Innovations (AMI), offering industry-leading solutions through Gentek® Building Products, ASCEND® Composite Cladding, Alpine Window Systems, and Preservation® Window Collection.

When to start winterizing your home?

As the season changes, so does the to-do list waiting by the back door. And in many parts of the country, fall is the perfect checkpoint to prep before the weather can flip the script on your home.

Start with siding.

Take just a little time to circle your home, looking for cracks, warping, or loose panels. Moisture works its way into even the tiniest gaps and, in cooler months, can turn into a bigger headache. If you’ve got a remodel underway, ask your contractor to prioritize siding fixes or upgrades before the rain and snow arrive. 

And while you’re at it, give the siding a good rinse to remove dirt, pollen, and mildew. With exterior vinyl and composite claddings, it’s the small things (that often take just a few minutes) that will help the material hold up better throughout the winter.

A quick spray-down once or twice a year keeps ASCEND® Composite Cladding looking fresh. Washing away seasonal dust and debris that can linger on the surface helps to highlight your siding’s true color and texture.

Your windows are up next.

Windows play a starring role in energy efficiency once temperatures drop. Check the seals and caulking. If you feel air slipping through, it’s time to reseal or, better yet, replace. Modern ENERGY STAR®-rated windows, including offerings from Gentek®, Alpine, and Preservation®, glass pack features like low-E glass coatings, warm-edge spacers, and inert gas fills (like argon or krypton) between panes to dramatically cut heat loss. Upgrading to these models can improve thermal resistance by up to 30% compared to standard double-pane glass, which means a warmer home and noticeably lower utility bills.

When it comes to windows, wash what you see, and clean what you don’t. Panes, tracks, and screens all need extra attention. You’ll be happy you spent quality time when your windows seal and slide the way they’re supposed to.

Plan your upgrades.
If you are remodeling, fall offers a sweet spot for window or siding replacement. Crews can work comfortably before icy conditions set in, and your home is buttoned up before the cold settles. 

Line up indoor projects for efficiency.
Fall is also the prime time to plan kitchen, bath, or basement remodels. Contractors generally have more indoor crew availability once exterior jobs wind down. Your project will make the list, while others will be frozen until after winter.

Smart investments now save later.
Fall is also the season when sneaky window drafts show up. Swapping in new windows or adding insulated siding now can pay off in terms of year-round comfort and lower energy bills, not to mention a whole new look that you’ll love coming home to. Be sure to ask your remodeler about rebates or incentives that are available in your area.

Many homeowners stand to save more than they think.
Giving windows and siding a little attention now sets you up for months of comfort and savings. Tackle it before the weather takes over, and you’ll head into winter with a house ready to perform and a lot of worry off your plate.

Need help preparing your home for winter? A qualified remodeling professional can evaluate damaged siding, persistent window leaks, insulation problems and other exterior concerns. Search NARI’s directory to find remodeling professionals serving your area.