Home improvement and maintenance is a year-round obligation. Some seasons do require a bit more maintenance than others. Those of us who live in the South, for example, know that summer is ideal for plenty of things, but a labor-intensive house project is not one of them.
Here in Texas our short stint of Autumn does allow us to tackle fall home improvement projects. Temperatures are perfect—not too hot and not too cold—and the humidity no longer feels like Satan’s kitchen when you walk outside.
I have listed out 10 important home improvement projects to tackle this fall before the unknown of Texas Winter approaches.
1. Check your windows.
When the winter season arrives, you want to keep the cold air outside, but that can be difficult to do if you have outdated single-pane windows. These windows do not keep homes well insulated.
Double-pane windows are a better solution because they’re designed to retain your home’s warmth (and prevent cooled air from escaping in the summer). If your windows are in good shape, go around and add an extra bead of caulk inside and out.
2. Replace missing shingles
Strong storms or winds can dislodge shingles or even blow them away entirely. If you’ve already lost a few shingles here and there, or if your roof is nearing the end of its expected lifespan, give us a call so we can get your roof inspected.
We want to make sure you avoid roof leaks and water damage from any winter precipitation Texas may bring us. A well-maintained roof also takes your home’s curb appeal up a notch or two.
3. Trim the overgrowth of Trees and Bushes
Overgrown bushes, trees, and shrubs can wreak havoc on your house during a storm. One rogue branch or limb is all it takes to cause thousands of dollars worth of damage.
This type of yard maintenance also helps ensure that the rest of your grass and landscaping elements receive the sunlight and nutrients they need to stay healthy.
4. Restore or replace your carpet
Keep your carpet fresh, clean, and looking as good as the day it was installed by scheduling a fall carpet cleaning service. Regular vacuuming is important, too, but the average residential vacuum cleaner can’t deliver the results of a professional cleaning.
But if you’re putting lipstick and a tutu on a pig to call it a princess, it might be time to face the facts, it’s time to replace your flooring. Overtime, carpet holds a lot of germs, dirt, dander and all the scary things we don’t want to think about. Freshen up your floors and remove the host home for all the icky germs.
5. Unclog your gutters
From late winter to early summer, your gutters get clogged with everything from leaves to dirt. Get your gutters ready for winter rain and snowmelt (and keep them functioning properly year-round) with a regular unclogging. Depending on your landscape around the house you want to clean your gutters 3-4 times a year. If you have a large amount of trees around the home it may be a few times more.
6. Clean your fireplace
Getting cozy and lounging in front of a fireplace during the chilly winter season is one of my favorite ways to relax. Fireplaces can be a cost-efficient heat source as long as they are properly maintained.
Your chimney and fireplace should be cleaned by a chimney professional at least once per year. Early autumn—before the cold temperatures arrive is a great time to have your chimney and fireplace serviced. Your chimney sweep will inspect the chimney and fireplace for signs of cracks or deterioration and will remove debris, soot, and buildup.
Don’t use your fireplace before you have a pro take a look. The National Fire Protection Association reports that 30% of home heating fires are due to dirty chimneys.
7. Seal attic air leaks
Warm air rises, so if your attic isn’t well sealed and insulated, you’ll likely pay more than necessary to heat your home through the winter. Old attic insulation or insulation that has been compressed or damaged by water intrusion or nuisance wildlife doesn’t do its job very well.
Have an insulation professional assess the current R-value of your attic insulation and recommend the best course of action. Depending on the condition and type of your existing insulation, the solution may be as straightforward as layering in additional insulation.
8. Seal the cracks around your home
Do you have drafts around your doors and windows? Can you see light coming through the cracks of your exterior doors? It may be time to replace the weather stripping or even the door and jam if your house has settled over the years. Let’s keep the inside air in and outside air out! While your at it, caulk the exterior of your home. Seal up the entry points where rodents and insects like to come through. If it’s needed add a fresh deal of paint before the air is too cold and paint has a difficult time drying.
9) Check and replace wood rot
If you have an older home with siding, chances are your siding is Masonite. Check for wood that has swelled, pulled away or deteriorated. You will want to get this replaced with a fiber cement board like James Hardie. It will endure the harsh temperatures of Texas as well as prevent rodents from chewing through to make your home their winter vacation spot.
10) Replace or add mulch around your flower beds
If you’re an avid gardener or lover of plants you will want to add a fresh layer of mulch or remove and replace your existing mulch. This will help keep the ground a bit warmer for your annual plants. Plus it helps freshen up the curb appeal to your home while everything else goes dormant for the winter.
If you need assistance with any of these projects don’t hesitate to give us a call. We are ready to serve you!
