Fall Home Maintenance Tips

Well it's officiailly Fall!

 

Now that the warmth and sunny days of Summer are behind us, it's time to make sure the outside of our homes are ready to face the elements of the cooler temperatures. It's important to get the exterior of your home ready before the weather gets too cold and wet.

Here's a great list from Decor and the Dog to help keep track of tasks:

And to help you narrow down your to- do list, here's some tips from Right At Home to identify areas to focus on:

 

Clean gutters and drainage spouts.

  Protect yourself first by always wearing gloves—animals or insects can hide in gutters. A gutter scoop is a convenient tool for removing leaves and other debris. Then place the garden hose in the downspout to flush it out.

Inspect your roof.

  Look for signs of deterioration (loose shingles, rotting wood, cracks, etc.). Carefully trim heavy branches that are hanging over your roof. (A falling branch could hurt someone, cause a blackout or damage your roof. If you're using your chimney, flying sparks could possibly ignite overhanging branches.) If the branches are near power lines, call a professional tree-trimming company to do the trimming; they may need to ask your power company to temporarily disconnect your power before they start working.

Check all windows and doors.

  Remove summer screens and install storm windows and doors. Inspect and repair any loose or damaged windows or door frames. Install weather stripping or caulking around windows and doors to reduce drafts too. If you discover signs of deterioration such as moisture on surrounding walls or dry-rot damage, call a certified home inspector or restoration specialist immediately.

Clean your heating system.

  Replace the filters in your furnace. (Swift recommends doing it monthly if you have allergies.) Check for air leakage around the joints. And consider having an air-conditioning and heating specialist check your entire system before winter sets in. If you don't already have one, install a carbon-monoxide detector near all appliances that burn fossil fuel, but be sure you install it in an area where you'll hear the alarm if it's triggered.

Check the smoke detector.

  Some people wait until they reset their clocks during Daylight Savings Time to inspect their smoke detectors, but if you missed it in the spring, don't wait another month—check them now. Press the button to make sure it beeps and replace batteries if necessary. Most smoke detectors signal with an automatic beep when the battery gets low, but it's always good to check on an annual basis. Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years; batteries should be replaced every six months.

Secure the cracks.

  From skunks to insects to other critters, your home can fall prey to unwanted invaders. Before they start seeking shelter from the cold, inspect the perimeter of your house for cracks or holes where they could enter and then seal well. Clean and lubricate the garage-door hinges, rollers and tracks to make sure the door closes securely. If you detect evidence of animal activity, such as urine odors, unexplained gnaw marks, feces or footprints, consult an exterminator.

Are you thinking about sellingyour home this Fall? We hope this will help you get ready to list your home. If you have any questions or would like help selling your home, contact us today!

Image Sources:

Home Depot

Decor and the Dog