Protecting Your Home’s Exterior: Essential October Maintenance Tips

As the crisp air settles in and leaves begin to fall, October is the perfect time to prepare your home’s exterior for the coming winter. A little preventative maintenance now can help you avoid costly repairs later and keep your home in top shape through the colder months. Here are some essential tips every homeowner should tackle this October:

1. Inspect and Clean Gutters

Falling leaves and autumn debris can clog your gutters quickly. Blocked gutters lead to water overflow, which can damage your roof, siding, and foundation. Take the time to clear gutters and downspouts, ensuring water flows freely away from your home.

2. Check Your Roof for Damage

Before snow and ice arrive, inspect your roof for loose or missing shingles, cracked flashing, or areas of wear. Addressing small issues now will help prevent leaks and more extensive water damage later.

3. Seal Gaps and Cracks

Walk around your home and check windows, doors, and siding for gaps or cracks where cold air or pests might sneak in. Sealing with caulk or weatherstripping helps improve energy efficiency and keeps critters out.

4. Protect Outdoor Faucets and Irrigation

Drain and shut off outdoor faucets and irrigation systems to prevent freezing and bursting pipes. Adding faucet covers provides extra insulation for those chilly nights.

5. Prepare Your Lawn and Landscape

Rake leaves, aerate your lawn, and apply fall fertilizer to help grass survive the winter and come back stronger in spring. Trim back overgrown branches that could break under heavy snow and cause damage.

6. Check Exterior Paint and Siding

Touch up peeling paint or make small siding repairs now before harsh weather worsens the problem. A protective coat of paint or sealant can also help shield your home from moisture.

Final Thought: October’s mild weather is your chance to get ahead of winter. By protecting your home’s exterior now, you’ll safeguard against damage, save money on energy costs, and step into the colder months with peace of mind.

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About us

Northeastern Window & Door opened in 1979 by Jim and Betty Smith as a small Window & Door Shop serving Northeastern Michigan. The store is now owned and operated by John Smith, Jim and Betty's son.

Jim and Betty Smith, and family, lived in the Metro Detroit area. Jim worked as a trim carpenter. They had family in Alcona County and wanted to get out of the city. Jim and Betty would come "Up North" on the weekends and Jim did side jobs when he was in the area. Jim had trouble locating materials for his jobs. He saw a need for a window and door supplier in Alcona County so he and his family relocated to Mikado in 1979 and opened Northeastern Window & Door in May 1979, on the corner of US 23 and Main Street in Harrisville. Jim sold windows, doors and trim. Jim became known as "Need trim, see Jim".

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