Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer and with the changing of season comes home maintenance. After the barbeque's are over and the pools start to close save some time to show your house the attention it needs before fall sets in.
1. Crank up the Heat: Okay, not literally but, have your home heating system cleaned and inspected to make sure it’s ready for the future cold nights. In addition to having it serviced make sure you change the furnace filter as well.
2. Fireplaces: Hire a licensed professional to come in and clean your chimney before lighting your first fire. They can clean the flue and liners to insure there is no creosote buildup. Your chimney cap should also be checked to make sure it’s secure and has a screen over it to prevent birds and other critters from getting in the chimney.
3. Roof/Gutters: Inspect the roof for any damage and make necessary repairs (use caution if doing this yourself). Make sure gutters are free of debris and secured to the house. Even with gutter guards they can become clogged and prohibit water from flowing away from the house.
4. Drain Exterior Water Faucets: Disconnect any hoses from outside faucets and drain them. Leaving them hooked up during a freeze can cause water to expand and damage the valve. If you have an in ground sprinkler system it will need to be winterized as well. A compressor will be required to blow any remaining water out of the lines.
5. Driveways/Sidewalks/Patios: Seal any cracks or gaps in the driveway, sidewalks and patios to avoid water being trapped, freezing and expanding during the winter.
Taking the time prior to cold weather and particularly freezes to take care of these items will save money and headaches in the long run. Enjoy what’s left of summer!!
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