Thanksgiving has a way of turning your home into party central. The food is cooking, family is arriving, cars are filling the driveway, and suddenly you’re noticing every little thing you normally overlook. That loose piece of siding? You see it. Those leaves packed into the gutters? Definitely noticeable now. That stain on the exterior you’ve been meaning to look into? Suddenly, it’s on your list.
Before the family arrives, take 10 minutes to walk around the outside of your home. You don’t need a ladder or a toolbox. Just take a lap around the house and look for anything that could signal a bigger problem.
1. Look Up at the Roof
Start from the ground and scan the roofline.
Look for:
- Missing or visibly damaged shingles
- Shingles that appear lifted or out of place
- Sagging areas
- Damaged flashing around chimneys, vents, and other roof features
- Debris collecting on the roof
- Shingles or roofing materials on the ground
You don’t need to diagnose the problem yourself. You’re simply looking for anything that doesn’t seem to belong. If you’ve recently experienced strong wind, hail, or severe weather, it’s especially worth paying attention to potential storm damage.
2. Check the Gutters
November means leaves, leaves, and more leaves. Take a look at your gutters and downspouts. If they’re packed with debris, water may not drain properly.
Check for:
- Leaves and debris
- Sagging gutters
- Gutters pulling away from the house
- Damaged or disconnected downspouts
- Water stains or signs of overflow
Your gutters play an important role in directing water away from your home, so keeping them clear before winter weather arrives is a simple way to stay ahead of potential problems.
3. Take a Look at Your Siding
Walk around your home and look closely at the siding.
Keep an eye out for:
- Cracks
- Loose or missing pieces
- Warping
- Holes
- Discoloration
- Areas that appear swollen or damaged
Siding does more than make your home look good. It helps protect the structure from the elements, so damage shouldn’t be ignored simply because it isn’t causing an obvious problem inside.
4. Look Around Windows and Doors
Check the areas around your windows and exterior doors. Look for damaged trim, gaps, cracked caulking, or areas where moisture may be getting in. These details can be easy to overlook, but they can become more important as temperatures drop and winter weather arrives.
5. Check for Signs of Water
Walk around the outside of your home and look for unusual staining, discoloration, or areas where water appears to be collecting. Then take a quick look inside, particularly around ceilings, walls, and the attic, for signs of moisture. Water doesn’t always announce itself with a dramatic leak. Sometimes the first clue is a small stain or a damp area.
6. Look for Recent Storm Damage
If your area has experienced strong winds or hail recently, take a few extra minutes to look for potential damage. Storm damage isn’t always obvious from the ground, and some issues may not become noticeable until later. If you suspect your home has been damaged, having it professionally inspected can help determine whether there’s an issue that needs to be addressed.
7. Don’t Forget What’s Above the Garage
Your garage roof and exterior can be easy to forget during a quick home inspection. Take a look at the roofline, siding, gutters, and areas around the garage door. Make sure everything appears secure and intact before winter weather arrives.
Your 10-Minute Checklist
Before Thanksgiving guests arrive, take a quick lap around your home and ask:
Roof: Does anything look damaged or out of place?
Gutters: Are they clear and draining properly?
Siding: Are there cracks, gaps, or damaged sections?
Windows & doors: Do you see gaps, damaged trim, or moisture?
Exterior: Are there stains, pooling water, or other unusual signs?
Storm damage: Has your home recently been exposed to wind or hail?
If everything looks good, great. You’ve just completed a quick preventative check.
If something catches your attention, don’t ignore it just because the holidays are approaching.
Take Care of the House Before the Guests Arrive
Your Thanksgiving checklist probably already includes groceries, decorations, cleaning, and figuring out where everyone will sit. Add one more thing: a quick look at your home’s exterior.
Ten minutes now could help you catch a problem before winter weather makes it worse.
If you notice potential roof, siding, or storm damage, Arnett Construction & Roofing can help you determine what you’re dealing with and the next steps to take. We have been a family-owned and operated business since 1996, with local offices across Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. Call (855) 369-1004 or visit arnettconstructionandroofing.com today!
