With autumn coming soon, there are many fun things just around the corner. As the Washington weather begins to set in and evenings get cooler, it is crucial to ensure that your home is sealed up nice and toasty. These are a few tasks that you should do to prepare your home for the autumn.
Check For Drafts
Before the weather begins to cool and you start to crank up your heater, be sure to check if there are any gaps in your door frame or windows. According to the United States Department of Energy, heat loss through spaces in window frames contributes to around 25 to 30 percent of the home’s heat energy use. If you spot any drafts around your home, they can be sealed using weather stripping and caulk. Draft snakes can also be used at the base of your home’s doors. This helps prevent cold air from flowing into your home. By sealing off these drafts, you will be able to help decrease heating costs.
Clean The Gutters And Inspect The Roof
It is essential to check if anything is clogging the gutters and to maintain the roof’s drainage system. To prevent clogging, remove any debris or leaves that might be plugging up the drainpipes and gutters. If these measures are not taken, the exterior of your home may be damaged, and your home’s interior may be flooded. It would also be beneficial to inspect your rooftop to ensure that there are no loose or missing shingles. If any repairs need to be made, contact your local home remodeling contractor. It is vital to do so before the weather starts to change. The changing humidity can further negatively impact your roof and lead to more leakage and water damage.
Repair Damaged Driveways, Steps, And Sidewalks
Be sure to survey your driveway to see if there are any cracks. Although a few small cracks in your driveway may not seem significant, these small cracks can expand, becoming even larger cracks when filled with water and frozen. Eventually, when there are enough big cracks in the concrete, the concrete can crumble. If you notice this small issue, use driveway filler along with a coating of sealer to prevent damage and prolong the life of your driveway, steps, and sidewalks.
Clean Your Fireplace
One of the most important things to do before the start of the fall season is to clean your fireplace and chimney. The burning of wood leads to the buildup of creosote in chimneys. Creosote is a highly flammable substance. It needs to be cleaned out for you and your family’s safety. Before starting up your fireplace, clean out any insects and leaves that may have accumulated there during the spring and summer.
Fertilize Your Lawn
If you want a gorgeous lawn this upcoming spring and summer, you need to begin planning NOW. Autumn is generally the best time to start fertilizing your lawn. Even though grass might not be growing during the winter, its roots are still actively taking in nutrients. Fertilizing your lawn will help prevent any damage that might occur during the winter.
Prep Your Deck
To get a more prolonged use of your outdoor furniture, move the furniture indoors, or cover it with a waterproof furniture cover. Additionally, any grills left outside should also be covered up; they should not be exposed to Washington’s harsh elements.
