There’s something about a crisp fall morning that makes even the most stubborn homeowner start eyeing the ladder and wondering what needs fixing before winter. The All Craft Exteriors team knows the feeling — and since we’ve spent a few decades keeping local homes in shape, we’ve pulled together our favorite fall maintenance tips to help you get ahead of the cold.
These tips come straight from The Best Crew in the Business— the same people who install your roofs, replace your windows, and make sure your home is ready to stand up against a Minnesota winter.
Mike’s first stop every fall is his windows. “I run my hand along the frame and the glass,” he says. “If I can feel a chill, the window’s not doing its job.”
Start inside — check that locks and latches close smoothly and weather-stripping isn’t cracked or peeling. Outside, inspect caulking around the frame. Cloudy glass between panes is a sign that seals have failed and moisture has crept in.
If it’s time for an upgrade, ProVia® replacement windows are engineered to handle Minnesota winters — high energy efficiency, tight seals, and custom fits that stop leaks before they start. And yes, All Craft installs year-round, even when there’s snow on the ground.
Corey says it plain: “Clean gutters save roofs.” Leaves and pine needles don’t just look messy — they trap water, which freezes and expands, creating ice dams that can tear at shingles and fascia boards. But that’s only part of the story. When gutters overflow, all that water ends up where it shouldn’t — pooling around your foundation, seeping into basements, and washing out landscaping.
“If your gutters aren’t moving water away from the house, they’re not doing their job,” Corey adds.
Grab a scoop and clear them out or hire a professional cleaner if ladders aren’t your thing. Check that downspouts are clear and aimed away from your foundation. If you’re constantly fighting clogs, consider seamless gutters from All Craft, custom-fit on-site to minimize joints and leaks.
See Corey’s Gutter Guard Video below.
While you’re checking those gutters, take a minute to look at your roofline. Missing shingles, dark streaks, or flashing that looks lifted are all red flags. Dustin always pays special attention to the small things — nail heads around vents, sealant that’s starting to crack, or areas where weather has taken its toll.
“Minnesota’s freeze-thaw cycle is rough on roofs,” he says. “Sealant dries out, nails loosen, and before you know it, water’s sneaking in where it shouldn’t.”
All Craft’s GAF- and TAMKO-certified roofing teams specialize in spotting these early signs of wear before they turn into major issues. A quick fall inspection can catch loose fasteners, failing sealant, or storm damage before winter sets in — saving you from leaks, rot, and insulation headaches down the road.
Matt’s not one for overcomplicating things. “Walk your house,” he says. “Look for the spots where water can sneak in — decks, doors, anywhere wood meets the weather.”
If you have a deck, make sure it’s sealed before the snow starts to fall. Freeze–thaw cycles push water into the boards and framing, leading to swelling, cracking, and rot. Pay extra attention where the deck meets the house — that joint around the door is a prime flash point for water damage.
Shoveling with metal blades can scrape away the protective finish, exposing raw wood to moisture and damage. A fall sealant coat keeps water out through winter, and a spring touch-up helps refresh the areas that take the brunt of the weather.
If you’re unsure what type of sealant to use, the North American Deck and Railing Association offers guidelines on choosing products and timing seasonal maintenance.
Chad’s rule for fall prep is simple: “If you want to use it again next year, don’t leave it outside.”
Drain hoses and irrigation lines, shut off outdoor spigots, and store patio furniture before the first hard freeze. Cover your grill, and if you’ve got a snowblower, test it before you actually need it.
“The only thing worse than digging out a snowblower at midnight,” Chad says, “is finding out it doesn’t start.”
You can’t control the weather, but you can control how well your home handles it.
For more winter prep ideas — from draining outdoor faucets to protecting tools — check out the University of Minnesota Extension’s home and yard checklist
If your roof, siding, or gutters, are showing their age, don’t patch it — replace it with lasting work from the best crew in the business. Schedule your consultation at
AllCraftExteriors.com.
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