Essential Fall Home Maintenance Projects for a Worry-Free Winter
Fall is a time to clean up, check on the integrity of your home, and make repairs before the colder months hit. So if you’re thinking of doing any home improvements, fall is the best time to make changes to your home and get it ready for more family time inside this winter.
Inspect and Repair the Roof
Fall is the ideal time to inspect your roof for any damage or potential issues before the harsh winter weather hits.
Inspecting the roof can uncover any hidden damage that may have occurred during the summer months, such as loose, damaged, or missing shingles and potential leak spots.
Addressing these issues in the fall can prevent water damage and costly repairs in the winter. Moreover, clearing the roof of any debris like fallen leaves and branches can prevent the formation of ice dams, protecting the integrity of the roof structure and prolonging its lifespan.
Clean the Gutters
Cleaning the gutters is one of those necessary evils. You have to do it, or you’ll have clogged gutters, which could cause damage to your roof, but it can be a tedious job.
If you live in a single-story home, it’s usually a simple DIY job. If you live in a two or three-story home, though, it’s best to hire a professional.
Even though it costs money, consider the thousands of dollars you’ll save in damage, as overflowing gutters can create ice dams on the roof, and foundation damage, neither of which are cheap fixes.
If you want to avoid the gutter cleaning task next fall, consider installing mesh to keep the debris out of your gutters or foam filters that keep the water flowing.
Mulch Perennials
Perennials are an investment in your landscaping. They come and go each year, but if you don’t care for them in the fall, they might not come back as hearty next year.
The winter months are when perennials store energy in their roots. They need this energy to get through the colder months and to grow back big and beautiful next year. As your plants struggle to stay healthy as the weather cools, consider providing them with a fresh layer of mulch. This protects the roots and gives the plants more nutrients for winter.
Caulk
Your windows and doors are the gateways to your home. Taking care of them ensures your home stays warmer in the winter and you don’t have moisture issues. That’s why you shouldn’t overlook the need to caulk each fall.
Caulking your windows and doors is the best way to ensure you seal out drafts and leaks that could cause your house to be colder and your utilities to run harder than necessary. It takes only a few minutes on each window and door to keep your house warm and to reduce the wear and tear on your HVAC system.
Seal Driveway Cracks
Cracks in your driveway can become a significant issue if water seeps in and then freezes, expanding the crack. Taking care of such cracks in the fall can prevent more extensive and expensive damage from occurring during the winter months.
Using a high-quality sealant can provide an additional layer of protection, ensuring the longevity and durability of your driveway against harsh weather conditions, erosion, and wear and tear.
Check and Install Weather Stripping
Weather stripping acts as a barrier against the elements, helping to keep your home insulated.
Replacing worn or damaged weather stripping can make a noticeable difference in your energy bills and ensure a warm and comfortable living space during the winter months.
Properly installed weather stripping can also prevent moisture buildup around window and door frames, reducing the risk of mold and wood rot.
Winterize Outdoor Faucets and Irrigation Systems
Winterizing your outdoor faucets and irrigation systems can save you from the hassles of dealing with frozen pipes and extensive water damage.
By shutting off water to exterior faucets and ensuring all water is drained from the pipes, you protect your plumbing from the risk of freezing and bursting when temperatures drop. This precautionary step can save considerable time, effort, and money in emergency repairs and water damage remediation.
Have your HVAC System Maintained
Before turning the heat on for the winter, have your furnace serviced. Pay for it to be cleaned and tested, so you know it’s ready for the upcoming winter.
Preventative maintenance is just as important as repairs. If you regularly maintain your HVAC system, you may have fewer expensive repairs or cold nights waiting for it to be fixed.
Final Thoughts
Don’t overlook these important tasks this fall season. Winter will be here before we know it, and the more you prepare your home, the easier it will be to have a warm, comfortable home all winter and fewer problems in the spring months.