As we enter the new fall season, prepping your home is always a necessity. The weather nowadays is seemingly more volatile and preparation could save you thousands of dollars in case something happens. We have provided our top three tips to help best prepare you and your home for the fall.
Seal up air leaks
A home with air leaks around windows and doors is like a coat left unbuttoned. Gaps in caulk and weatherstripping let cold air into your warm home, and sealing up a drafty house can save up to 20% on your heating bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Weatherstripping is easily the most cost-effective way to rein in heating and cooling costs. This material also reduces drafts and keeps your home more comfortable year-round. If you suspect a problem with your weatherstripping, try closing a door or window on a strip of paper. If the paper slides easily, your weatherstripping isn't properly sealing the opening.
Inspect your roof
Few homeowner problems are more vexing than a leaky roof. Once the dripping starts, finding the source of the problem can be time-consuming. Stop problems this fall before ice and winter winds turn them from annoyances into disasters. Start by inspecting your roof from top to bottom, using binoculars if necessary. Check ridge shingles for cracks and wind damage. Look for damage to metal flashing in valleys and around vents and chimneys. Scan the entire roof for missing, dented, or damaged shingles. If you want to spend a little extra money ahead of time, you can hire an inspector to do it for you. What is $100 compared to potential thousands?
Protect faucets from freezing temperatures
If you live in an area with freezing weather, take steps to ensure that outside faucets and in-ground irrigation systems don't freeze and burst. First, close any shut-off valves serving outside faucets, then open the outside faucet to drain the line. If you don't have shut-off valves, and your faucets are not "freeze-proof " types, you might benefit from styrofoam faucet covers which are sold at many home centers. To freezeproof an in-ground irrigation system, follow the manufacturer's procedure for draining it and protecting it from winter damage.
Although these are among the few suggestions to prepare for the fall, there are many more online. The main importance here is simply getting started! You don’t want to be stuck with a bill that can cost thousands because you have to replace parts or hire someone to fix something that broke. Also, keeping your family safe is a priority as well.
