As summer winds down and gives way to red leaves and pumpkin spice lattes, you might be thinking about breaking out the flannels and jeans in preparation for Fall. However, fall preparation should not be limited to changes in wardrobes and lattes. The cool weather presents a great opportunity for homeowners to prepare their homes for the colder months ahead.

During the Winter, homes that did not receive proper Maintenance are more susceptible to lasting damage from the elements. Repairs become increasingly difficult due to the harsh weather conditions. To stop major problems from happening to your home this winter, you should take preventative measures by performing maintenance on your home now.  Below you will find five essential steps all homeowners should take to ensure that their homes are ready to make the transition into winter: