As the weather starts to cool down and the leaves begin to change color, it’s time to start thinking about fall clean-up.
While it may not be the most fun task on your to-do list, a little bit of effort now can save you a lot of headaches (and money) down the road.
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few fall clean-up tips to help get your home ready for the colder months ahead.
Fall Clean-Up Tips
The leaves are changing color and falling from the trees. Winter is just around the corner!
Before the snow flies, get outside and do some fall clean-up. Here are some tips to help you out.
Clean your gutters and downspouts.
This is one of the most important things you can do to prepare your home for fall and winter.
Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and freeze, which can lead to roof damage or even flooding in your basement.
To avoid this, make sure to clean out your gutters and downspouts at least once a year. If you live in an area with a lot of trees, you may need to do it more often.
Sweep leaves off your porch and driveway.
Leaves are pretty to look at, but they can be a pain to deal with if they’re not cleaned up regularly.
Not only are they unsightly, but wet leaves can also create slippery hazards on your porch or sidewalk.
To avoid any accidents, sweep them up regularly throughout the fall season.
Rake up any remaining leaves in your yard.
In addition to clearing your porch and driveway, you’ll also want to rake up any leaves that have fallen in your yard.
This will not only keep your yard looking tidy, but it will also prevent pests from taking up residence in your leaf pile over winter.
Trim back any overgrown plants or trees.
As plants and trees start to go dormant for the winter, now is a good time to trim back any overgrown branches.
This will help ensure that they don’t become damaged by winter weather and will make them easier to deal with come springtime.
Inspect your roof for damage caused by the fall weather.
Fall is notorious for high winds and severe weather, which can wreak havoc on your roof.
Inspect your roof at least once a year for any damaged or missing shingles so that you can repair or replace them as needed.
Check the insulation in your attic to make sure it’s still effective.
Colder temperatures mean higher heating bills. To help keep costs down, check the insulation in your attic and add more if necessary.
This will help keep warm air in and cold air out, saving you money on your energy bill all winter long.
By following these simple tips, you can avoid potential problems down the road and enjoy peace of mind all season long.
And when spring finally arrives, you’ll be glad you took the time to prepare!