7 End of Summer Home Maintenance Tips to Prepare for Fall

 Tanya LaRose  0comments  01.09.2023

Summer is almost over, and that means it’s time to get your home ready for the cooler and wetter months ahead. Whether you’re planning to sell your home or stay put, doing some end of summer home maintenance can help you save money, prevent damage, and improve your comfort. Here are seven tips to help you prepare your home for fall.

1. Clean your gutters and downspouts. Your gutters and downspouts are essential for directing rainwater away from your roof and foundation. However, they can get clogged with leaves, dirt, and debris, which can cause water damage, mold growth, and pest infestation. To prevent this, you should clean your gutters and downspouts at least twice a year, preferably in the spring and fall. You can do this yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.
2. Inspect your roof. Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, so you want to make sure it’s in good shape before the rainy and snowy season begins. Look for any signs of damage, such as missing or broken shingles, cracks, leaks, or sagging. If you notice any problems, you should contact a licensed roofer to repair them as soon as possible.
3. Seal any gaps or cracks. Gaps and cracks around your doors, windows, pipes, and vents can let in cold air, moisture, and pests. This can affect your indoor temperature, humidity, and air quality, as well as increase your energy bills. To seal these gaps and cracks, you can use caulk, weatherstripping, or foam insulation. You can also install storm doors and windows to provide extra protection and insulation.
4. Service your heating system. You don’t want to wait until the first cold day to find out that your heating system is not working properly. That’s why you should service your heating system at least once a year, preferably in the fall. This will ensure that your furnace, boiler, heat pump, or fireplace is running efficiently and safely. You should also replace or clean your air filters regularly to improve your indoor air quality and reduce allergens.
5. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are vital for your safety and security. They can alert you to potential fires or gas leaks in your home. However, they can also malfunction or run out of batteries if you don’t test them regularly. You should test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at least once a month by pressing the test button on each device. You should also replace the batteries twice a year, preferably when you change your clocks for daylight saving time.
6. Trim your trees and shrubs. Trees and shrubs can add beauty and value to your home, but they can also pose a hazard if they are not properly maintained. Overgrown branches can break off and damage your roof, siding, windows, or power lines during a storm. They can also block sunlight from reaching your lawn or garden. To prevent this, you should trim your trees and shrubs at least once a year, preferably in the late summer or early fall when they are dormant.
7. Store your outdoor furniture and equipment. If you have any outdoor furniture or equipment that you don’t use during the fall or winter, such as patio sets, grills, lawn mowers, or bikes, you should store them away in a dry and secure place. This will protect them from the weather, rust, mold, and theft. You should also clean them before storing them to prevent dirt and stains from setting in.

I hope these tips help you get your home ready for fall! If you need any more help or advice on home maintenance or selling your home in any season, feel free to contact me anytime! 😊