Fall is a great time to prepare a home for winter
In On the Fix by Allen Childs
Temperatures are about to drop. That’s great. Not only could we use some relief from the heat, but fall is also the best time of year to perform home improvement projects ahead of cold weather. Doing it now means avoiding expensive repairs and operating your home with higher efficiency. Here are projects that every homeowner needs to have on their checklist:
Gutter Cleaning and Maintenance
While those colorful autumn leaves are pretty, falling leaves can cause havoc. Too often they end up clogging gutters and downspouts. If they aren’t removed, come December, water won’t be draining away from your home like it should and could cause serious water damage and ice dam issues. A good rule of thumb for your fall cleaning is to get your gutters and downspouts cleared as soon as you get that first decent autumn shower.
Advice: Put in gutter guards to lessen gutter maintenance and save yourself costly home repairs and potential visits to the hospital because of ladder accidents.
Siding Inspection and Cleaning
Siding protects your home from the elements. In the fall, look for cracked, warped, or broken panels and fix them. While you’re at it, give your siding some TLC by shampooing away the summer buildup of mold, mildew, and dirt.
Cleaning tip: Hard-sided siding such as vinyl and aluminum is prone to oxidization that power washing won’t remove. If unsure how to best clean your siding, consider consulting a professional.
Windows and Doors
Drafty windows and doors make it more expensive for you to heat your home in the winter, so look around your house closely. Check that all window and door seals are intact. If any window or door weatherstripping is torn or worn, replace it with some new stripping or spray foam insulation. You might also want to install windproof additions — storm windows and storm doors — for that extra layer of insulation.
How-to: If you want to locate drafts around your doors and windows, use a candle or incense stick. If you hold it up and the smoke or flame flickers, you have found a leak.
Chimney and Fireplace Maintenance
Before you enjoy one of those cozy fires on a cool evening, make sure it has been checked by a qualified chimney sweep to prevent a chimney fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Chimneys should be checked and cleared of any hazardous creosote build-up and cracks or damage, which may allow heat, sparks, or smoke to escape into your home.
Advice: A good chimney sweep can check the chimney cap to see if it’s tight, and make sure that there’s no nesting materials in the top of your chimney. Nobody wants a critter making a happy home inside their chimney.
Roof Inspection and Maintenance
Make sure you check the state of your roof because it is the main protection for your home from the weather. Check all the parts of your roof and make sure everything is intact, and nothing needs to be repaired. Check your roof from every side to see if there are loose or missing shingles, and leaks or damage. Also keep an eye open for any sagging.
Tip: Keep an eye on not only the shingles, but the flashing and fascia as well.
Deck and Patio Care
Fewer people will want to hang out in your outdoor spaces come winter, but you can still be maintaining rather than laying it to rest in fall. Take the time to sweep the deck, seal it, cover patio furniture, and store out-of-season decorations.
Tip: Outdoor furniture needs covering in winter to protect it from seasonal elements such as snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.
Heating System Check-Up
A heating system should work well enough to maintain warm temperatures inside the house in winter. Ensure filters in the furnace are changed and the thermostat is checked.
Updating Home Insulation
A better insulated home stays warmer in the winter, reducing heating bills.
This time of the year is perfect for checking your home’s insulation. Most heat escapes from a home through the attic or basement.
Taking on these fall home projects will put you in good stead for the rigors of fall and winter, but also help create a more comfortable, cozy, and energy-efficient family home for fall and throughout the winter.
