Summer is passing us by and fall is fast approaching. The beautiful season will be here before you know it. Before the leaves begin to fall and the weather starts to cool down, you should be thinking about how you're going to keep up your home. Cold and unpredictable weather can take a toll on your home if it isn't properly maintained, especially if you live in an area with brutal winters.
You want to keep your home in tip-top shape for the cooler months, but maybe you're not sure what to do. Don't worry, we're here to help. In this post, we'll walk you through what you need to do to take care of your home during the fall.
1. WEATHERPROOF DOORS AND WINDOWS
When the weather starts to cool down, you want your home to be as warm and cozy as possible. But if your windows and doors aren't properly sealed, you might feel a draft even if they're closed. To prevent air leaks, get some caulk and seal up cracks between trim and siding, around window and door frames, and where pipes and wires enter your house. Not only will this help keep your home warm, but it will also keep your heating bills down.
To prepare your home for the colder months, you can also change summer screens to cool weather storm windows and doors. Also, inspect and repair any loose or damaged window or door frames.
If you live in an older home, it may be time to replace your windows and doors with new ones. We offer a variety of door and window options. We'll also help you choose the right color and style that goes with the look of your home.
2. PREPARE AND INSPECT YOUR ROOF
Not maintaining your roof and ensuring it's in good shape can lead to a variety of problems when fall and winter come along. Your roof needs to protect your home from heavy rain, snow, and ice. If your roof has leaks, the moisture can cause damage to your ceiling and drywall, which could then lead to mold growth. Other problems with your roof may occur such as buckling, cracking, or missing shingles or rust spots on flashing.
To prevent these issues, be sure to inspect your roof from the ground and look for signs of damage, sagging, and aging. Consider using binoculars for a better view, especially if you have a steep roof or a multistory house.
Also, make sure your roof is clear of moss, algae, and piles of leaves as these are notorious causes of costly leaks and water damage. If you notice that your roof has a lot of damage, then it may be time to replace your entire roof.
If you're leaning towards replacement, we can supply you with the perfect roof for your home. And we'll make sure it's within your budget!
3. CLEAN OUT GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS
Cleaning your gutters and downspouts is essential to preventing a buildup of leaves, twigs, and other debris. Clogged gutters can cause ice dams, wood rot problems, and pest infestations, which can lead to costly damage. Neglected gutters can also cause water to cascade down the side of your house and saturate your flower beds and siding. This can lead to damage to your landscaping and siding, which in turn, can lead to expensive water damage repairs to your foundation. If you have found damage to your siding, don't fret. We offer a wide range of shingles and siding options that can give your home a new, polished look.
To clean your gutters:
- Grab a shirt with long sleeves and rubber gloves.
- Have a good extendable ladder ready. You might consider using standoff stabilizers or ladder "horns" to prevent the ladder from damaging the gutter.
- Remove the gunk. You can use a small plastic scoop, a child's sand shovel, or even an old plastic spatula.
- For easy cleanup, use a plastic tarp to catch the debris.
- After cleaning, flush the gutters and downspouts with the garden hose. This is also a great way to spot any possible leaks.
In addition to cleaning your gutters, you should also check them and make sure water isn't coming down behind the gutters. You also want to make sure all support brackets are securely in place and that water is draining properly and doesn't pool.
If you want to make cleaning your gutters a lot easier, consider installing gutter guards. Gutter guards come in the form of mesh screens, clip-on grates, or porous foam. These will help slow the clogging process.
4. CLEAN UP YOUR LAWN
A buildup of dead leaves and debris on your lawn can be an eyesore. Not only that, but organic waste can attract pests like mice and groundhogs. Excessive yard debris can also cause damage to your yard's drainage, which can be a problem once all the snow melts. Because of these possible issues, it's best to keep your leaf piles under control so that it's easier to maintain. The more yard debris builds up, the harder and the more time-consuming it will be to clean up.
There are various ways you can remove leaves and other debris:
- Use a tarp. You can rake all the leaves onto a tarp. This will make it easier to haul them to the curb or a compost pile.
- Rake into rows. Bagging your leaves is also a good option. But make sure you rake them into rows instead of piles. This will allow you to separate the leaves into more manageable portions.
- Use leaves as lawn fertilizer. While the grass may not be growing enough to bring out the lawnmower, you can still use it to shred your leaves into tiny flakes. Then, they'll settle into the autumn grass and decompose into natural fertilizer.
You can also take this time to remove any dead shrubs or trees from your lawn by either cutting them down or digging them out. Make sure to do this before the ground hardens. Don't mourn too much about getting rid of your precious trees and shrubs. Fall is a perfect time to plant them for maximum growth.
If you have any questions about maintaining your home during the fall, get in contact with us today.
