Fall is finally here, and prepping your home for the sweater weather is crucial to ensure it’s ready for the change of seasons.
Certain tweaks and adjustments made to your home can help avoid any damage from the cooler weather or falling leaves that you may experience during autumn. So, be sure to tackle these home maintenance tasks to ward off any issues later in the season.
Outdoor Maintenance for Fall
The section that is most susceptible to any weather damage is no other than the outer area of your home. That includes your gutters, the roof, outdoor faucets, the driveway, and of course, the garage.
Gutters and the roof
Cleaning the gutters to clear the drainage system can help protect your home from any potential water damage or roof leaks. Also, check for any signs of damage, and if you notice anything that needs repair, schedule it as soon as possible.
Driveway
If you notice any cracks in your driveway, be sure to fill them in with a crack filler. Water can slip into these cracks, freeze and expand, which makes them even bigger.
Garage sliding door
Garage sliding doors that are properly installed and have their perimeter secured and fastened will prevent drafts and water damage inside your garage.
Outdoor faucets
Make sure to turn off any outdoor faucets so that the water does not freeze and the pipelines in your home do not burst as the weather gets cooler and eventually colder in the winter.
Indoor Maintenance for Fall
Windows
According to the US Department of Energy, inefficient windows are responsible for 25%-30% of heating and cooling energy use. Air leaks through the windows can cause heat loss during fall and winter, resulting in a spike in your heating bills. If you feel any drafts around your windows, try installing weather stripping to keep the heat in and the cold air out.
Fireplace
Have a professional inspect your chimney at least once a year to ensure there is no soot or creosote build-up.
Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
Replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors as needed and test them regularly so that they work properly in case of a fire.
Water Heater and Boiler
As you will be using your water heater and boiler quite often during the fall and winter, give them a quick inspection to see if there are no leaks or damage that need attention.
Doing necessary home maintenance to ensure your home is ready for the fall is one of the best methods to keeping your home safe and ensuring that you will have a worry-free season you and your entire family can enjoy.
Due to the unpredictability of weather, being ready for anything at any time is always the smartest option to take. Even though following the above home maintenance tips for both outdoor and indoor sections will truly help prepare for the new season, arming yourself with additional protection through homeowner’s insurance can help keep your home safer.
Homeowner’s insurance is a necessity for every homeowner in the case of an emergency or rare circumstances. Having a safety net of insurance will help safeguard your asset and pull you out of an unfortunate situation you might find yourself in, such as a house fire.
See also: How to Prevent Fires Within Your Home
Thomson Smith and Leach Insurance Group is an independent insurance agency that can help you find the best homeowner’s insurance in Louisiana. With multiple offices in Lafayette, Franklin, Abbeville, and Baton Rouge, we are ready to serve Louisiana with a variety of homeowner’s insurance policy options.
If you are looking to receive a free quote, fill out the form below or give us a call at any one of our locations nearest you.
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