Get Your Home Fall Ready

September is here, which means we’ll soon be saying goodbye to the warm weather and hello to sweaters, scarves, and other outerwear. It’s also time to shut down and stow away our summer things so that we’re ready for colder weather.

Get your home ready for fall by taking care of these simple tasks:

• Check your roof and gutters.

Shingles that are bent, cracked or missing should be replaced. Check for leaks in these areas as well as around chimneys and skylights. You’ll want to address any issues with your roof now rather than deal with water damage in winter. While you’re up there, clear the leaves and debris from your gutters while the weather is still good.

• Clear your yard.

Before the first frost, clean, cover and store all outdoor furniture that won’t react well to cold and snow. Also move barbeques, lawnmowers and other outdoor tools into a shed or garage. Disconnect and drain your outside hose and store it inside.

• Get your HVAC serviced.

It’s a good idea to have your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system inspected and serviced this time of year. You don’t want to be stuck with a dirty filter, which will let allergens into the air around your home during the cooler months. If you have ceiling fans, reverse direction to a clockwise motion to create an updraft that moves warm air down.

• Clean your dryer vent.

All throughout the year, your dryer vent hose has been collecting lint and other items since the last time you took it apart and cleaned it. This can be dangerous if left unattended.

• Clean and weatherproof outside surfaces.

As summer comes to an end, you may want to rent a power washer to clean your patio, driveway, deck, and home exterior. You should also renew weatherproofing on decks, fences, and other exterior structures as well as insulate any pipes in unheated locations.

• Check your home’s exterior for cracks.

To avoid water damage, seal cracks and gaps in your home’s exterior before winter comes. Openings in the structure can let water in where it will freeze, resulting in cracks and mold. Caulk around the areas where masonry meets siding and where pipes or wires enter the house. Don’t delay too long—caulking is best done before it gets too cold.

• Check window and door seals.

Check your windows and doors for drafts, and apply caulk around the frames to cut down on drafts. Make sure the seal between your garage door and the ground is tight, preventing drafts and keeping out small animals. While you’re at it, clean windows of summer grime before cold and rain set in.

Renewal by Andersen’s windows and doors can improve the look, feel, and functionality of your home. Helping you find the right windows to make your home comfortable and energy-efficient is what we do best. If you’d like to learn more, give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no obligation consultation. We’re proud to serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.