5 Must Do Fall Home Maintenance Projects
Falls cool air is here, outside the leaves are changing to beautiful shades of reds, oranges and yellows. While fall is usually a time where people like to stay cozy inside, you may have some home maintenance projects to get done before the cool air turns into winter snow.
Take a look at these 5 must do fall home maintenance projects:
1. Check Out Your Roof
Before snow starts to fall, you’ll want to check out your roof. Look for any missing shingles, holes and damaged spots that need to be fixed. Remember if you find an issue, get it repaired as soon as possible to avoid any leaks. If you don’t feel comfortable going on your roof alone, hire a licensed professional to inspect it.
2. Repair Any Cracks in Your Driveways and Walkways
If you find any small cracks in your asphalt driveway you’ll want to repair them before any ice melt gets in and spreads the cracks further. Repairing small cracks and divots is actually a pretty simple process. You’ll need the following if you plan to do it yourself:
- A bucket of filler
- Caulking gun
- Shop vacuum
- A hammer and chisel
For cracks in your walkway, consider hiring a professional to do the work. Check out websites like Angie’s List to find a professional.
3. Check Your Heating System’s Efficiency
Your heating system is the heart of your home in the winter, so you’ll definitely want to make sure it’s working properly. Check your heating system to ensure peak performance and discover any minor problems now before they turn into an expensive repair. If your gas or oil furnace is over 20 years old, it can be up to 50% less efficient than modern units. Consider replacing your old unit for Energy-Star labels. Furnaces that meet Energy-Star standards will give you the biggest bang for your home improvement buck.
For even more energy savings, consider installing a programmable thermostat, such as a Nest or Wi-Fi-enabled Honeywell thermostat. A smart thermostat will allow you to program a heating schedule that balances savings with comfort and could save you up to 12% annually on your heating bill.
4. Clean Your Fireplace, Inside and Out
If you have a fireplace in your home, annual proper inspection is key to ensuring its safe operation. If you use your fireplace a lot in the winter, you’ll want to make sure it’s cleaned at least once a year, this will help prevent chimney fires.
5. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
Cleaning gutters is another important task to get done this fall. Clean out your gutters by removing any leaves, twigs and other debris that is preventing proper drainage. Next, flush your gutters with water, inspect the joints and tighten the brackets if necessary. For a more permanent solution, consider using a gutter guard, they’re easy to install and will keep you off a ladder.
We hope you’ve found this fall home maintenance guide helpful when preparing your home for winter. Remember, if you have any renovations to do before winter comes you may want to rent a dumpster. Call us at Dumpster Rental Inc for an affordable roll off dumpster!
