Fall Fixes for the Home
Fall Fixes for the Home
Fall is a welcome reprieve from the oppressive heat of summer. It also offers homeowners everywhere a chance to ready their homes for cooler weather and potential fire season.
As the seasons change, once again it’s time to perform some home maintenance. Here are nine yearly tasks that will help keep your household in working order when the temperatures drop.
- Clean gutters: Do so frequently. Clogged gutters can result in standing water and roof damage. Plus, if you clean them frequently, you’re less likely to have to deal with decomposing leaves.
- Mow and trim: It seems counter intuitive, but fall is a wonderful time to both fertilize and reseed your lawn. A maintained lawn improves a home’s value and sale-ability. Use this time to trim shrubs and grass one last time so your yard stands out, even in a dormant season.
- Prune trees: If you live in an area prone to ice or snow, ice can cause damage to outdoor landscaping. Take advantage of nice weather and cut back or remove precarious limbs to avoid any breakage and home damage.
- Power wash: Driveways, sidewalks, decks and patios can get quite grimy during the summer months. Invest in a power washer and you’ll be surprised how clean you can get them!
- Outdoor living: Some furniture is made to be stored during the winter months. Clear a place in your garage or shed for these items. Consider covering them with a tarp and storing cushions in vacuum-seal bags.
- Heating systems: Check furnaces and change filters. Not only will it boost efficiency but it will also save you money in the process.
- Check for leaks: Re-caulk around windows and doors to help prevent heat from escaping.
- Fireplace: You don’t want a chimney fire. Be sure to have your chimney swept or cleaned each year.
- Piping: Check pipes for insulation to prevent freezing and bursting.
Every season holds different responsibilities for a homeowner. Be sure to stay on top of tasks each season to maintain your home’s value!
