Summer is the time for family cookouts, beach vacations, trips to the pool, and plenty of other amusing, warm-weather activities. But don’t let all that summer fun distract you from keeping up with your house and yard. Performing routine repairs will protect your home and get you ready for the colder months ahead. Use this checklist to make sure you’ve completed necessary maintenance tasks before the end of summer.
8 Home Repairs to Complete Before Fall
1. Replace Old or Damaged Siding
Siding protects the home and its foundation from the elements. Damaged siding has the potential to let in cold/hot air, water, or pests. Inspect your siding for signs of damage, such as cracks, bare spots, or obvious rotting. Replace or repair the siding as necessary to help keep the home in top shape.
2. Get a Roof Inspection
The National Roofing Contractors Association suggests you have your roof inspected twice per year (Spring and Fall). If you live in an area that is prone to high winds and thunderstorms during the summer months, you will at least want to have a roof inspection at the end of the storm season. Check for any loose or missing shingles, shingles that are curled or cracked, and any signs of water damage. Address any damage as soon as possible to avoid more expensive repairs later on.
3. Clean Your Gutters
You might be surprised how much debris can accumulate in your gutters during the summer months. Wind and rain can blow leaves, pine needles, and other detritus into your gutters, which need to be cleared in order to efficiently direct water away from the house.
In warmer months, clogged gutters can cause leaks within the home or fail to lead water away from the foundation, causing dangerous erosion on the property. In the winter, a clogged gutter can cause ice dams to form. The resulting pressure pulls the gutter system away from the home structure and can cause permanent damage to the underlying fascia.
4. Seal Windows
Before the first chill arrives, check your windows for signs of leakage. You can do this by moving a lit candle around the window and checking for any signs of a flickering flame. If the flame is moving, there is a good chance air is coming in where it is not supposed to. Seal the window with appropriate caulking to insulate the home and reduce energy costs due to poor window efficiency.
5. Change Your Furnace Filters
If it’s been awhile since you changed your filters, make sure to install new ones before you first turn on your furnace. Your system will function much more efficiently and the air will be free of unpleasant odors, dust, and build-up.
6. Fertilize Your Lawn
If you choose to fertilize your grass, do so about three weeks before your last mowing. Grass roots tend to multiply faster when the weather cools down. The fertilizer will speed up this process and give the grass roots nourishment when they go dormant for the winter. You can consult with your local garden center about which type of fertilizer is best for your species of lawn.
7. Drain Garden Hoses and Blow Out Sprinkler System
You can blow out your sprinkler system yourself using an air compressor, but it is probably best to hire a professional to make sure the job is done correctly. Any water left in the system can freeze and result in expensive damage to the irrigation system or cause a flood within the home.
You will also want to drain water from your garden hoses before putting them away for the season. Freezing water within a hose can cause it to split, which means you’ll have to replace it next summer.
8. Prep Your Grill for Winter Storage
Give your gas grill a thorough cleaning at the end of the season. Coat exposed metal with cooking oil to prevent rust build up. You may also want to remove the entire burner unit and wrap it in plastic, since insects like to nest in the gas tubes when overwintering.
If you plan to store your grill outside, simply cover the grill with a weather-proof grill cover with the propane gas still attached but turned off. If you are bringing it inside for the winter, disconnect the propane tank and leave that outside in an upright position.
A Well-Maintained Home Sells Faster
Keeping your home in good condition is in your best interest as both its primary inhabitant and as its potential seller. Regular repairs and maintenance reflect well on a property’s value, which means time and money you put into caring for your home will be rewarded if you decide to sell.
If you are ready to sell your home in Colorado, contact Brenda Kellogg Meyer. Brenda has years of experience and an entire team available to help get your home in top shape to sell. Contact Brenda today to get started!
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