Regrettably, summer is coming to an end with fall creeping in around the corner.  With the seasonal shift also comes some seasonal home maintenance to ensure that we’re ready for some cooler, then colder months. Here are a few helpful tips to ensure everything is protected over the coming months:

Painting

The end of summer is the perfect time to add new color to the walls, so choose your paint and grab a roller. Sprucing up the interior when you can have the windows open and a breeze coming through, helps ensure proper ventilation along with a quick dry time. 

Clean Your Vents

While it can be a messy job, cleaning your vents is a necessity. Check your air vents, dryer vents, baseboard heating vents and your exterior HVAC unit for any dust build-up. Once you’re sure they’re clear, you won’t need to worry about air-flow blockage. Have your HVAC unit inspected and serviced, and change the filters if they’re dirty. Run the heat to be sure that everything is in working order.

Fireplace

Fall is the perfect time to begin using the fireplace, as long as it’s in correct working order. Inspect the fireplace, flue, and chimney, and remove any debris that may block the airflow. Sweep out any remaining ash and soot, and you should be ready to start stacking logs. If your fireplace is gas or electric, have them inspected and replace any parts necessary.

Deck

Rain and snow can be tough on a wood deck or patio. It’s a good idea to give the area a thorough cleaning and inspect it for any damage or wood rot. Replace any faulty boards, fill in any gaps and holes with wood putty and give it a new coat of paint or sealer.

Gutters

All summer long, gutters can get clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris. Now is the time to get them cleaned out. Regular gutter cleaning is important if you want to avoid water damage to the roof or the interior and exterior of your home. Clogged gutters can also be home to pests, so keeping them free from debris is a very good idea. Once they’re cleared, use the hose to check your water flow and to determine where the water is running off to. Water accumulating near your home can cause foundation issues, so dig trenches if need be to direct the water where you want it to go.

Yard

Examine the trees near your home and your neighbors’ homes for any weak, unstable, or dead limbs. Trim anything back that could cause damage in a storm. Clear out your garden beds and get your bulbs planted for spring. Organize your garden shed so that your tools and seeds are readily available when it starts to warm up again.

Windows and Doors

Open your windows and check to see if any caulking needs to be replaced around the window frames. Inspect the weather stripping on your doors and replace them if you need to. Small drafts can lead to big heating bills, so keep those windows and doors sealed up tight.

If you need any recommendations for local handymen, or you have any questions about any pf the tips, please reach out. I’m always happy to set aside time to talk.