6 Ways to Prepare your Houston Home for Fall
Fall is right around the corner, so it’s time to shake off the leaves on those housekeeping tasks you’ve been putting off and prepare your home for the cooler months ahead.
01 - Clean your gutters
We know it’s a dreaded task, but it could be the difference between a spotless home exterior and costly damages paired with a flooded basement.
Ensuring your gutters are clean before leaves fall keeps the water in the gutter system flowing the way it should, keeping it from causing damage to your home.
02 - Inspect your roof
A leaky roof can be irritating with summer rain, but it can only get worse in the cool autumn rain and cold winter ice. Not to mention, finding the source of a leak can be annoying and time consuming, especially while it’s damaging your home.
Check your roof for any loose shingles, wind damage, and cracks. If you see large granules in your gutters, it could mean your roof’s coating is deteriorating, which could cause major issues in the colder months.
03 - Prepare your lawn
04 - Inspect your chimney
While your fireplace can be a cozy way to ward off the cool weather, it can also be a considerable safety hazard.
Annual cleaning and inspection of your chimney can save you large costs for damages and major headaches should it not work properly. Creosote, a highly flammable byproduct of woodburning, can build up in your chimney and become a cause for concern. Your local chimney sweep should be able to identify this immediately and eliminate the buildup.
05 - Keep the heat in and cold out
You can save money and energy on heating your home by making sure any air leaks are sealed tight.
Inspect your doors, windows, or other points of entry for drafts. Use caulk and weatherstripping to seal any gaps or air leakages.
Tip: You can test whether doors or windows are leaking air by shutting a piece of paper into the door or window. If the paper slides easily, the gap needs to be sealed.
06 - Check your safety features
The change of the seasons is a great time to ensure that your home’s safety features are working properly. Using your fireplace, heaters, and other appliances can increase your home’s risk of catching fire, so it’s imperative to protect your family and your home.
Double check and replace batteries in your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and ensure that exits and entryways are readily accessible for everyone in your home. Make a safety checklist and an exit plan with your family in case of emergency. This is also a great time to check that your fire extinguisher has pressure.
Colina homeowner? No need to worry.
When you’re a Colina homeowner, you don’t have to worry about haphazard construction or flimsy materials. We take the quality of your home seriously by using the best processes and materials to ensure your home is reliable, safe, and comfortable.
For additional peace of mind, Colina homeowners have access to extensive warranty coverage so that if anything were to go wrong, there’s no need to worry. Learn more about what’s included in your warranty here.
