Preparing Your Home for Cooler Weather

Fall is officially here, have you thought about fall home maintenance?  There are some things you should definitely do to be sure your home is ready for the coming change in weather.

1. Drain garden hoses and store them inside to protect them from cracking. Turn off outdoor spigots and make sure exterior pipes, such as lawn irrigation pipes, are drained of water.  Cold weather can cause pipes to freeze and burst, creating all sorts of damage to your home.
2. Check your gutters. Be sure gutters are clear of leaves, sticks and other debris.  Consider installing gutter caps or screens to help keep the gutters clear.  Check the joints between the gutters and downspouts and between sections of the gutters and repair if necessary.
3. Make sure any gaps around doors, window frames, or places where wiring or pipes enter your house are sealed to prevent any water from penetrating and causing mold or structural damage. Seals will also help keep heat in, and unwanted visitors like mice and insects out.
4. Take a peek at your peak – your roof, that is! Get some binoculars and check your roof for missing or damaged shingles.  Make repairs before winter wind, ice and snow have a chance to cause damage to your home.
5. Have a professional inspect any wood burning fireplaces or wood stoves, to be sure there isn’t creosote buildup that can cause a chimney fire. Have gas fireplaces inspected for proper venting and to check for broken glass doors. 
6. Have your furnace inspected to be sure it’s in optimal working condition for the cold months to come.   

A little bit of effort will help eliminate potential problems and protect your most valuable asset!