It’s officially Fall, and that means it’s time to start getting your home ready for the cooler months ahead. There are a few essential things to do when preparing your home for autumn and winter weather. Read on for tips on how to prepare your home for fall.
Fertilize your Lawn
As the leaves change color and drop from the trees, it’s time to start thinking about fertilizing your lawn. Fall is the best time of year to fertilize your grass since the nutrients will have plenty of time to absorb into the soil and give you a lush, green lawn come springtime.
When fertilizing your lawn in the fall, use a fertilizer high in potassium and nitrogen. These nutrients will help your grass to withstand the cold winter months and bounce back quickly in the spring. Apply the fertilizer according to the package directions, and water it well.
Clean Your Gutters
As the leaves fall, they’ll inevitably end up in your gutters. If you don’t clean them out regularly, they will become clogged and can damage your roof, siding, and foundation. To avoid this, clean your gutters at least once a year. You can do this yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.
If you decide to clean your gutters yourself, be sure to wait for a dry day. Wear gloves and long sleeves to protect your hands and arms from debris. Use a ladder to reach the gutters, and remove the leaves and debris with a garden trowel or small shovel before flushing the gutters with a garden hose.
Check Your Smoke Detectors
Now that cooler weather is here, it’s time to start thinking about fire safety. One of the best things you can do to protect your family is to check your smoke detectors twice a year. Replace the batteries if they’re more than six months old, and test the detectors to ensure they’re working correctly.
Seal Drafty Windows and Doors to Prepare Your Home for Fall
When the temperature drops, you may notice drafts coming in around your windows and doors. These drafts let in cold air and make your home less energy-efficient. Use caulk or weather-stripping to seal any openings around windows and doors.
Caulk is a flexible, waterproof sealant that you can apply around your windows and doors. It’s available in tubes at most hardware stores. To use it, cut the tip off the tube and squeeze caulk into the cracks around your windows and doors. Weather-stripping is another option for sealing up drafts. It’s a narrow strip of material that you apply to the moving parts of your windows and doors.
Prepare Your Chimney and Fireplace for Fall
If you have a fireplace, now is the time to have it inspected by a professional. They’ll check for cracks in the chimney and ensure the flue is clear. They’ll also inspect your fireplace to make sure it’s in good working order. Be sure to hire a qualified professional to do this job, as they have the knowledge and experience to spot potential problems.
Preparing your home for fall doesn’t have to be daunting. By taking care of a few simple tasks, you will rest assured that your home is ready for cooler weather.
Assurance Home Services offers home inspection services in the Charlotte, NC, and Rock Hill, SC, areas. Contact us to request an appointment.