We are welcoming fall on The Main Line and all it brings with it. In the midst of enjoying apple picking, hay rides, and Halloween, do not forget to fall proof your home. Winter is just around the corner and to ensure a smooth transition, here are some points homeowners need to tackle. Welcome to Preparing Your Home for Winter: A 10-Point Fall Checklist
1. Clean and Stow Your Mower
Before winter sets in, take care of your lawn mower. Consider using a fuel stabilizer to prevent gas deterioration in the mower’s tank during the months of inactivity.
2. Disconnect Garden Hoses
Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor faucets. This may not seem like a top priority behind inspecting a roof or sealing air leaks, but they can be a huge problem when freezing temperatures arrive.
3. Drain Your Sprinkler System
Even if the lines are buried, you must drain your sprinkler system. Frozen irrigation lines can result in costly repairs come spring.
4. Seal Air Leaks
Sealing air leaks around your home is an effective way to prevent moisture from entering your walls and wasting energy.
5. Clean Your Gutters
Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams and expensive repairs, after the leaves fall, clean gutters and remove debris.
6. Inspect Your Roof
Inspect your roof for signs of damage, such as buckled, cracked, or missing shingles, rust spots on flashing, or moss and lichen growth.
7. Direct Drainage
Ensure that the soil around your foundation slopes away from your house to prevent water from soaking into the ground near your foundation.
8. Furnace Check
Schedule a professional heating system checkup to prepare for the heating season.
9. Prune Plants
Late fall is the ideal time to prune plants and trees to maintain a safe distance from your house.
10. Give Your Fireplace a Once-Over
Inspect your fireplace to ensure it’s safe for use.
Follow our fall checklist to maximize winter enjoyment, and prevent surprises come spring. If you are thinking of taking advantage of the spring selling season, contact Kimmy Rolph Real Estate. Did you find Preparing Your Home for Winter: A 10-Point Fall Checklist useful? Follow here for more homeowning tips!
