Fall is a good time to take care of home repair projects. Check these items off your list so you can have peace of mind knowing that your home is ready for winter and the cooler months. Use these must-do fall maintenance tips to get your home ready!
Use fuel stabilizer so that gas does not deteriorate and damage the engine. Fuel stabilizer prevents gas from degrading. Add stabilizer to your gasoline storage container and also top off your mower tank with stabilized gas before you put it away for the winter. Run the mower for a few minutes to circulate the stabilizer in the engine. Another option is to run your mower dry of gas before storing it.
If outside temperatures drop below freezing, water can freeze, expand, and crack the faucet or pipes. Remove attached hoses and shut off water supply valve leading to exterior faucets. Open faucet to drain any trapped water in the pipe.
Seal any cracks on the outside of your home between the trim, around window/door frames, and siding by using exterior caulk. Seal up cracks and openings where pipes and wires enter your house. Reduce inside drafts by sealing around windows or doors with weather stripping or caulk.
Clogged rain gutters can cause ice dams, which can lead to expensive repairs. After the leaves have fallen, clean your gutters to remove leaves, twigs, and any other debris. Clean gutters will also help prevent rain water from overflowing next to your foundation which can cause a basement and or crawl space to leak.
Downspouts should extend at least 5 feet away from your house to prevent water from pooling around the foundation which may cause foundation problems. Make sure the soil around your foundation slopes away from your house. Proper grading will direct water away which can help prevent basement or crawl space leaks.
Fallen leaves can lead to mold growth and attracted unwanted pests. Fallen leaves can also limit your grass of sunlight. Rake or use a leaf-blower to collect leaves before the first snowfall. Fall is the best time to trim trees and bushes. keep limbs and branches at least 3 feet from your house to protect roofing and siding during high winds.
Most people use their garage for storage rather than parking their car. Consider organizing with shelving, hooks and systems specifically designed for a garage.
Schedule an appointment for a furnace inspection and service (cleaning) to help avoid a breakdown in the middle of winter. Replace furnace filters to improve system efficiency.
Test your carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms and put in fresh batteries. It is recommended that testing be done before using the furnace for the first time in the season. Make sure the detectors are all working as expected, and replace any batteries in the units. Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that can be deadly at high levels.
The Fall season is perfect to spend time outdoors with family. Family projects are a great way to encourage family members to get together. Getting the entire family involved in working around the house can create learning opportunities and can help you get your work done faster!
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