Autumn is the time of year when the leaves change colors, the sweaters in the back of closets are front and center again, and your favorite cold beverages become favorite hot beverages. It’s a great time to enjoy the weather that’s not too cool but not too hot. However, it’s vital that you not only prepare yourself for the changes but also your home.
Surprisingly, there’s more home preparation that needs attention when seasons start changing. It shouldn’t remain ignored as the colder seasons approach, so consider what parts of your home need maintenance and focus. Luckily, stressing over house care shouldn’t prevent you from getting work done. Here are a couple of tips to prepare your home for autumn weather so you don’t run into unexpected hurdles.
Prep Your Gutters
Even if you don’t do it regularly, preparing your gutters for falling leaves should come to mind when preparing for cold weather. Gutters are a vital part of rerouting excess water and debris away from your roof and your home, so they shouldn’t have any clogs or buildup. Gutters drain thousands of gallons of water from your roof yearly to prevent damage.
Luckily, cleaning them isn’t too tricky if you have the proper equipment and extra help. If you cannot wash them yourself, consider asking a family member or friend to help you out. Worst case, you can always hire a company that specializes in home maintenance. Lastly, be sure to replace your gutters if they no longer work properly.
Seal Cracks and Find Drafts
One of the worst experiences in cold weather is having drafts and cold breezes squeeze their way into your home. So, one of the best tips to prepare your home for autumn weather is sealing your cracks and preventing air leaks. Heat loss through windows is responsible for heating energy use alone. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be that way, thanks to weather-stripping.
Weatherstripping is the most cost-effective way to bring down the heat and cooling cost usage in your home. It also can reduce drafts and keep homes feeling more comfortable all year long. However, be sure to keep an eye on your weatherstripping, as they wear down over time. Replacement is easy and cost-effective.
Bring In Outdoor Décor
Outdoor furniture isn’t invincible to weather conditions and damage. It’s just as vulnerable as your car or even yourself. Be sure to bring any furniture in that might be damaged or cause damage. Setting outdoor space up can cost money and time, so think about where and how you wish to store your goods.
If you don’t have the means, you can always ask a friend or family member to store it in their garage or shed. If storage isn’t possible, you can always try furniture covers. It saves time and money on building a shed or needing free space in your garage.
Your home shouldn’t become a victim of the cold weather and cost you excess amounts of money to repair. Proper home care is easy, and you don’t need too much elbow grease to get it done. So enjoy the leaves changing and remain stress-free. You’ll thank yourself for it later.
