Friday, April 22, 2016

4 Essential Fall Maintenance Jobs

Fall is finally here! The average person is probably looking forward to cooler weather and the opportunity to spend some time outdoors comfortably. The average home owner is thinking about the maintenance they want to get done while it's nice out.

Maintenance is just another part of home ownership, but it usually isn't a task that people look forward to. Keeping up your lawn, garden, and home can take a lot of time, and some people are going to inadvertently overdo it. However, you don't have to go through an exhaustive maintenance checklist every time fall comes around. As long as you perform these tasks, your house will be around for many years to come.

man on ladder checking roof
Check your roof

If you had a stormy summer, it wouldn't be unusual for your roof to have a few issues. Missing shingles, leaks, and signs of decay seem small, but they could also be warning you of a larger impending issue. If you have a sturdy ladder, check out your roof (and gutters) now. It's also important to remember that some repairs and problems are best handled by professionals. You can replace a missing shingle or two, but shouldn't attempt to replace an entire section of roof.

Clear away dead branches and leaves

Having a tree in your yard can be aesthetically pleasing, but it can also be a bit of a hassle maintenance-wise. Clearing away yard waste is a good way to prepare your lawn for winter, and ensure that everything is clean and ready for spring. Dead branches can present hazards, and a thick layer of dead leaves can blow around and make a mess during winter. Also, be sure to inspect any large hanging branches that haven't completely broken off yet. It may be better to cut them down now than to let a strong fall storm blow them away. Removing these materials can make your lawn look neat and tidy no matter the time of year.

Replace your HVAC filters

HVAC may not seem like a big part of your maintenance, but simply replacing your filters can drastically improve the air quality of your home. Can you remember the last time you replaced any air filters in your home? Dirty filters are full of dust, allergens, and debris, and you should clean or replace them every six months. Make this five-minute task a part of your seasonal maintenance and it could significantly improve your health.

Clean out your storage spaces

How many broken tools and half-used bags of fertilizer are taking up space in garages and sheds around the country? You won't be able to do much maintenance if you can't find any tools or equipment. Take the time to not just clean out your outdoor storage areas, but to also take stock of what you may need to pick up for future tasks. 

These are just the essentials of home and yard maintenance. What else is part of your fall routine?


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