Summer’s over at last, and while you might be ready for the cool weather of fall, is your home? If you’re a homeowner, this is a great time to get ahead of the weather and prepare your home for the harsher weather that’s on the way.
To help you prepare, we’ve created this checklist that can help you make your home ready for fall in no time:
Clean the gutters
Cleaning your gutters helps ensure that your home can handle the precipitation that comes with fall. You’ll want to make sure they’re free of debris and that the downspouts direct all the runoff away from your home. This is vital as it helps protect your foundation from water damage.
Put away the tools
It’s time to clean, oil, and store all your tools to make sure they are ready to use when spring rolls around. For your lawnmower and other powered equipment, make sure you follow manufacturer guidelines prior to storage. Put everything, from rakes to weed eaters, into a shed that’s protected from the elements and check on them periodically to make they are still secure from rain, snow, and rodents.
Turn off the water
Winter is tough on pipes, and this can lead to expensive damage to your home. Start off by draining all hoses and storing them inside. Next, turn off the water to the outdoor spigot, drain the pipe, and insulate the hose bib. Inside pipes should also be winter-proofed. This is an important step, so you might want to ask for professional help if you’re unsure what needs to be done.
Additional steps include cleaning the chimney, having your furnace or HVAC system inspected, checking your roof, and sealing the house, around windows, doors, gaps, and cracks.
While there are many things you can do to weatherproof your home, this list will get you started down the right path. Remember, however, that home maintenance is a serious matter that requires some knowledge and ongoing effort. So if you don’t know how to do something,consult a pro!