How to Prepare Your Home's Exterior for a New York Winter

Upstate New York winters are legendary for their intensity. While you're busy getting your furnace checked and your snowblower ready, don't forget about your home's exterior. Taking the right steps in the fall can prevent thousands of dollars in damage come springtime.

The Fall Cleaning Checklist

To protect your investment through the freeze-thaw cycles, make sure these tasks are completed before the ground freezes:

• Wash Away Summer Grime: Mold and algae that sit on your siding all winter can cause permanent staining. A fall house wash kills these organisms so they don't eat away at your surfaces under the snow.
• Seal Your Concrete: This is the most important step for Rochester driveways. Water that gets into concrete pores and freezes will expand, causing "spalling" or pitting. A professional-grade sealer keeps moisture out.
• Final Gutter Flush: Once the last leaf has fallen, your gutters must be cleared. Clogged gutters lead to ice dams, which force water up under your shingles and into your attic.

Why Fall is the Best Time for House Washing

Many homeowners wait until spring to wash their homes, but fall washing is actually more beneficial. It removes the pollen and organic matter that has accumulated all summer, preventing it from becoming a food source for mold during the damp winter months.