Fall is a great time for home maintenance and repairs. Milder weather means you can improve your yard and garden, paint exterior surfaces, and enjoy working outdoors in moderate temperatures. Fall also marks the beginning of the holiday season, so it’s a good time to start thinking about upcoming events. Here are seven ideas for fall home improvement projects.
Fall Home Improvement: Check Insulation
Attic insulation may need to be replaced if it’s been damaged by a roof leak, pests or simply age. Check your home’s unfinished spaces – such as basements, attics, and garages – to determine the condition of your insulation. Install additional insulation in the fall before colder winter weather arrives.
Clean the Gutters
Gutters divert hundreds of gallons of precipitation from your roof and away from your home. They are more likely to clog in the fall because of the leaves dropping. Clogged gutters can cause water damage to the roof and the exterior of your home. Overflowing gutters may also flood the basement.
Find your ladder and a pair of sturdy work gloves. Clean the gutter channels by scooping out the leaves, pine needles, and other debris. If the guttering is rusting or badly damaged, fall is a great time to have it replaced. Install gutter guards to help protect your home by blocking leaves and other debris from collecting in the gutters.
Repair Cracks in the Driveway
When water repeatedly freezes, expands, and melts during winter, tiny driveway cracks may quickly become larger. Apply crack sealer to the gaps while the weather is still nice. This will protect your driveway and paths throughout the winter. If the cracks are beyond repair, consider having a professional break up the concrete and pour a new section.
Make Exterior Improvements this Fall by Painting Your Home
Painting the exterior in the fall is a great way to safeguard your home’s siding from the elements. Painting gives your home a fresh look and protects surfaces by preventing moisture from entering the walls, seeping into wood decking, and damaging the porch railings.
Replace or Repair the Roof During Fall Home Improvement
A good roof keeps your house warm and dry year-round. Keep an eye on any roof issues like leaks and damage to the roofing materials. If necessary, replace shingles that are cracked, curling, or missing. For major work, like substantial repairs or a complete roof replacement, get a few estimates from respected contractors.
Prepare Your Fireplace
Fall is the ideal time to make sure your fireplace is in good working order before the winter months. A fireplace that is not properly maintained is hazardous. Verify it is functioning properly so your family will be safe and warm. If it’s been many years since your last cleaning and repair, call a professional for an inspection.
Inspect and Seal Windows
During winter, drafts from windows may cause an unnecessary increase in your energy bills. Check your windows early in the fall. Replace weatherstripping as needed and use caulk to fill gaps and cracks. You can also install storm windows as an additional layer of protection from the elements.
AAA Professional Home Inspectors provides inspection services to customers in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Contact us to schedule an appointment.