Five home maintenance tasks you shouldn’t be afraid of this season
By Birthright Title
Happy October from your Birthright Title team! While this is usually the month reserved for a piece on wire fraud in honor of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we just covered that topic, so we thought we’d go in another direction: the importance of seasonal home maintenance!
After all, fall is the ideal time to give your home some much-needed attention. Whether you’re a new homeowner or a seasoned property owner, this fall home maintenance checklist will help keep your home safe, warm and efficient all season long.
- Clear your gutters
Clogged gutters can lead to a plethora of water damage and foundation issues if the problem isn’t cleared up. That’s why it’s important to clean them on a regular basis – and don’t forget your downspouts. It’s also important to check for any sections that are sagging or pulling away from the house. If you find that cleaning them is a frequent chore, consider installing gutter guards to help prevent blockages in the future.
- Seal windows and doors
Walk through your home and inspect for any gaps or cracks around frames. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal any leaks you find. In older homes, upgrading to energy-efficient windows and doors can be a long-term solution to prevent heat loss and improve overall insulation. Don’t forget to replace your furnace filter and schedule your seasonal HVAC check-up, either!
- Check the roof
Your roof is your home’s first defense against the outside elements, so take the time to visually inspect it from the ground or use binoculars to check for any shingle damage. Be on the lookout for issues around your chimney or any vents, too.
- Clean and store outdoor furniture
We hate to admit it, but patio season may finally be over in Middle Tennessee. It’s key to protect your patio furniture so it’s good to go next season. If storage space is limited, use protective covers to shield your pieces from the elements. Don’t forget to clean any cushions and wipe down your table and chairs, too!
- Don’t forget the leaves
Fall is known for foliage, so we wanted to make sure we didn’t leave it off this list. (Get it?) However, exterior care goes beyond just raking up leaves. Trim back trees and shrubs that are too close to your home, roof or power lines and be sure to compost left behind leaves if you’re not collecting them up in bags.
Seasonal maintenance may seem like a long to-do list, but it’s worth it. Birthright Title has helped you move into your home sweet home, and, with this blog, we want to help you keep living the homeownership dream. Reach out to us anytime! We’re always here to make sure your title and closing experience is a little less scary, any time of year.
