The cooler temperatures of the fall are a gentle reminder that the winter season is not far off and now is the time to get prepared. Indoors, you might do something like put the summer clothes and linens away and pull out the flannel sheets and sweaters.
While outdoors, there are many more maintenance chores to get done in preparation for winter. Here is a list of just a few:
- Take a walk around the outside of your home and check for paint that is peeling. If the paint on your home is peeling, then it is not protecting the siding. If this vulnerability is left unrepaired, the siding on your home could take a nasty beating during the winter months and quickly breakdown. The repair and/or replacements costs could be expensive.
- We all know the importance of keeping clean rain gutters. But, during the fall it is essential. The leaves and debris that have fallen from the changing trees on your property have no doubt completely clogged the rain gutters and downspouts of your home, leaving them useless. Make sure to take a couple of hours to get them cleaned out. Check the hardware also to make sure your rain gutters are secure and can handle the weight of heavy rain.
- Get your windows ready for winter by inspecting the caulking around their frame. If there is any missing, cracked, or damaged, get it replaced right away. A night tight seal of caulk around your windows could make a big difference in how energy efficient your home is.
- Check out the roof of your home before winter arrives. The summer and winter weather are equally damaging to your roof – each in its own way – and it is important to use the fall to make sure there is no lasting damage from the summer and that the winter will not be too harsh. Check for warped or missing shingles, spaces around the flashing of any skylights or chimneys, and vents.
While it might be tempting to retreat indoors for a cup of hot coffee and a good book now that the temperatures are dropping, this is actually the perfect time to make sure that your home – both inside and out – is ready for the cold weather season.