It’s fall time—while the leaves are changing, your mind might be on fall holidays or that leaf pile you have to rake up again for the kids, but don’t get too distracted because winter is right around the corner. While the weather is still mild, it’s a good time for some fall maintenance. Here are some tips from our handymen about what you will want to do in preparation for the winter.
Fall Maintenance Ideas
Clean the Gutters
- Clean the gutters one last time before the freezing rain and snow arrives. If your gutters need replaced, now is the time to do it. Not cleaning your gutters can lead to improper drainage and can cause leaks or moisture build up. In the winter, the leaks will lead to the formation of icicles which are not only dangerous, but the weight of the ice can also damage your gutters, roof, and drains.
Cover the Drafts
- Before the cold air starts seeping into the house, find the source of the draft. The door leading into your garage, the front, or back door are all good places to check. Having a draft in your doors or windows can have a major impact on your energy bill during the winter. Purchase and install a simple weather-strip to prevent any cold drafts from entering your home. Don’t wait until you feel the winter chill coming in—test your doors by closing them with a piece of paper on the ground. If the door closes easily and hardly moves the paper—you have a space to cover.
Fix the Driveway
- Winter ice will chip away at and widen any cracks you have in your driveway to bigger gaps or even holes. To prevent this, seal those cracks with a bottle of cement crack filler to save you time and money in the long run.
Test the Equipment
- Before the first big snowstorm of the year hits, it’s a good time to get that old snowblower up and running. If it doesn’t work, you will have time to make repairs or purchase a new one before you really need it.
Yearly fall maintenance includes many steps from fixing the driveway to detaching and storing away the garden hose. With these helpful tips, you will be ready for winter and won’t find yourself in trouble later with the damage that can come if you leave these parts of your home unaddressed.
Contact Handyman Connection
Contact our team at Handyman Connection of McKinney for an estimate to begin planning for your next project today. Our handymen are happy to lend a helping hand with your fall maintenance tasks. Call today!