Soon, summer will come to a close and cool, fall weather will be here. When the temperatures start to drop and the leaves begin to change, many homeowners get distracted and don’t consider the end-of-summer maintenance their home needs to be ready for fall. These expert tips will help you ensure your home is ready to welcome fall when it arrives!
- Prep the pool. Unless you have a heated pool, you won’t be getting much use of it throughout the fall. While you may not be ready to close the pool just yet, you’ll want to schedule an appointment to have the pool closed, as well as gather any necessary chemicals or water treatments. Your main goal is to get the cover on before leaves and other natural debris fall brings have a chance to fill up your pool!
- Repair your roof. Summer breezes blow leaves, dirt, and other debris around, which can clog gutters. It’s important that gutters remain clear for fall and winter so that rain water and eventually snow can melt and exit your roof through your gutter system. When the gutter is blocked, snow and rain can leak into your home or cause damage to your roof. To ensure your roof is in optimal condition, check to see if shingles are missing or curled up. If you notice any issues, have them fixed before fall arrives. Completing a roofing project at the end of the summer is best because the weather is still pleasant and a bit more predictable.
- Seal drafts. As the weather gets chillier and you use the heating system in your home, you won’t want the heat to escape. In preparation for cooler weather, check your siding, doors, and windows for holes. Such damage can cause your heating bill to spike, as you’ll be pumping heat into your home only to have it leak out through the damage. Fixing the problem sooner than later will put your mind at ease and help your home get the most out of your heating system come the fall.
- Tend to the garden. Summer plants and weeds may have overgrown throughout the season, so before fall rolls around get rid of weeds and dead summer plants to make room for new ones! Plants that have a short duration, like kale and lettuce, are great because they grow fast and are manageable in terms of the conditions they need to thrive.
- Refresh your siding. Fall is the perfect time to refresh the look of your home’s exterior. If your home’s siding is looking a little lackluster, professionals recommend updating the look with a fresh coat of paint! This is often a cheaper project than having new siding installed, and will bring life and curb appeal to your home.
With these tips, you will be on your way to preparing the exterior of your home for the new season. Remember, it’s better to start sooner than later!