Tips for the Home Exterior in the Texas Panhandle this Fall
The summer has been hard on your roof with all the heat and hail? You may be wondering if your siding and gutters can stand up to a cold front. Then there is the question of what needs tending to before winter makes itself at home in the Panhandle.
We can put your mind at ease. As a local, owner operated business in the Panhandle with an office in both Pampa and Amarillo, Texas Plains Contractors is well versed in residential and commercial work of all kinds: roofing, windows, doors, siding and gutters. For a professional assessment of your property this fall, you can reach us at (806) 450-4457.
There is no better time than fall to see to your home exterior. The milder weather means projects are less of an ordeal and one has the luxury of putting right any minor defects before they become major ones. We have some tips here for the protection of your most valuable asset.
The Roof First
It is the roof that has to put up with the worst the Panhandle can put out. Between the wind and hail we get in this part of the country and the intensity of a summer sun, it takes its toll. You would do well to ascertain the condition of your roof prior to the onset of winter.
A good look from the ground will tell you a lot. Be on the lookout for shingles that are curling or cracked, granules in the gutter or by the downspout, dark spots indicative of moisture, or any sagging to the roofline. Check for debris in the valleys where water is meant to run off and make sure the flashing on your vents and chimneys is intact. Should you notice anything amiss, do not put it off; small matters have a habit of becoming large ones when the wet, cold weather comes. A professional inspection is time well spent since not all damage shows from the yard. Ours are free of charge and pressure free so you can see where you are at. Being GAF certified and trained, our people know what to look for.
Gutters
One might forget about them but gutters are important in the job of turning water away from the house. Clogged with leaves they will back up and spill over, causing trouble for your foundation, fascia or siding.
Now is as good a time as any to clear them. After the leaves have fallen, see that the water makes its way through and out of the downspouts unimpeded and that the downspouts are directed away from the house. If they are rusting, too small or coming loose, consider a replacement before the winter months.
Siding, Windows and Doors
Make a circuit of your home and have a close look at the outside before the temperature takes a turn. Even the tiniest opening will let in the cold.
You want to check for:
- Warping or cracks in the siding
- Any softness or peeling paint that is a sign of water
- Weatherstripping that is gone or worn
- Drafts at the windows and doors
- Condensation in the panes
- A door that does not seal as it should
To put a stop to these and keep heating bills in check come winter, seal them up. An old window or door is best replaced; it is a sound upgrade for the exterior. New siding and such will serve you well against the elements and put a better face on your home.
Acting in the Fall Makes Sense
Postpone repairs until winter and you will be faced with more expense and aggravation. Fall affords you the opportunity to plan. Should finances be an issue, Service Finance can put together a plan for you covering everything from an exterior improvement to a full roof replacement.
Texas Plains Contractors is BBB A+ accredited and fully licensed, bonded and insured. We are at the service of homeowners in the Panhandle, in Canyon, Hereford, Dumas, Borger, Perryton and the like, as well as Amarillo and Pampa.
Give us a ring at (806) 450-4457 to set up a free estimate or roof inspection. We are here Monday to Friday from 8:00am till 5:00pm and will be happy to assist you in seeing your home is in order for the season.
