Tips to Prepare Your Home for Fall Weather

Summer is often a busy season. Kids are off from school, families go on vacation and there’s less time spent at home. When fall rolls around, many homeowners realize that few preparations have been made to their property. Yet, it’s important to be ready for the temperature change from summer to fall. We have 8 tips to help prepare your home.

Clean the Chimney

There’s nothing quite like sitting by a roaring fireplace! If you have one in your home, have the structure and chimney checked for creosote. This flammable by-product of burning wood can cause devastating damage if not cleaned from previous uses. Hire a professional to make sure the fireplace is safe to burn new wood.

Check the Gutters

This drainage system is essential to divert water away from your home, which could cause irreparable damage. You may not think about the gutters until leaves start to fall, but it’s important to clear any obstructions that could trap water and debris once seasons change.

Schedule HVAC Service

Before you know it, your home will have the heat running once again! Before cold weather arrives, have your heat source inspected. An HVAC professional can test its performance and efficiency, change the filters and perform any necessary repairs. If you have an outdoor air conditioning unit, you’ll also want to winterize it with a cover to prevent leaks.

Maintain the Landscape

Walk around the yard and assess the state of your landscape. Trim any bushes or shrubs that are close to the house and make sure damaged tree limbs are cut down. In the event of a strong winter storm, the last thing you want is a dead tree to fall and cause costly damage.

Check the Roof

The roof is one of the most integral parts of a house. At the start of fall, check for damage – missing shingles, leaks, etc. – and have all repairs performed before cold weather sets in. Your roof needs to be strong enough to withstand piles of snow and freezing temperatures. If a replacement is necessary, get the process in motion right away.

Test Safety Items

Check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. As an extra layer of protection, your home should also be equipped with at least one fire extinguisher. Lastly, review and practice your family’s emergency evacuation plan.

Inspect the Siding

Take a close look at your home’s siding for cracks or loose siding. Weakening or detached siding could result in drastic temperature changes and water damage in the home, so it’s best not to put off repairs until spring.

Clean & Check Windows

After months of dust and pollen collecting, end-of-summer is a great time to thoroughly wash your windows and screens. In the process, look for damage that may require a window replacement – you do not want to wait until spring for this major maintenance project. Further, check for drafts that could increase your energy bills when it’s time for heating.
 
At Steve Czerwinski Inc., we specialize in many areas of home improvement, including roofing, siding and windows. If you discover a problem during your fall maintenance routine, our team is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!