Now that summer is behind us, it’s time to tackle a few simple chores that will make winter more pleasant and prevent some unwanted surprises next spring. Here are ten fall home maintenance tasks to do to prepare their home for the cold temperatures.
1. Properly Store Your Mower
If your mower sits for months with gas in its tank, the gas will slowly deteriorate, which can damage internal engine parts. One of the easiest ways to maintain your lawn mower engine for seasons to come is by using a fuel stabilizer. Learn more about how to properly store your lawnmower.
2. Store Hoses and Turn Off Outdoor Water
Remove water hoses from outdoor faucets to avoid cracks in faucets or pipes from freezing temps. Make this an early fall priority, so a sudden cold snap doesn’t sneak up on you.
3. Winterize Sprinkler System
Winterize your irrigation system in the fall. Even buried lines can freeze leading to busted pipes and broken sprinkler heads. Here’s a guide to winterizing your sprinkler system. Or, call a professional to ensure it’s done correctly.
4. Clean Gutters
After the leaves have fallen, clean your gutters of any debris to avoid ice dams in the winter.
5. Seal Air Leaks
Check for air leaks to prevent energy waste and moisture damage. Seal cracks between trim and siding, around window and door frames, and where pipes and wires enter your house.
6. Inspect the Roof
Inspect the roof for buckling, cracking, or missing shingles. Also, look for any rusting on flashing.
7. Direct Drainage Away from House
Check the soil around your foundation and make sure it slopes away from your how at least six vertical inches over ten feet. Pooled water around the foundation can lead to cracks and leaks.
8. Service Furnace
Schedule an appointment with a local heating and air company to get your furnace tuned up for the winter before you actually need it to warm your home. Change furnace filters too.
9. Prune Plants
Late fall is the best time to prune plants and trees. Keep the branches at least three feet from your house to prevent exterior damage from high winds or moisture dripping onto the roof and siding.
10. Inspect the Fireplace
Make sure your fireplace is safe. Use a flashlight to look inside the fireplace flue to make sure the damper opens and closes. Also, check for any obstructions such as bird’s nests, branches, or leaves. Check the firebox for cracked or missing bricks and mortar. If you see and damage, call a professional.
Fall Home Maintenance Tasks
Just a little work on the front-end will save you a major headache when the ground begins to thaw in springtime. What other fall home maintenance tasks are on your list?
Do you have a home improvement project, kitchen and bathroom renovation, or a home remodeling dream you want to begin? Now is the best time to get started. CLW Construction Services is ready to start your project today. Call the best remodelers in Northwest Arkansas today at (479) 595-3309