From the rich hues of orange and red to the new crispness in the air, fall is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful times of year. As leaves start to carpet the yard and pumpkins start to appear on porches, homeowners would be wise to think about preparing their properties for colder days ahead.
Winter weather can wreak havoc on your home—and that's why it's important to use the fall season to stay a step ahead. With this checklist, you can get your home in tip-top shape before temperatures drop.
Here are some home projects to tackle this fall:
#1: Check your exterior for cracks or holes, and use caulk to fill in any problem areas. Pay special attention around windows and door frames, as well as along your siding and where wires or pipes enter your home. This quick fix can help your home stay more insulated once cold weather hits, which can make a significant difference in your heating bill during the winter. Plus, it can go a long way in keeping unwanted critters out!
#2: Add weather stripping to your windows and doors. Over time, natural wear and tear may cause a loose seal. As a result, cool air may seep in, while your cozy heated air leaks out. Since doors and windows are your first line of defense against winter weather, it’s important to periodically update this—or at least double-check it.
In the same vein as caulking cracks and holes, this simple step can potentially save you a fair amount of money on your heating bill. However, there comes a time when even updated weather stripping isn’t enough to keep the draftiness at bay. If your doors are too aged and warped for weather stripping to help, it may be time to upgrade to new doors. If that’s the case, we have a wide range of exterior doors to suit every home style.
#3: Clean out your gutters. Yes, it’s a pain to do and yes, it matters. Clearing your drains and gutters from leaves and debris helps ensure proper drainage. If your gutters get overly cluttered, they may not drain properly. And, check that your downspouts are directing water away from your foundation. Although it may seem like a small issue, it can become a real problem over time, even leading to water damage, flooding, and foundational issues.
If you’re not comfortable getting up on the roof and doing this chore yourself, consider hiring a professional. Come winter, you’ll be glad you did.
#4: Rake up and remove all leaves. Even though they look pretty when they first fall, failing to dispose of leaves—and then potentially letting them become blanketed by frost or snow—can cause problems for grass growth in the spring. Keeping up with this task weekly or biweekly can help keep the work from (literally) piling up. At the very least, give the yard a good effort before any predicted significant changes in temperature.
#5: Get your heating system serviced by a professional. It’s a small upfront investment that can save you thousands of dollars down the road. Not only can they spot pending issues, they will be able to help optimize your home's heating abilities before they're put to the test. While the serviceperson is there, be sure to ask about any additional tips they might have for saving energy and reducing your heat bill.
#6: Stock up on winter supplies like firewood and driveway salt. Especially if you live in an area prone to snow or frozen roads, you want to make sure you have tire chains, shovels, ice scrapers, and the like already in hand well before winter hits. It’s always better to be overprepared versus the opposite!
BONUS TIP: Before cold weather comes, turn off outdoor faucets and store your garden hose in a garage or shed. This can help prevent burst pipes.
Although homeownership can be a bit of a hassle sometimes, these steps are worth the time and effort. Take advantage of beautiful fall weather, get outside, and knock out this list. Checking off each item will make you feel more prepared for winter weather and help avoid budget-busting problems come spring.
Have doors that need replacing? You've come to the right place.