4 Home Repairs You Must Finish Before Winter Home Decoration Home Improvement by Anica Oaks - November 3, 2014November 3, 2014 Home Repairs – Better Finish Before Winter Yearly maintenance and repairs are an ongoing job for every homeowner, and there are some important services that must be carried out well before winter. For those that are gearing up for colder weather, here is a closer look at four vital repairs that should be carried out during the last few months of summer or the beginning of fall. 1. Roofing A broken shingle or crack in the roof can lead to insulation issues in the summer, but it can result in massive damage after a heavy snow or days of raining. An added benefit of fixing one’s roof during the summer is that it will provide the homeowner or their roofing contractor a comfortable and safe environment to carry out their repairs. 2. Pipe Leaks A small leak that took place during the summer can result in serious damage when the temperature drops below freezing, and this is why damage should be taken care of during the summer or fall. Indoor piping with any amount of damage will become more susceptible to freezing and then bursting, and this could lead to a family no longer having running water for days or even weeks at a time. Image Source: Flickr 3. Heaters and Vents Maintaining insulation and filling in cracks around doors and windows is one of the most effective methods for lowering energy bills, but homeowners should also get their HVAC system, heater, or vents checked before the first cold spell moves in. Completely servicing the heating system with the help of professionals from Shorty’s Plumbing & Heating Inc. or other HVAC servicers will help homeowners avoid a variety of major problems while keeping their house as comfortable as possible. This includes checking the accuracy of the thermostat, changing filters, patching vents, and lubricating moving parts. 4. Exterior Paint If the outside of the home is not as appealing as it once was, it may be time to get out the paint buckets or contact a professional painter before winter. In many areas, exterior painting is completely impractical or downright impossible during the coldest months of the year. A fresh layer of paint will not only improve the appearance of the home, it will also provide an extra layer of protection from moisture. The home is typically the largest investment that any family will ever make, and this is just one of the reasons it is important to stay on top of repairs. Every homeowner will want to avoid potentially expensive or time-consuming repairs during the coldest months of the year, and this makes fall the perfect time to take a closer look at everything from the roof and foundation to plumbing and insulation.