For a lot of America fall is a time to celebrate. Football is back, school is back, leaves are changing colors, and pumpkin spice flavoring is everywhere. But as summer starts winding down, our homes might need a re-fresher. Spring cleaning is all about clearing the clutter and brightening our homes up. Fall cleaning is really about getting your home ready for colder weather. Here are a few things that we recommend you get done before fall is in full swing.
Ready Your Deck
Decks are expensive, but they add so much to a home. Wind, rain, sun, snow and foot traffic are all factors in the wearing of your deck, so it’s very important to make sure your deck is ready for fall and winter. Remove debris buildup on your deck, clean your deck boards thoroughly and apply a sealant stain after removing your deck furniture. Check for curling, loose joints, and fittings, and inspect the deck’s overall stability. The process of deck staining usually requires a span of two to four days without rain and temperatures below 85 degrees, so the stain can evenly absorb and fully dry. Your entire deck should be cleaned once a year after sealing. Spot cleaning should be done as necessary.
Gutter Check
Most homeowners don’t really pay much attention to their gutters unless a problem arises. Even fewer homeowners think about their gutters in the summer. The truth is debris can collect year-round not just in the fall. It’s always a good idea to do a thorough cleaning before leaves begin falling. Gutter debris can create tremendous problems if not cleaned regularly. Removing brambles, seeds and leaves from your spouting system in the fall ensures you won’t have to worry about ice dams and falling icicles over the winter. Overflowing gutters are the number one cause of basement water problems and cracked foundations. Failing to maintain your gutters can become a costly repair to your home.
Revive Your Windows
Having clean windows during the summer is a must, so the majority of homeowners get their windows cleaned in late spring or early summer. But late summer and early fall might be the last chance to give yourself a clear view for the winter. The days are getting shorter, so to maximize your home’s natural light through the end of the year, give your windows a nice cleaning. Windows are constantly exposed to the elements of rain, snow, temperature change and wind to name a few. Glass is a porous, sponge-like surface that will develop a buildup of dust, dirt and various minerals over time. When these penetrate, it can cause staining and permanent damage. Replacing your windows is extremely expensive and completely avoidable.
Many homeowners are able to tackle the tasks inside their home, but how many are able to get on a ladder and completely clean their own windows, gutters or stain their own deck? How many homeowners are comfortable doing that, and furthermore, have the tools and supplies to do so? Reaching out for help in some areas may be worth considering. Do yourself a favor and research quality local home service and landscape professionals this season. Reviews on sites like AngiesList, Google+, Home Advisor or Yelp will help steer you in the right direction.
