Preparing your home for the change of season!

How to prepare your home for the fall….

Before the colder weather sets in, take advantage of these next few weeks to get your home in order.
Here are a few tips to make sure your home is in tip-top shape and ready for the changing seasons.

Prepare for Cooler Weather
Examine your windows and doorways for any gaps. Leaving space can not only let your warm air escape and cool air enter but also can leave your home susceptible to possible water damage. To fill any gaps, apply a fresh coat of caulk to keep things sealed shut. To further protect your home from escaping air or potential water damage, you can install weather stripping as well.

Clean gutters and downspouts and trim tree branches.
Once most of the leaves have fallen, clean out gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters during rainstorms can cause water to pool and damage your roof or siding. Trim dead branches out the trees to prevent them from coming down and causing damage in a winter storm.

Seal gaps where critters could enter.
Mice need only a tiny gap to be able to sneak into your house and raid your pantry — and with colder weather coming, all of the little critters out there will be looking for warm places to make a home. Fill small holes and cover any larger gaps securely with heavy-duty hardware cloth to keep the wildlife outdoors. Pests love attics because they are full of nice warm insulation for nesting, and they offer easy access to the rest of the house. With gable vents that lead into the attic, it is a good idea to install a screen behind them to keep those critters out.

Shut off exterior faucets and store hoses.
Protect your pipes from freezing temperatures by shutting off water to exterior faucets before the weather dips below freezing. Drain hoses and store them indoors.

Schedule a chimney cleaning and heating system maintenance. Making sure your chimney and furnace or boiler are cleaned, maintained and in working order before you need to turn on the heat is an important safety measure. And be sure to add a chimney cap if you don’t already have one — it will stop critters from crawling down your chimney!

Check Your Furnace Once a year, it’s a good idea to have your heating system inspected by a professional. To avoid the last-minute rush, consider scheduling this task in early fall, before the heating season begins.

Keeping home maintenance high on your list of priorities is a great way to extend the life of your systems and help give you a little peace of mind even when the cool winds are blowing.

Contact me TODAY, if you would like a list of inspectors or contractors to help you this season!!

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