Fall-Readiness Checklist: 5 Things Homeowners Should Do Before the Season Starts
Fall is a few months away, but you will probably have a mental to-do list for the season marking the upcoming festivities. Americans love this time of the year as the summer heat gives way to the crisp yet comfortable chill in the air. Halloween and Thanksgiving are around the corner, and there’s abundant fresh produce to relish.
Conversely, fall is also the time to gear up for the snowy season ahead. Preparing your home for winter should be a part of your fall-readiness plan, specifically after the massive winter storm in 2022 that left most of America freezing and without power.
February 2021 also witnessed a historical winter event, with the first billion-dollar weather disaster of the year. Even the relatively warmer state of Texas was entirely engulfed in snow, with a deep freeze impacting parts of the continental United States (CONUS).
These events double the need for winter readiness for homeowners, and the best time to start is well before fall sets in. Providers are less occupied, and DIY jobs are easier when the weather is still pleasant.
Here is a list of things homeowners should do to ensure a comfortable fall and winter seasons:
Inspect Your Roof
A yearly roofing check is ideal if your roof is only a few years old and doesn’t require repair. Fall is an ideal time for a roof inspection and maintenance as timely action can save your roof from disasters like strong winds and ice. If the roof isn’t in good shape, winds, rain, and snow can damage it and cause leaks.
A DIY visual inspection can help you detect missing, damaged, or curled shingles. Calling experts is a better option to dig deep and check damage to metal flashings, vents, and chimneys. Professionals will also check the gutters for accumulations. After an inspection, you must get a maintenance and repair job before fall is in full swing and roofing contractors are packed with projects.
Get Your Fireplace Ready
The fall preparation checklist should also include checking your fireplace annually for damage and hazards. Not paying attention is a mistake, even for homeowners in cities like Houston, where temperatures seldom drop enough to necessitate the use of a fireplace. When residents here were warned to brace for a harsh winter in 2022, most of them struggled with fireplace fixes.
Since most homes in the city have gas fireplaces, gas fireplace cleaning in Houston is a widely in-demand service. That means you may struggle to find professionals on the fly during inclement weather. Wrapping up the process before fall makes sense to avoid last-minute cleaning and maintenance hassles.
Texas Chimney notes that whichever type of fireplace you have, cleaning is essential as deposits of byproducts can be hazardous to health once you turn the heat up. Also, get a chimney inspection to identify and clear away buildups and address any damage.
Seal the Air Leaks
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) statistics, sealing air leaks and having proper insulation can save nearly 15% on heating and cooling costs. Air leaks around doors and windows can expose your living space to chilly winter winds and elevate your heating bills during harsh winters.
As you clean and declutter before fall, pay attention to these gaps and leaks and close them with caulk and weatherstripping. Avoid a set-and-forget approach for weatherstripping as it can deteriorate over time and requires regular inspection. Once again, calling experts to address leaks and gaps early makes sense because they have a busy season ahead.
Repair Walkways
Statistics show that a majority (60%) of slip and fall incidents occur at homes. While the concern is more serious for the elderly, you don’t want anyone to fall and sustain injuries inside or outside your home. Damaged walkways, steps, and drives are a year-round hazard, but the danger compounds when it rains and snows.
Fixing these areas should be a part of your fall-readiness checklist. Besides preventing falls and injuries, timely repairs can save you from expensive headaches down the line. Additionally, it will be easy to rake the leaves when your walkway is well-maintained.
Clean Your Carpets
Cleaning your carpets should be next on your fall preparation checklist. They will surely need a thorough cleanup after the humid summer days, even if you had them rolled, packed, and stored away safely. The best time to do it is before the temperature drops and makes you feel lazy. You don’t want to welcome the holiday guests with dirty carpets on your floor, right?
Get ready for an extensive vacuuming job, or call an expert to do the heavy lifting with proper cleaning equipment. Open the windows for ventilation after the cleaning job as fresh air speeds up the drying process. You will love the clean look and fresh smell of your carpets.
Summing Up
A pre-fall cleanup and maintenance of your home is a wise move because it keeps you stress-free in the season ahead. With timely preparation, you can focus on enjoying the weather and making the most of the holidays. Most importantly, a proactive approach enables you to save big by addressing minor damages before they become expensive problems.
