With the fall season upon us, temperatures will begin to drop and the leaves will soon change color and litter your yard. We strongly suggest you start planning (and executing) fall maintenance tasks. Aside from the long-term benefits of maintaining your home, for those tasks that need a profession, planning early might help you get a better rate and scheduling may be more advantageous.
Outside the House
– Check for foundation cracks. Such cracks may lead to moisture problems and potentially lead to structural damage. It is better to address these issues sooner rather than later. Left to linger, the repairs can become costly.
– Check the gutters. It is a good idea to clean your gutters or hire someone to do it. Leaves, sticks, and other debris can clog your gutters allowing water, ice, and snow to build up leading to possible roof damage.
– Check decks and other outdoor wood structures. We suggest cleaning and washing dirt and debris off your deck to prevent moisture accumulation. Doing so will allow you to stain and/or reseal your wood structure as necessary, thereby helping it withstand the winter weather.
– Turn off exterior faucets. It is a good idea to shut off exterior faucets and turn off the valve inside your home (depending on the age of your home). We also suggest draining the left over water in your garden hoses and storing them.
– Check the trees around your house. Damaged limbs and dead trees may cause problems if they give way under the weight of ice and snow. Protect your home and the power lines by addressing these trees now.
Inside the House
– Check the furnace. When temperatures drop, your furnace is called on often. Changing the air filter will help your unit’s operating efficiency. You may also want to consider getting it serviced from a licensed professional.
– Check the fireplace, chimney, and flue. This is the time of year for picturesque logs burning in the fireplace as leaves change color or snow falls. It is a good idea to clean the creosote build up so as to avoid any potential fire hazards.
– Reverse the ceiling fans. A simple way to cut down of your heating costs is to reverse the direction of your ceiling fans. This will push the warm air down from the ceiling instead of creating a breeze.
– Check for drafts. Drafts around windows and doors can affect the comfort of your home during the colder seasons. If needed, replace the seals or repair caulking to stop those annoying drafts.
We at GW Savage hope you enjoy the last bits of summer weather, but we sincerely urge everyone to be prepared (and safe!) this fall. Taking reasonable steps now will save you money and expense on emergency repairs.
