Tips on Prepping your Home for Fall Weather

As fall closes in, don’t forget these home maintenance tasks to keep your property in top form.

The list may seem daunting, but if you tackle a few tasks each weekend, you’ll be ready for winter in no time! Most of them are pretty easy and will help you identify – and avoid – bigger problems.

Clean gutters and downspouts; make sure drainage areas are free of leaves and other debris. (Bonus: investing in gutter guards will make this easier!)
Use a screwdriver to test the wood trim around windows, doors, railings, and decks.
Use caulk to fill holes, or replace rotten wood.
Inspect your roof, or hire someone to do it. Shingles that are curling or cracking should be replaced.
While you’re on the roof, check flushing around windows, pipes, and chimney – you don’t want snow getting in gaps!
Remove, drain, and store garden hoses.
Turn off exterior spigots and drain them of water.
Wrap water pipes in exterior walls with heating tape to save energy and prevent freezing.
Drain and store your lawnmower, and any other lawn equipment.
Use an incense stick to check your windows and doors for drafts, and replace the weatherstripping and caulking as needed.
Check your chimney for soot, and have it swept if there is more than 1/8 inch. Install chimney caps so that pests and debris stay outside!
Trim your bushes and trees, so that they’re away from your house and any electrical lines.
If you’re storing firewood, keep it at least 15 feet from your house so that termites aren’t tempted to set up shop in your house!
Get your snowblower, ice, and shovel ready.