As the temperatures start to drop, a fall home improvement guide for New England homeowners can help you prepare for the brunt of fall and the colder winter temperatures. We want to help you protect what matters most this season, allowing you to enjoy a cozy home with lower energy bills.
This home fall home improvement guide will help you transform home improvement and get your home in tip-top shape for the winter season and beyond. It’s even a great fall checklist for new homeowners!
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Farmers Almanac Winter 2025-2026 New England: ‘Chill, Snow, Repeat’ with Widespread Wintry Weather as Energy Bills Rise by 13+%
Are you ready for a cold, snow-filled winter ahead? According to Farmers’ Almanac, the season’s coldest temperatures will be found from the Northern Plains to New England. New England will likely face frequent snowstorms. Areas up and down the Atlantic Coast will see significant rain, mixing with snow from time to time, predicting “dramatic swings and widespread wintry weather” and warning that New Englanders should expect a cold, snow-filled winter. Don’t forget that energy bills are also on the rise with National Grid going up by 4% and Eversource by 13%! This is only an estimate, as colder weather can make your energy bills even higher.
New England will be among the areas of the country to see the coldest temperatures during the winter season, along with the Northern Plains and Great Lakes. Residents from Minnesota to Maine can brace for “consistent cold snaps,” the publication said. The season will shape up to be a “wild ride,” urging residents across the country to “get ready to ‘chill, snow, repeat'” with a cold snap in January. Being proactive can help you prevent costly moisture damage problems while you stay warm and cozy!
Tend to Your Gutters Before Clogs Become a Problem
Feeling overwhelmed by the debris in your gutters and leaves in your yard? If you discover clogs, remove them before they wreak havoc on your foundation. Clean gutters are essential to the health of your exterior, ranging from your roof to your foundation!
Gutter cleaning tips for New England homeowners:
- Wait for a day when the leaves inside the gutters are dry
- When using a ladder, never climb above the second to last step and do not extend your reach
- While you’re tending to your gutters, take the time to look over your roof for damage. Check for issues such as:
- Missing shingles
- Curled shingles
- Moss and algae growth
- After the gutters are cleaned, use a rake with a wider tine spread of about 30 inches and rake in the same direction as the wind
- Mulch your leaves with a mower, which helps keep your soil healthy
- When you are ready to put your lawn mower away drain the gas and use a fuel stabilizer to keep the engine from degrading
Be sure to consider gutter guards/covers as they keep out all types of debris including pine needles, leaves, roof granules (a warning sign that you need a new roof.) They sit directly on your existing gutters to give you peace of mind by preventing damage to your home. Nothing but water should be entering your gutters.
Get a Fall Roof Inspection for Loose or Missing Shingles
With a cold, snow-filled winter on the way, you’ll need to have roofing contractors take a close look at your roof to prevent leaks and energy loss. Not only is this important for the general maintenance of your home, but it’s also critical for the performance of the roof.
Top Signs That You Need Professional Roof Replacement:
- You find curled or missing shingles
- There is moisture damage or rot on attic rafter beams
- High energy bills during the summer and winter
3 Roofing Options to Protect Against New England’s Winter Weather
GAF Asphalt Shingles provide a lifetime of performance. As America’s #1 shingle, asphalt roofing defends against the elements, including rain, sleet, and snow. A GAF roofing system is engineered to balance attic temperature, lower energy bills, and prevent ice dams. We’re your GAF certified roofing contractors serving a New England town near you!
True Nature Metal Roofing is engineered with interlocking panels for maximized wind resistance. Winter storms don’t stand a chance against the defense of a metal roof! This is also a fire-resistant roofing option, adds home value, improves energy efficiency and snow slides right off during the winter.
Prevent Ice Dams This Winter
Ice dams are another major challenge that homeowners face in cold weather. Ice dams form when your attic space is too warm, which makes the snow melt off your roof and collect in the gutter. From there, it freezes and ice dams will form.
Worse yet, dripping water from melted ice dams can collect on your porch or driveway and re-freeze, causing serious tripping hazards.
How to prevent ice dams:
- Ensure your attic doesn’t get too warm in the winter. It should be about the same temperature as the outdoors
- Make sure your roof is properly ventilated. You need cold air flow through your attic in the winter to achieve the correct temperature for ice dam prevention. You should have the proper intake and outtake of air. Check that you have proper soffits and ventilation
- Seal off air leaks or gaps that can interfere with the temperature inside your attic
- It is important that your roof has a breathable underlayment and at least 6′ of ice and water shield. This prevents any water from entering the home
- If your roof is old and underperforming, contact local roofing contractor professionals to get it replaced now! This is a surefire way to prevent ice dams for many years into the future
Take a look at this local homeowner’s testimonial for new roofing in Manchester, MA!
Ask Us for Your Free Fall Assessment on Windows and Doors For Drafts
Drafty windows and doors can cause energy bills to soar. This is caused by air infiltration, which allows energy to escape and makes your home feel drafty. A window replacement contractor can help you determine when it’s time for an upgrade.
Most Common Signs of Drafty Windows:
- Windows appear out of plumb and crooked
- Air infiltration through the sash, the sill, and where the sash meets the frame aka meeting rail
- Cracked window panes
- Seal cracks or damage in the glass or weatherstripping areas
- Condensation on the windows or between the panes
- The curtains move when the window is closed
Take a Look at This Timelapse: Window Installation in Nahant, MA
See us install energy-efficient replacement windows in Nahant, MA!
Protect Your Home from Exterior Siding Damage
Damage and cracks aren’t always cosmetic problems when it comes to your exterior. There is typically trouble lurking beneath the surface when you find damage to windows, doors, siding, and roofing.
Bob Vila states, “Siding protects your home from the elements, keeping your family comfortable and safe and if your siding has begun to rot or crumble, then it cannot perform its vital role.”
You can trust that our vinyl siding will not decay with New England weather.
8 Signs Your Siding Is Failing:
- Check for any cracks in your foundation
- Rotting, chipped, or loose siding panels and windows trim. Tapping on siding with the handle of a screwdriver can reveal dry rot problems
- Gaps around the window frames or seals
- Missing exterior sections expose your home to the elements. When insects penetrate the siding, they cause damage and create holes that let rain and snow seep beneath it
- Peeling paint or loose wallpaper inside the home as old siding allows moisture to seep its way underneath the siding. This may cause significant damage to the interior walls of a home
- Fungus, mold, and mildew often indicate that water penetrates the wall and remains trapped inside
- Severely faded siding, which means not only doesn’t have the desired curb appeal but the effective waterproofing of the siding may have also run its course
- Bubbles in the Siding is an indication that water has become trapped and an immediate red flag. The one thing that siding is meant to do is to keep moisture away from the walls under the siding
Vinyl Siding Installation in Ashland, MA
This exterior remodeling makeover features vinyl siding installation in Ashland, MA – designed to protect against moisture damage, rot, and energy loss.
Top 3 Siding Options for New England’s Climate:
- Foam-backed Vinyl Siding brings the benefit of low maintenance and innovative thermal resistance technology. House wrap by Block-It serves as an additional shield to the elements. It wraps around your home and serves to keep moisture out, including snow. This is primarily used during the vinyl siding installation process. Furthermore, foam backing ensures your home is insulated and reduces heat transfer by way of thermal bridging.
- James Hardie Siding not only brings unparalleled aesthetics, but it can also make your home more energy efficient. The James Hardie weather barrier protects your home from New England’s climate, all while reducing drafts and air infiltration with HardieWrap. Also approved for many historic districts. Explore James Hardie siding colors to find the perfect match for your home.
3. Everlast Composite Siding is a great option if you also want lifetime performance & fade protection warranty cracking, no peeling, no painting. Everlast is made from over 60% stone, has no wood fibers, and won’t rot, guaranteed.
Professional Installation of Energy Efficient Exterior Products
When was the last time you upgraded your windows, vinyl siding, or roofing? These exterior elements can make an incredible difference in the appearance and performance of your home. Let’s recap our top tips for upgrading your exterior.
Top Tips For Selecting Energy Efficient Exterior Exterior Products This Fall:
- Install quality energy efficient windows with triple pane glass and argon or krypton gas inert. This helps to insulate your home and reduces heat transfer. Meanwhile, an application of Low-e on the windows will allow the sunlight to naturally heat your home. This can result in increased energy savings all year long
- Energy efficient entry doors not only provide enhanced home security and lower your year-round energy bills they add that beautiful curb appeal. Professional front door replacement ensures proper installation and performance
- Install quality GAF asphalt roofing such as GAF roof replacement products. This GAF roofing system is engineered with performance in mind, including essential ventilation that prevents ice dams during the winter
- Choose True Nature metal roofing to protect your home from New England’s harsh winters. Its advanced interlocking system withstands even the strongest storms
- Install quality foam backed vinyl siding with insulated panels. This insulation prevents heat transfer through the wood studs and it is a large source of energy loss, otherwise known as thermal bridging. In fact, this area of your home can result in 25% of its energy loss!
- Install durable James Hardie® siding with built-in HardieWrap® to protect your home from the elements and insulate the interior
- Everlast Composite Siding is a great option if you also want lifetime performance & fade protection warranty-No cracking, no peeling, no painting. Everlast has no wood fibers, withstands high-speed winds and bitter snows, does not expand and contract in the cold, and you can get any color you want
Consider investing in energy efficient exterior products to help save more energy this winter. Homeowners can save significantly on utility bills by upgrading to Energy Star certified windows and other home exterior products.
More Ways to Save Energy and Stay Safe During the Fall Season
Replace Smoke Detector Batteries. House fires are more frequent in the fall and winter. Be sure to replace your smoke detector battery.
Get a Smart Thermostat. Consider investing in a programmable thermostat. This can help you save money while saving energy at the same time. Did you know that for every 1 degree a thermostat is set back, homeowners can save 1% to 3% on their annual heating costs?
Schedule an Annual Chimney Sweep. Check your chimney for soot buildup. Have it swept if there is 1/8 inch or more of soot.
Properly Store Firewood. If you use your fireplace for heating purposes, get a head start on chopping or ordering firewood. Store dry firewood at least 15 feet away from your home. This will help reduce the risk of termite infestation. Consider professional vinyl siding contractors or James Hardie contractors installation as it’s termite resistant.
Get your furnace serviced. Having your furnace inspected and maintained on a yearly basis will save you money and preserve your furnace through winter for years to come. Their inspection prolongs the life of your furnace and avoids potential health hazards. Get your furnace serviced this season and:
- Check for carbon monoxide leaks
- Make sure it’s running efficiently to save money on your energy bills
- Keeps your warranty valid and reduces costly repairs
Protect from fire and insect damage. Choose fire resistant siding options that are insect-resistant as opposed to wood, which are vulnerable to wood-boring insects. Vinyl and fiber cement are both perfect options to deter pest infestations. Wood can require costly and recurring pest control. Never worry about insects feasting on your siding again
Frequently Asked Questions about Fall Home Improvements
What is the most in-demand home improvement?
Today’s homeowners prioritize energy efficiency, eco-friendly upgrades and beautiful aesthetics. The most sought-after improvements focus on exterior upgrades that reduce utility costs:
- Energy-efficient windows and doors
- Vinyl siding replacement for better insulation
- Roof replacement with modern materials
- Smart home technology integration
- Exterior renovations that improve curb appeal and energy efficiency
How cold is too cold for vinyl siding?
Quality vinyl siding is engineered to withstand New England’s harshest winter conditions. Professional-grade materials perform exceptionally well in extreme temperatures:
- Quality vinyl siding is designed for New England’s harsh winters
- Professional installation ensures proper expansion allowances for temperature changes
- Modern vinyl formulations resist cracking in extreme cold
Does vinyl siding devalue a home?
Not at all! Modern vinyl siding actually enhances property values when professionally installed. Quality materials and expert installation provide long-term benefits:
- Vinyl siding has a return on investment of 118%, according to the most recent Cost vs Value data by Remodeling Magazine.
- Quality vinyl siding typically maintains or increases home value
- Modern vinyl siding offers excellent curb appeal and energy efficiency
- Low maintenance requirements appeal to potential buyers
- Professional installation by certified contractors is key to value retention
Is it worth it to replace vinyl siding?
Siding replacement becomes worthwhile when your current system shows clear signs of failure. Professional assessment helps determine the right timing:
- Yes, if existing siding shows signs of damage or energy inefficiency
- New vinyl siding improves insulation and reduces energy costs
- Modern vinyl options offer better durability and appearance
- Professional assessment can determine replacement necessity
Can vinyl siding be installed in the rain?
Weather conditions significantly impact siding installation quality and safety. Professional contractors follow strict weather protocols:
- Installation should be avoided during heavy rain
- Light moisture may be acceptable with proper precautions
- Professional contractors assess weather conditions before installation
- Proper moisture barriers are essential during installation
What color siding never goes out of style?
Timeless color choices ensure your home’s exterior remains attractive for decades. Classic options provide lasting appeal:
- Classic whites and off-whites remain timeless. James Hardie Arctic White and Aspen White for vinyl are very popular color choices for New England homes.
- Neutral grays offer modern appeal with longevity. Consider James Hardie Iron Gray or Gray Slate. If you’re interested in vinyl, Carbon and Metropolitan Gray are excellent choices.
- Natural earth tones such as James Hardie Mountain Sage, Cobblestone, and Aged Pewter complement various architectural styles. Our earth tone color options for vinyl siding include Espresso, Graphite, Canyon, and much more.
- Professional color consultation ensures lasting appeal
Is vertical siding too trendy?
No! It’s a classic upgrade that will always look beautiful. That’s because vertical siding offers both contemporary style and historical authenticity. Proper application ensures lasting design appeal:
- Vertical siding can be timeless when properly designed
- Board and batten styles have historical precedence
- Mixed horizontal and vertical applications add visual interest
- Professional design consultation ensures appropriate application
What is the trend in exterior siding for 2025?
Current siding trends emphasize both aesthetic appeal and performance benefits. Modern homeowners want style with substance:
- Mixed material applications combining different textures
- Bold accent colors paired with neutral primary colors
- Enhanced insulation and energy efficiency features
- Low-maintenance materials with authentic appearance
Is aluminum siding better than vinyl?
Each material offers distinct advantages for different applications. Modern vinyl typically outperforms aluminum in key areas:
- Vinyl offers better insulation properties
- Vinyl requires less maintenance than aluminum
- Aluminum may dent
- Both materials offer fire resistance benefits
- We generally recommend vinyl siding and James Hardie fiber cement for New England homes
Can you replace windows in the fall?
Absolutely, and it’s a great time to do so! Fall provides ideal conditions for window replacement projects. Professional installers recommend autumn timing for multiple reasons:
- Fall is an excellent time for window replacement
- Cooler temperatures make installation more comfortable
- Preparation for winter weather improves energy efficiency
- Professional installers work year-round with proper precautions
Is winter a bad time to replace windows?
It’s a common misconception that you can’t install windows during the winter season. The truth is that winter installation presents challenges but remains feasible with experienced contractors like Coastal Windows & Exteriors. Proper planning ensures successful cold-weather projects:
- Interior comfort may be temporarily affected during installation
- Proper scheduling and preparation minimize disruption
- Some manufacturers offer winter installation warranties
Is it better to install windows in the summer or winter?
Seasonal timing affects both installation comfort and project scheduling. Professional contractors adapt their approach based on weather conditions:
- Fall and spring offer ideal installation conditions
- Summer heat can make installation challenging
- Winter installation requires additional preparation
- We can adapt to all seasonal conditions!
How can I get the best price on new windows?
Smart shopping and timing strategies help homeowners maximize their window investment. Professional guidance ensures you get quality at competitive prices:
- Compare quotes from multiple certified contractors
- Consider energy efficiency rebates and tax credits
- Evaluate long-term energy savings versus initial cost
- Schedule installation during off-peak seasons when possible
- Consider 0% financing from Coastal Windows & Exteriors
Is it worth it to replace old windows?
When it comes to your home’s comfort and quality of life, yes! Window replacement often provides significant returns through energy savings and comfort improvements. Professional assessment helps quantify the benefits:
- Energy savings often justify replacement costs
- Improved comfort and reduced drafts enhance quality of life
- Modern windows offer better security and noise reduction
- Professional energy audits can quantify potential savings
How long does it typically take to replace a window?
Typically, window installation follows predictable timelines based on project scope.
- Single window replacement: 1-2 hours per window
- Whole house projects: 1-3 days depending on size
- Custom windows may require longer lead times
- Professional installers work efficiently to minimize disruption
What is the most common roof repair?
Storm damage and normal wear create predictable repair needs for New England homes. Professional roofers address these common issues:
- Shingle replacement due to storm damage
- Leak repairs around flashing and penetrations
- Gutter and downspout maintenance
- Ventilation system repairs and upgrades
When to replace a roof vs repair?
The age and condition of your roof determines whether repair or replacement makes financial sense. Roof replacement is best when:
- The roof is over 15-20 years old
- You have frequent leaks and ceiling stains
- Your attic is very hot during the summer
- You find mold or mildew in your attic
Can roofers fix a roof in the rain?
Emergency situations sometimes require immediate action despite weather conditions. Professional contractors balance safety with urgency:
- Emergency repairs may be possible in light rain
- Permanent roof replacement should wait for dry conditions
- Temporary measures can prevent further damage
- Professional contractors assess safety and effectiveness of repairing or replacing a roof in the rain
How long can a roof leak before damage?
Roof leaks cause immediate and progressive damage that worsens over time. Professional emergency services minimize the extent of water damage:
- Immediate damage to insulation and ceiling materials
- Structural damage can occur within days or weeks
- Mold growth begins quickly
- Emergency roof replacement services minimize damage extent
Coastal Windows & Exteriors: Your Fall Home Improvement Partner
Fall home improvement is the perfect season to improve your home’s exterior with professional installation services. Our products can help you experience lower energy bills, more comfortable indoor living, and peace of mind against moisture and insect damage. Whether you need local window installers, windows contractor services, local window contractors, vinyl siding contractors, emergency roof repair services, residential roofing company services, or roof leak repairs, we provide comprehensive fall home improvement solutions.
At Coastal Windows & Exteriors, we understand the importance of preparing your home for New England’s harsh winters. With a free in-home design consultation, you get to see exactly what your home will look like with new windows, doors, roofing, and siding. Our experienced team provides professional fall home improvement services that protect your investment and enhance your home’s performance.
Looking for information on how to finance home improvements? We can help with financing. We also offer excellent promotions and 0% financing is always available! Contact us today for your free estimate and start your fall home improvement project.