October 9, 2024 | Homeownership
As the fall season arrives, many of us feel a surge of motivation to tackle important home projects. Fall presents a great opportunity to prepare our homes for the upcoming winter months. By completing key home improvement tasks, we can ensure that our homes are well-protected and comfortable as the weather changes. Keep reading for a list of top fall home improvement projects.
Replace the Windows
To ensure your home feels warm and cozy, it’s important to address drafty windows. Not only can they make your home feel chilly, but they can also lead to higher energy consumption and increased bills. One effective solution is to start by applying caulk or weather stripping. If your windows are between 15-30 years old, it might be necessary to consider replacing them with energy-efficient windows for long-term energy savings.
Reinsulate the Attic
Fall is the perfect season to prioritize fixing your insulation to ensure that your home is well-insulated before winter arrives. It’s recommended to replace insulation approximately every 15 years. Keep an eye out for signs that your insulation may need to be replaced, such as experiencing drafts, noticing variations in indoor temperature, or receiving unexpectedly high energy bills.
Repair Driveway Cracks
As the winter approaches, it’s important to address any cracks in the driveway. Small cracks can worsen during the winter as the driveway expands and contracts with fluctuating temperatures. Taking care of these issues beforehand can prevent larger problems in the future.
Inspect and Clean the Fireplace
As fireplace season is upon us, it’s important to remember that if you have a wood-burning fireplace, it’s crucial to schedule an annual cleaning to ensure safe fires. The build-up of residue from burning wood can pose a fire hazard and increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Along with cleaning, it’s also essential to inspect the chimney for cracks and promptly repair any that are found.
Repaint the Exterior
When tackling exterior painting, it’s important to schedule the project when the temperature is above 10 degrees. Fall presents an ideal opportunity to complete this task. Applying a fresh coat of exterior paint during this time will help maintain your home’s appearance during the winter months and provide an added layer of defence against moisture.
Fix the Siding
It’s important to keep in mind that taking care of any necessary siding repairs before winter arrives will help safeguard your home from the harsh winter weather. Prioritize replacing or repairing the siding before the temperatures plummet to ensure that your home stays cozy and well-insulated.
Clean the Gutters
Don’t forget to keep this in mind: If you neglect to clean the gutters, the accumulation of autumn leaves could cause serious problems during the winter. This buildup can block the gutters and lead to water accumulation that may freeze when the temperatures plummet. Along with arranging for gutter cleaning, it’s important to have the gutters inspected to assess their functionality and determine if they require replacement. Generally, gutter replacement is recommended every 20 years.
Assess the Roof
If you’ve been meaning to fix your roof, autumn is the perfect time to do so. As winter approaches, it’s important to make sure your roof is in top shape to avoid any issues caused by winter weather. This might involve replacing missing shingles, patching up holes, repairing any rot, or securing loose nails.