Get Your Home Ready for Fall

The crispness of fall is already detectable in some parts of the country. Now that the cooler weather is approaching, it’s the perfect time to get the fall checklist together for your home. There are some things that you should do as a homeowner to get your house ready for the fall season, including weatherization and maintenance. You may choose to some of the tasks yourself or you can hire a professional if needed. Here’s a rundown of some things you should add to your fall home checklist:

Check for peeling paint. Look for signs of blistering or peeling on the paint of the exterior of your home. If you don’t correct the peeling paint, the siding is not being protected and could deteriorate.

Inspect the roof. Leaking roofs can be a big pain when there is a lot of snow and ice. If you don’t nip roof problems in the bud now, they could turn into bigger issues later on in the season. Inspect your roof thoroughly from top to bottom, checking for cracks in the shingles and curled shingles.

Clean the gutters. It’s important to clean out leaves and tree debris from gutters and downspouts in order to avoid clogged gutters. Make sure they are flowing freely and replace old gutters with ones that have leaf guards.

Get a furnace inspection. You should have your furnace and heating system checked annually for best results. It’s best to inspect the furnace before the heating season begins. Check the furnace filter and make sure it’s clean. Also, get your fireplace in working order.

Caulk the windows. In order to prevent heat from escaping your home during the colder months, it’s a good idea to caulk around your windows and doorframes. This avoids moisture getting in and freezing, which leads to cracks.

Take care of cracks in the driveway. If your driveway is damaged, it can be extra dangerous when icy conditions are present. It’s a good idea to inspect for cracks in the fall in order to avoid bigger problems later on. This goes for your walkways, too.

Remove air conditioners. If you leave them in the window, they can allow cold air to seep in. If the air conditioner is sealed properly in the window, at least cover it for the winter to prevent rusting.

Check fire extinguishers and smoke detectors. You should inspect your home’s safety features at least once per year, but every season is better. Make sure they are in working order, including CO detectors.

Winter will be before you know it, so get your home ready for the fall months. This way, you’ll be prepared for any type of weather and your home will remain comfortable and warm.