During fall, there are preparations that should be made to ready your home for cooler weather. Temperatures have dropped to make outside work more bearable and summer vacations are over. Now is the time to prepare your home for fall to better maintain your property.
Clean Your Gutters to Prepare for Fall
Due to a build-up of leaves and debris, homeowners typically clean their gutters twice a year, in spring and in fall. By cleaning your gutters twice a year, you make sure rain and melting snow can freely flow off of your roof and away from your house. Fall is the perfect season for cleaning your gutters to prepare your home for winter weather.
Winterize Outside Faucets
To prepare your home for fall, drain the garden hose, outdoor faucets, and sprinkler systems to preserve them over the winter. Cover any spigots and sprinkler heads with foam insulation to prevent them from freezing. Roll up garden hoses and put them in storage.
Clean Outdoor Items to Prepare Your Home for Fall
To prepare for fall, clean outdoor furniture and add covers to protect it from harsh weather. Remove any fabric pads or cushions and store them inside to extend their life. Outdoor tools should be cleaned and stored out of the elements in a shed, garage, or basement.
Prepare Your Heat Source
One cause of house fires is a fireplace or wood stove that has not been cleaned properly. If your family uses one of these, have your fireplace and chimney cleaned and inspected prior to the arrival of cold weather. Purchase seasoned wood in advance, and place it in a cool, dry area.
If your household is heated by a central heating unit, have your unit inspected by a professional during the fall months. This will provide enough time for repairs prior to winter. This step prevents your heater from malfunctioning at a crucial time.
Seal Your Home
To efficiently heat your home, keep the warm air in and the cold air out. Use weatherstripping to seal cracks around doors and windows. Caulk can also be used to seal off any drafts around pipes. Install door sweeps if they are not already present.
Veriguard Home Inspections provides home inspections in northern New Jersey. Contact us to request our services.