Saturday, September 22, 2018, 6:18 AM – While you soak up the remaining sun before fall officially starts, here are 10 fall home-maintenance tip so your place is ready when the temperature finally drops below 20oC for good.
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1. INSPECT YOUR ROOF
When fall’s rains (and winter’s snows) arrive, few things make the season more miserable than a leaky roof.
If there are a lot of those, and you know your roof is old, consider having it replaced. It may be costly, but so is water damage from leaks.
While you’re up there, DIY Network recommends paying special attention to areas around skylights, chimneys or vents.
2. CHECK YOUR ROOF GUTTERS
When the leaves are done falling, you’ll save a lot of hassle by pulling out the ladder again and clearing out your roof gutters.
For a less-gunky job, wait for dryer weather to clear out the dried leaves.
And speaking of downspouts, check them for leaks, and make sure they direct water away from the foundation, not to mention pathways and driveways.
3. PUT YOUR BARBECUE TO BED
At some point, you’ll have to accept that the season for grilling is over.
Don’t forget to guard against moisture by either covering your barbecue up or putting it out of the elements.
4. CLEAR YOUR YARD
You won’t be getting much use out of your backyard, so fall is a good time to remove things that won’t do well when the snows come.
Your lawnmower doesn’t like those conditions either, so move all outdoor tools inside.
5. DISCONNECT YOUR OUTDOOR HOSE
While your home’s warmth may insulate water in pipes from the cold rigors of Canada’s winter, outside faucets have no such protection.
6. INSPECT YOUR HOME’S EXTERIOR FOR CRACKS
Fall is the best time to do this, not just because of fall rains and winter snows, but with an eye to the spring melt as well.
Don’t delay too long in doing so, as caulking is best done before it gets too cold.
7. GET READY TO TURN UP THE HEAT
You’ve prepped the outside of your home against the rigors of the cold, now it’s time to focus on keeping the interior toasty.
Next, check all your heating ducts and vents for dust build-up, and peek inside to see if anything fell into them over the past season. Every bit of extra clearance helps.
8. GUARD AGAINST DRAFTS
Having a warm home isn’t much of a boon if you’re losing heat through poor insulation.
9. CHECK YOUR HUMIDIFIER
Winter air is dry, and that has its own effects on your home’s infrastructure.
10. GIVE A THOUGHT TO HOME SAFETY
While you’re giving your home its seasonal overhaul, take the time to make sure it’s safe for its inhabitants.
Winter blackouts are a fact of life in Canada, so if you own an emergency generator, test it out (but be sure not to do so in an enclosed area, as fume build up can be hazardous or deadly).
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SOURCE: Better Homes and Gardens | DIY Network | Travelers | State Farm | Forbes | Rona | Repair Clinic
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