Have you inspected your chimney or checked the caulking around windows and doors this year? The start of the fall season is the perfect time to get some work done in your home before the wet weather starts. The clear skies we have at this time of the year provide the perfect opportunity to do some work on the inside and outside of your home. We’ve prepared a list of some of the things you can do to start protecting your home before the winter.
Let’s start with the exterior
Clear fallen leaves and debris from your roof. Ideally, you should be doing this at least twice a year to prevent roof damage. One of those times should be in the Autumn after the leaves have fallen.
Inspect your gutters. This is the season of beautiful foliage but don’t forget that leaves can gather and obstruct gutters, drains, or other water paths. Also, shrubs and plants that grow up against your home can cause water to drain from the tree or plant to run down the side of your house. Check for loose gutters, broken pieces, and detached downspouts, and if large trees already grow near your house, check that plumbing lines are free, and confirm there aren’t foundation cracks.
Check caulking. Look for any cracking heads or shrinking in the caulking around your windows and doors. If there’s damage, you can run a razor blade along the top and bottom seal to remove the old layer of caulking and apply a fresh caulk line.
Check crawlspace vents. Start early to prevent heat loss in the winter, and moisture buildup that can lead to mold growth. Also, check for holes to prevent pests from entering.
Proper landscaping. Make sure to keep trees and shrubs properly trimmed back from your home. Shrubs and plants that grow up against your home can cause water to drain from the tree or plant to run down the side of your house.
Slope soil and mulch away from your home's exterior walls. Let dryness be your moat against pests and water damage.
Only partially cover your AC unit to repel debris. Total coverage traps moisture, inviting corrosion and mold.
Check for cracks in your home's siding or foundation. Seal them up before they turn into major infiltration points!
Disconnect the outdoor hose. Store them once you’ve done watering for the season and insulate the spigot to prevent any water freezing. Not doing this can result in pipes bursting.
Moving on to the interior of your home
Clean your chimney. Whether you do it yourself or have it cleaned, most people should clean their fireplaces and chimneys at least once a year – particularly those that burn wood.
Change batteries on smoke detectors. Once a year you should be checking to make sure all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide devices are working.
Weatherstripping. Remember that weatherstripping is good for cold weather and lowering energy bills so check your home for drafts and seal any damage of missing chunks.
Check your furnace. Another heat way to lower your power bill in the winter is to check the filters of your furnace and stock on spares. Also, check all your heating ducts and vents for dust build-up to keep your home toasty during the colder months.
Drain your water heater. A lot of water goes through its tank during the year so it’s good to check for sediments and also check that the valves are functioning correctly. Remember to turn off the electricity or gas supply to your unit before you start.
Fall is prime time for home problems, but armed with these pro tips you can defend your castle. Of course, not everyone can handle all these repairs on their own. If this is your case, we can provide a list of trusted professionals that include contractors, landscapers, roofers, gutter cleaners, power washers, plumbers, electricians, house cleaners, window cleaners, etc. to help you affordably complete these tasks. So please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need help with any of these maintenance items to get your home ready for fall!