7 Things Northwest Indiana Homeowners Should Check Before Fall Arrives

Summer is winding down, and before you know it, cooler temperatures, falling leaves, rain and eventually winter weather will be here.

For homeowners in Northwest Indiana and the surrounding communities, fall is a great time to take a close look at your home’s exterior and address small problems before they become bigger, more expensive issues.

Your home’s windows, doors, siding, roof and gutters all work together to protect your home from the elements. A little preventative maintenance now can help you head into the colder months with greater confidence.

Here are 7 things every homeowner should check before fall arrives.

1. Check Your Windows for Drafts and Air Leaks

Your windows play an important role in keeping your home comfortable throughout the year. As temperatures begin to drop, drafts around your windows can become much more noticeable.

Walk around your home and check for:

• Noticeable drafts around the window frame
• Condensation or moisture between glass panes
• Cracked or damaged glass
• Difficult-to-open or close windows
• Failing seals
• Rot or deterioration around the window frame
• Increasing heating and cooling costs

Older or damaged windows may allow conditioned air to escape while letting outside air into your home.

If you are noticing several of these problems, it may be time to consider whether replacement makes more sense than continued repairs.

2. Inspect Your Exterior Doors

Your exterior doors are another important part of your home’s protection against the weather.

Check the areas around your doors for gaps, damaged weatherstripping, drafts or visible light coming through when the door is closed.

You should also make sure your doors open, close and lock properly.

A worn or poorly sealed door can make your home feel drafty and may make it harder to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

If your entry door is showing its age, fall can be a great time to explore replacement options before the coldest part of the year arrives.

3. Take a Look at Your Siding

Your siding does much more than affect your home’s curb appeal. It is one of the primary barriers protecting your home from wind, rain and moisture.

Walk around your property and look for:

• Cracked or broken siding
• Loose or missing pieces
• Warping or buckling
• Areas with discoloration
• Peeling or bubbling
• Signs of moisture
• Damaged areas around windows and doors

Don’t forget to look closely at corners, trim and areas where different exterior materials meet.

If you notice damage, don’t automatically assume you need to replace all of your siding. A professional evaluation can help determine the extent of the problem and what options make the most sense for your home.

4. Clean and Inspect Your Gutters

Fall means leaves—and lots of them.

Before the leaves really start falling, make sure your gutters and downspouts are ready to handle rain and melting snow.

Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow against your home’s siding, foundation or landscaping.

Check for:

• Leaves and debris
• Sagging gutters
• Loose fasteners
• Leaking seams
• Damaged sections
• Downspouts that aren’t directing water away from your home

Keeping your gutters clear is a simple maintenance task that can help prevent water-related problems.

5. Check Your Roof for Damage

Your roof takes a beating throughout the year from wind, rain, snow, ice and changing temperatures.

Before winter arrives, take a look from the ground—or have a professional inspect it for you.

Look for signs such as:

• Missing or damaged shingles
• Areas that appear loose or uneven
• Damaged flashing
• Excessive moss or algae growth
• Visible signs of water intrusion
• Sagging areas

You should also check your attic for signs of moisture or leaks.

If you suspect your roof has been damaged, especially after a severe storm, don’t wait until winter weather makes the problem worse.

6. Look for Signs of Moisture Around Your Home

Water intrusion can create some of the most frustrating—and expensive—home problems.

As you’re inspecting your exterior, pay close attention to areas around:

• Windows
• Exterior doors
• Siding
• Roof penetrations
• Gutters and downspouts

Inside your home, look for water stains, peeling paint, bubbling drywall, musty smells or other signs that moisture may be getting where it shouldn’t.

Catching a potential problem early can give you more options for addressing it before it develops into a much larger issue.

7. Start Planning Exterior Home Improvement Projects Now

If you’ve been putting off a home improvement project, fall is a good time to start planning.

Maybe you’ve noticed that your windows are drafty. Perhaps your siding is looking worn, your front door needs an upgrade or your roof has seen better days.

Waiting until the middle of winter to address these problems isn’t always the best option.

Getting an estimate early gives you an opportunity to understand your options, compare products and determine what makes sense for your home and budget.

Don’t Know Where to Start?

You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

At Terry’s Windows & More, we help homeowners with a variety of exterior home improvement projects, including:

• Windows
• Siding
• Roofing
• Doors
• Gutters
• Stone

We’re a family-owned and operated company serving Northwest Indiana, Michiana and the Southeast Suburbs of Chicago.

From Valparaiso and Chesterton to Merrillville, Michigan City, LaPorte, Crown Point, Portage and surrounding communities, our team is here to help homeowners make informed decisions about their homes.

Get Your Home Ready for Fall with Terry’s

If you’ve noticed drafts, damaged siding, an aging roof, an outdated door or other exterior concerns, don’t wait until winter to find out how much the problem could cost.

Terry’s Windows & More offers FREE ESTIMATES and can help you determine what your home needs and what options are available.

We’re proud to provide premium products and services at wholesale prices while giving homeowners the personal service you expect from a local, family-owned company.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact Terry’s Windows & More today to schedule your FREE ESTIMATE.

Terry’s Windows & More — Premium Products & Services at Wholesale Prices.

Serving Northwest Indiana, Michiana and the Southeast Suburbs of Chicago.