Prepping Your Home for Fall

Bright summer days and warm nights. It’s something we look forward to each and every year, especially when the skies are grey and the ground is white. All good things must come to an end, however, and we’re rapidly nearing crisp autumn days – and the chill that swiftly follows. Don’t let the lazy days of summer lull you into a false confidence. Now is the time to start thinking about prepping your home for fall and beyond!

Gutter Ball

You might not even notice your gutters when you look at your house, but you definitely will be aware of them if they get clogged. Leaves and other debrief can fill up your gutters, and when mixed with rain and snow, form an ice dam. For gutters to do their job, collecting water and transferring it away from your home, they need to be clear of any debris. If your clogs get severe enough, they could even cause your gutters to fall down. Even scarier, clogged gutters can cause home and basement flooding. Avoid major home damage and prevent costly repairs by regularly cleaning out your home’s gutters.

Trained Seal

Sealing is the name of the game with most home prep for fall and winter. Cracks in driveways or pathways will get worse with cold weather, so filling them with sealant before the weather turns is a great way to level it out. It is also important to seal your doors and windows. Cool air will find its way in (and warm air will find its way out) of cracks in weather stripping. Repair or replace these weather strips to stay comfortable – and keep your energy bills down. Roofs also need a little TLC. Seal any leaks in your roof to prevent the weather outside from becoming the nightmare inside.

Inspector Detector

Fireplaces, baking, heating up the home – sounds warm and cozy, but each of these activities can wreck a home (and your holidays) without the right precautions. Check your smoke and CO detectors to make sure they are in proper working order. Have an inspector ensure your heating system is working safely and effectively, and use the check up as a reminder to replace your filters and clean the vents. Clean out chimneys and fireplaces, and test your hot water heater. This can also be a good time to reverse your ceiling fans. If it heats up, or protects you from a heating malfunction, now is the time to check it.

Spring a Leak

Check your outdoor faucets. If they’re leaky, the cold weather could cause that water to freeze – and your pipes to burst. Burst pipes can mean flooding, extensive damage, and hefty repair quotes. The best way to freeze-proof faucets and pipes is to replace them with faucets that have safety valves. It keeps out the winter chill and leaves your pipes in working order.

A Little Rusty

Outdoor furniture can also face the wrath of cooler weather. Make sure everything is put into storage, or securely covered. This will prevent it from storm damage, or causing storm damage by blowing into your home or a neighbor’s yard. Rain and snow can also cause metal furniture to rust, so make sure it is kept dry, or it’ll be useless (and possibly dangerous) by the time spring rolls around. Nobody wants to add “tetanus shot” to their spring checkup.

Don’t let autumn sneak up on you and your home this year. A little preparation can go a long way, and protect your home from significant damage. New to Utah? You’re not alone. Many GCD home buyers are from out of state, and this process may be new to you. A quick internet search can give you plenty of backstory on how to complete the tasks above, but your neighbors can also provide a great resource for the tricks of the Utah homeowner trade. Reach out to them, and see what they say. You might make some new friends along the way, just in time for the holidays.