As a homeowner, I have discovered that fall is the perfect time to perform basic home maintenance to prevent costly and time consuming repairs later. The following are some steps that I take each year before winter sets in.
Cleaning Out the Gutters and Inspecting the Roof
One year I installed gutter shields thinking I would be spared the annual task of climbing a ladder and digging leaves out of the gutters. Unfortunately, the tree cover is so dense around my house that the leaves simply pile on top of the shield and stay there. If I left the leaves there ice dams could still form during the winter, which would lead to expensive roof repairs later. So, I brush off the gutter guards when the last of the leaves fall. I also climb on the roof and inspect it for chips, tears or loose shingles. If the damage is small, it's fairly easy to replace a tile and coat small tears with some roof sealer. I pay extra attention to the places on my roof where seams are formed by exhaust vents and chimneys and reseal them if necessary. The cost of a roofing tile and some sealer is much cheaper than having to prematurely replace the roof, or the supporting structures underneath.
Cleaning and Repairing Windows, Storm Doors and Storm Windows
I also inspect my windows and doors in the fall and repair any cracked panes. I cut replacement glass myself at my local Home Improvement Store. I generally pay under $15 to buy glazing compound, caulk and glazing points for my home. Resealing any gaps or holes saves money by reducing both heating and cooling costs. When I clean my windows just before winter, I find that the season does not seem as oppressive when more light is shining through. I also prune back overhanging branches and limbs that block out natural light. If you cannot afford double paned windows or storm windows, plastic sheeting kits are available at a low cost, and they save enough in reducing heating costs to more than pay for themselves. Many years ago I also made window and door "socks" out of old clothing scraps and sand that I drape across the windowsills and door stops, which also helps seal out air leaks.
Cleaning and Storing Yard and Garden Tools
As fall comes to a close, I thoroughly clean all of my yard and garden tools before storing them for the winter. I have a large container in which I keep sand and old motor oil, and I will clean tools such as rakes, shovels and hoes by mixing the oil and sand together. This removes any remaining dirt on the tools and coats them with oil to prevent rust. When the mowing is done for the season, I remove the spark plug and drain the oil and gas from the engine of the mower, as well as ensure that all dried grass clippings are removed from the deck and blade and coat the blade with some oil as well. This prevents rust, and prolongs the life of the engine and blade, which saves money in the long term by delaying the need for replacement tools. I also disconnect my water hose and make certain that it is well drained before the first frost to prolong the life of the hose. I also inspect any exposed water pipes and make certain that they are wrapped to prevent freezing and bursting later.
Cleaning and Inspecting the Heating System
Whether you use centralized heating and cooling, a fireplace, gas, kerosene, or baseboard heat, fall is also a great time to make certain that any exposed parts of your system, such as filters, registers, grilles, or the baseboards are clean and free of dust. Schedule a check-up of your system with your contractor now to make certain that any needed repairs are completed now before your repairman is busy with emergency winter repairs.
By spending a little time and money now, you can take some steps that will save you money later. These steps will also keep your house warmer and more comfortable during the winter.
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