It's that magical time of year again. The kids are back in school, the days are becoming shorter and Pumpkin Spice Latte season is upon us (as we all know, that is the official start to the fall season!).
With the changing season, it's also time to do a bit of home maintenance to ensure that our homes are ready for the upcoming Colorado winter. Here is a list of home-maintenance tips that will help protect your home during the colder months.
Add Weatherstripping to doors and windows
Adding some weatherstripping to your home is one of those small details that can make a world of difference. Weatherstripping helps to insulate your home and seals small gaps where air and moisture may try to make their way inside. It can also keep drafts at bay and lower your energy costs.
Check Your Gutters
Before all the leaves start accumulating in your gutters you'll want to make a quick visual check to make sure they are clear of any obstructions and are firmly attached to your home.
Caulk the Exterior of Your Home
Caulk is similar in it's job to weatherstripping. Take a walk around the exterior of your home and make not of any gaps that need to be sealed with caulk. Places such as windows, doors, vents, and corners are all common places that may need caulk. You don't want to put this task off for too long--it can be difficult to caulk the exterior of your home in colder months.
Inspect Your Chimney and Roof
If possible, it's a good idea to go up on top of your roof and assess what condition it's in. You'll want to check for any broken or missing shingles, any flashing that may be missing or broken, and any damage to the boards along the eaves. If you cannot access your roof, you can do an inspection from the ground by walking around the perimeter of your home with a ladder. Doing this simple inspection and taking care of any missing shingles can save you thousands of dollars in water damage. It's also a good idea to check your chimney as well since it will be getting used in the near future. Take a look up the chimney to make sure no animals have decided to nest in that area.
Clean The Dryer Vent
This is an important home safety task that should be done at least twice a year. Push your dryer away from the wall, unplug it and vacuum behind it. You'll also want to unhook the tube that leads to the vent and clean out as much lint as you can. You'll also want to clean out the outside dryer vent.
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