Preparing for fall and winter is much easier when it is still warm. Fall can turn into winter quickly. Get ready for the changing seasons using some of these tips.
10 Tips To Prepare For Fall
Preparing for fall is part of good home maintenance. It is more pleasant and takes less time during fair weather. Fall is usually a slower time for some of the contractors you may need to hire. Save money by calling them early.
Clean Out Your Gutters
Clogged gutters can lead to water in the basement, gutters tearing off the house, and damaged landscaping. Removing leaves, twigs, dirt, and cones lets the water run freely. Installing gutter guards and keeping underground gutter drains flowing can eliminate the need to clean gutters.
Seal Cracks and Holes
Sealing cracks, holes, and penetrations accomplishes multiple goals. It prevents heat loss, pest invasions, water damage, and frost damage. Finding and filling all of the openings can be a difficult time-consuming DIY project requiring multiple products. Hiring an insulation contractor may be a better option.
Clean Wood-Burning Appliances and Chimneys
Wood-burning stoves and fireplaces usually require little maintenance. Ensure door gaskets seal properly, all the firebricks are in place, and vents are clear and operate properly.
Chimneys should be cleaned at least once every year or when creosote build up is over 1/8th inch thick. Hiring a professional chimney cleaner costs more than DIY cleaning but is much safer–reducing the chance of chimney fires and carbon monoxide buildup.
Protect Outdoor Faucets
Prevent outdoor faucets from freezing by disconnecting the garden hose, closing the shut-off valve inside the house, and draining water from the exterior tap. Installing a frost-free faucet eliminates the need for special preparations because the valve is located inside the warm house.
Installing a frost-free tap.
Clean Your Yard
Late summer and early fall is a good time to seed grass and fertilize to get an early start in the spring. Use leaves and final grass clippings to start a compost pile. Prune trees and shrubs after the sap quits running to enhance spring growth and encourage blossoms.
Store yard items and patio furniture that are not going to be used in winter. Straighten up wood piles. Get rid of anything you don’t want or need. Rotting and moldy piles of wood and yard waste provide homes for rodents and insects that damage houses, decks, fences, and other wood structures.
Clean Your Heating System
Dirty furnace ducts allow your furnace to recirculate dust throughout the house. Get them cleaned before the heating season. Upgrade the furnace filter to remove smaller dust particles. The cost of a furnace inspection averages about $100.00. It is a small investment that prevents large expenses if the furnace quits when temperatures are below freezing.
Service Your Generator
Ensure that your generator is serviced and full of fresh gas with gas line antifreeze. Change oil and clean air filters. Check that the spark plugs are clean. Make sure it runs well and all of the connections work properly.
Service Snow Blowers and Leaf Blowers
Your snow blower probably hasn’t run in a long time. Give it a complete service–fresh gas, clean oil and air filters, tires, and drive train–before the snow comes. Make sure your leaf blower is ready for light snow falls and know where you stored the snow shovel.
Replace Weatherstrip
Fixing drafty windows or installing storm windows saves energy costs and makes your home more comfortable. Door maintenance includes inspecting, replacing, and adjusting weatherstrip and sweeps to ensure a good seal and to prevent drafts. These are simple inexpensive DIY projects to get ready for winter.
Clean and Seal Decks
Fall is a good time for deck cleaning and resealing to prevent water and frost damage over winter. Wood may crack and warp if water penetrates, freezes, and expands. If the damage is bad you will be spending time and money replacing deck boards. Good sealants and stain prevent water penetration and extend the life of the deck.
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