September 14, 2016

Fall Home Preparation Tips

Fall is a great time of year for enjoying hayrides, pumpkin picking, and bonfires, but you should also use the nice temperatures for winter preparation. With fall right around the corner, now is the time to make sure your home is ready for cooler temperatures and the unpredictability of the changing of the seasons.

1.  Keep your gutters clean
   Gutters are there to keep rain water away from your home’s foundation, and the farther away the better.  When gutters get clogged up with fall leaves, the water has nowhere to go and can end up leaking into your home, causing mold.  Roof shingles can also be damaged if the water turns into icicles once the weather drops to freezing temperatures later on in the season.
2. Inspect window and door trim
   Make sure that your home is properly insulated and use caulk to fill any holes or gaps in the wood.  If it is bad enough, consider replacing.  Caulking will prevent heat from escaping and will avoid water getting into the holes and freezing, causing more damage.
3. Check your heating unit
   Have a licensed heating contractor inspect your gas heater or furnace to make sure your unit is operating efficiently.  If you have a wood burning fireplace, make sure it is cleaned to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning or chimney fires.  Also make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are working.
4. Check your roof
   Inspect your roof for wear and tear, and replace any curling shingles or missing shingles.  Your roof is the first defense in protecting your home, and fall is a great time to make sure it is ready for the coming ice, rain, snow, and wind.
5. Cover air conditioners
   Clean out or vacuum any dusty or dirty parts of your central air conditioner.  Cover your air conditioner to prevent ice, snow, or other debris which can damage the unit or result in rust.  Remove any window units and seal up any windows.