Fall is just about here which means the cold weather is right around the corner. This means you should take a little bit of extra time to make sure your home is prepared for the changing seasons.
Pesky Roof Leaks
Roof leaks are something we notice and tolerate during the spring and summer months, but the can cause significant damage and that damage will only get worse during the winter months. You can usually make a simple roof patch on your own, if you’re confident about ladders and heights, with just some shingles, roofing nails, and roofing cement. Take a look at some online DIY videos to see if you can do it on your own or hire a pro to come and help you.
Gutters and Downspouts
Take some extra time to clean out your gutters and downspouts and pay attention to them throughout the fall. As the leaves start to fall, they’ll get blocked and that could cause water damage in and around your home if they aren’t working properly. Gutter guards are a great investment if you have a little extra cash in your home improvement budget.
Maintain Your Lawn Equipment
You won’t use your lawn mower or other pieces of equipment as much during the fall and winter months, so make sure you clean them out and care for them after that last day of lawn care so they don’t go bad over the winter. Clean the mower by washing dirt and clippings off. You should also drain the gas out of the tank and into a can to keep it from going bad inside the tank – or you can add a stabilizer to keep it from corroding while it sits. Do the same for any other gas-powered appliances you usually use. These can be huge expenses if you find you have to replace them in the spring.
Check Your Window and Door Seals
Check your windows and doors to make sure they are sealing properly. This would be a good time to check our home’s flood barriers and weatherstripping as well. These little fixes can do a lot to keep your home warm when the weather is cold, saving you tons on your utility costs.
Check Your Heating System
Turn your heating system on one day and make sure it’s working properly. Clean the vents and baseboards, make sure the thermostat is working, and replace your filters. This will save you time and money down the road and, if it isn’t working, the extra cost of an emergency visit when it’s already cold or snowing.
Now’s the time to prepare your home for the cold – while it’s still pleasant outside and things aren’t desperate. The sooner you act, the less you’ll spend on extra fees or repairs later.
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