Fall is on its way. The days are getting shorter and the nights are getting colder. Now is the time to finish up any last-minute home maintenance projects and get your home ready for cooler weather.
Be sure to tackle these six tasks before autumn is in full swing.
1. Check the Roof
You should be able to perform a visual inspection of your roof from the ground. If you can safely do so, you can also climb up onto the roof for a better look.
When inspecting your roof, look for:
- Loose shingles
- Leaves and debris that need to be removed
- Missing shingles
- Damaged shingles
If something is amiss with your roof, call in a professional as soon as possible. Get the problem fixed now before it progresses as we get closer to winter.
2. Reinforce and Seal Windows and Doors
Drafts can make your home uncomfortable and cause your heating system to work overtime. Find and seal any cracks or openings you find along the exterior of your home. Check the seals around doors and windows, too, and repair as necessary.
Remove all screens and install storm windows.
The goal is to keep as much heat as possible inside of your home to keep everyone warm and your energy costs down.
3. Inspect Trees
Check the trees around your home and in your yard. Look for any damaged limbs that may break off. Remove branches that are too close to the roof or power lines.
You may need to call in a professional for this job, depending on the height of the branches that need to be removed.
4. Clean Your Drains
Your plumbing system takes a beating in the fall and winter, when cooler temperatures set in. Make it a point to clean your drains now to prevent clogs and potential pipe bursts in the coming seasons.
Drain augers can remove clogs deep down in the drain. Roto Rooter also recommends running hot water at least once a week in all sinks to prevent clogs and using strainers to catch soaps and hair that cause clogs.
5. Inspect Siding and Clean Gutters
Check your home’s siding for holes or cracks. If you find any signs of damage, you may need to call in a professional to make the repairs.
After inspecting your siding, take the time to clean your gutters. This is another maintenance task that you can do yourself if you have the time, or hire a professional to take care of the job for you. Check for leaks, and be sure to remove any nests, leaves and debris you find in the gutter.
6. Remove Leaves
Rake and remove any leaves in the yard, and add them to your compost pile if you have one. If you don’t have one and you hope to plant a garden in the spring, you may want to invest in some compost bins and start now.
Otherwise, place the leaves into yard garbage bags and leave them at the curb for community pick-up.
