With fall on the way, you might be wondering how you can get your home ready for the incoming cooler months. The good news is fall is the ideal time to get on top of almost all home improvement projects: the weather is lovely (no more summer heat waves) and you are likely to be in a good mindset after a fun summer holiday season. Now, while many home improvement projects can be done in the fall, there are several which should take priority. We have put together a handy checklist of the best home improvement projects for fall and listed them in order of priority.
Clean Your Gutter
Let’s start off with something small to get you in the home improvement mood. Cleaning gutters might not seem like an important task – or even a fun task – but it is very important. Gutters are designed to divert hundreds of gallons of water away from your home, and if you have too many leaves, bugs and debris clogging up your gutters, guess where the water is going to go? A clogged gutter can lead to water damage to your roof and exterior of your home in addition to flooding your basement. That is why we recommend cleaning your gutters as a first step and installing gutter guards to protect them from additional debris (and it also means there is less cleaning for you next year).
Check Out Your Roof
While you are up there cleaning the gutters, check in on your roof. Or better yet, hire a professional to do it. A solid, well-functioning roof will ensure your home stays warm and dry during winter, and finding a problem with your roof during the winter months is a lot more of a nuisance than checking in on it during the Fall to make sure it is in top condition. If not, you can get a professional to fix it. Check there are no leakers, and replace any shingles that are cracked, missing or curling. Regular inspections and maintenance of your roof will help prolong its life.
Inspect Your Windows
Windows are another vital component of your home in terms of comfort, energy loss or gain and noise reduction from the outside world. During winter, heat leakage from your windows can have a severe impact on your energy bills, so we encourage people to inspect their windows prior to the cooler months (like at the start of fall). Here is what to look for:
- Make sure the locks are functioning properly
- Inspecting the weather stripping and make sure it is still intact
- Check the sealant or caulk to make sure it doesn’t need to be touched up
Check Your Insulation
Here are some signs your insulation isn’t working correctly and you should speak to an expert: draughty rooms, higher than normal energy bills and high-temperature variation between rooms. It is important to have your insulation working correctly in time for winter so you are comfortable and do not find your utility bills have gone through the roof. If your insulation is showing any signs of not working correctly fall is the perfect time to reach out to an insulation expert to come out and check your home.
Spruce Up Your Siding with a Fresh Coat of Paint
If you have siding that can be painted over, now is the perfect time to check your siding for any cracks or warping and if it is all good, then give it a fresh coat of paint. While the weather is still mild, fall is the perfect time to redo the outside of your home – and maybe the inside too. Also, with the milder fall temperatures, you will be able to keep your windows open and get rid of the paint fumes quickly if you choose to paint inside too.
