As we move into fall, it’s important that your home is ready to withstand the colder weather. Winter brings heavy rains, strong winds, and snow which can damage parts of your home if they’re not prepared. And, what better time to attend to some home maintenance than in the fall months before the cold really hits.
So, we’ve set out some of the essential areas of your home to prep during fall time. This will not only prevent damage but save money on utilities and keep your family warm!
7 Tips For Maintaining Your Home In Fall
Clear Out And Replace Your Gutters
Fall is known for its beautiful orange and yellow leaves. But, those beautifully colored leaves usually end up piling up in your garden and more often than not, clogging up your gutters.
In preparation for winter’s heavy rain and snow, it’s best to clear out your gutters. If leaves have clogged up your gutters, they may not be able to drain melting snow and rain. This eventually leads to water build up which may damage the infrastructure of your home.
Once you’ve cleared all the leaves, it’s a good idea to inspect the condition of your gutters. Make sure they aren’t cracked or damaged and check that they are secure.
Clean and Inspect Your Chimney
There’s nothing better than curling up in front of a fire on a chilly evening. That’s why it’s a no-brainer to make sure your chimney is clean and in working order in the fall.
You need to sweep your chimney regularly to get rid of any old soot buildup. You should also conduct a thorough inspection to make sure there aren’t any cracks.
Old soot and unfixed cracks can cause extensive damage when the chimney is in use.
Trim Overhanging Branches
Trimming overhanging branches is an essential part of fall-time home maintenance. The heavy winter winds and snowstorms could pose a risk to your house. This is because untrimmed branches in those conditions can break off and damage your roof or break a window.
So, it’s best to start preparing your trees before the harsher winter months.
Fertilize Your Lawn
If you want a beautiful lawn in the summertime, you need to prepare it in advance. And, what better time than in fall and winter? Even though your grass doesn’t grow too much as a result of the cold, the roots are still active.
As such, fall is a great time to start fertilizing your lawn. By doing this, your lawn will be sure to survive the icy winter season. Plus, it helps to turn your grass green a lot faster in spring and summer.
Winterize Your Roof
Your roof is the one part of your home most exposed to all of the elements. So, to prepare for the snow and heavy rain and winds it’s important to winterize your roof.
This means you inspect, clean, and replace any broken or damaged parts of your roof. Most important is to get rid of any debris build-up. Be sure to clean off the debris at the beginning of fall and again at the end after the trees have lost all of their leaves.
Debris removal is vital to protect your roof and home. This is because debris can retain water like a sponge, which means excess water and heavy weight on your roof. This combination can cause costly damage.
Fix The Cracks In Your Driveway
This is a cumbersome but necessary task. Plus, it has the potential to save you from costly repairs in the long run.
By leaving cracks untreated, you are exposing them to rain and snow. In the colder months, the water freezes and expands in the cracks. This leads to bigger cracks that can eventually lead to concrete crumbling. This is an extremely costly repair that you can avoid with easy maintenance.
So, it’s best to start filling all those cracks while it’s still a little warmer!
Check Your Attic Insulation
Checking on your insulation can save you a ton in utility bills. Insulation essentially regulates the temperature of your home and makes sure that it retains heat.
When checking on your insulation, make sure the attic is well ventilated and that all the insulation is in good condition.
Be sure to remove any insulation that is damp or moldy. This is because it won’t retain heat as it should and it poses serious health risks to your family.
Final Thoughts
Before you get too excited about hot cocoa and Christmas carols, be sure to check that you have prepared your home. This will keep you warm and help you prevent any costly damage that the harsh winter weather may cause.
By following these 7 simple fall home maintenance tips, you can ensure a pleasant festive season with your family!
