Time to prep your home for autumn! Here’s how

Believe it or not, it’s time to prep your home for the autumn season! We spend a lot of time discussing the importance of financial health, budgeting, and understanding the buying and selling process as a home owner. However, owning a home is about much more than that! One of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of homeownership is seasonal maintenance. With autumn fast approaching, now is the perfect time to give your home the attention it needs before the cold winter months settle in. Here are the top tasks you should focus on  before the winter hits! 

Clean out your gutters

This one is at the top of the list for good reason. Falling leaves are undeniably beautiful. However, they’re not so pretty when they clog your gutters. If left unchecked, blocked gutters can lead to water damage, ice dams, and even foundation issues. Trapped water and impending cold weather is not a good combination! Grab a sturdy ladder, gloves, and a scoop, and get those gutters cleared out before heavy rain and snow arrive. If you aren’t comfortable or confident taking on this task yourself, don’t be afraid to bring in a professional company. It will be well worth it! 

Have your heating system serviced

Before the first cold night hits, make sure your heating system is in top shape. As Canadians, we are no strangers to freezing weather and needing to bundle up. However, even the toughest of us don’t want to face the harsh winter months without a functional heating system. 

Whether you have a furnace, boiler, or heat pump, schedule a professional inspection and servicing. They’ll clean the unit, check for potential issues, and ensure it’s running efficiently. You can sleep soundly knowing you are well-prepared for the coming seasons, and won’t be making an emergency service call when your heating breaks down in the dead of winter. 

Seal your windows and doors

Drafty windows and doors are two of the biggest culprits for heat loss during winter. If you want to get ahead of this before it becomes an issue, take a walk through your home and check for any cold spots coming in through the edges. If you find any, it’s time to spring into action. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal up gaps, and consider installing door sweeps where needed. This will help you keep heat trapped in your home, preventing the need for your heating system to work overtime, which can bring in some hefty bills.

Inspect your roof and attic

Roofs take a beating year-round, but fall is a good time to inspect for any damaged or missing shingles. Look for signs of wear, soft spots, or sagging. Inside the attic, check insulation levels and look for moisture or daylight coming through the roof boards. This is perfect prep work for autumn because it puts you ahead of the game if you happen to find any issues. A small leak or weak shingles can quickly become major problems in the winter, when heavy snow accumulates and weighs down the roof. Taking action before this weather hits is essential. 

Protect your pipes

Frozen pipes are a winter nightmare. Prevent this by insulating any exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, and garages. If you have outdoor faucets, turn off the water supply to them and drain any remaining water. This is a simple task that is often forgotten, but can save you thousands of dollars in future repairs!

Get your fireplace ready

Are you lucky enough to have a fireplace? Now’s the time to get it ready for those cozy fall and winter evenings. Have your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected for buildup or blockages. You should also take this time to ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly! As we close up our windows when the cold weather hits, having proper ventilation and a sensitive detection system are essential to your safety. 

Clean up your yard

While we often think of yard work as a spring task, autumn has some prep work involved as well. You can rake up leaves in your yard and collect them in yard waste bags. Autumn is also a good time to fertilize your lawn, giving it the nutrients it needs to get through the winter. If you have any outdoor furniture, now is also the time to put it away. Clean and store your patio furniture, umbrellas, and barbecues to protect them from the elements. It’s also a great time to winterize your lawn equipment. Empty the fuel from lawnmowers and trimmers, and give them a quick tune-up before storing.

Prepping your home for autumn isn’t just about comfort. It’s about protecting your property and maintaining your investment! Whether you’ve owned your home for one year or twenty, taking time each fall to do these tasks helps maintain your property’s value and can prevent costly repairs down the road.

If you have any questions about your mortgage, get in touch with us at Clinton Wilkins Mortgage Team! You can call us at (902) 482-2770 or contact us here.