You may not want summer to come to an end, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare for cooler seasons. So, as you’re making the transition to sweaters and boots, you also should prepare your home for the cool winds, snow, and ice Mother Nature will throw at it. There are some maintenance tasks you can do yourself, and there are some that you should leave to the professionals. We share the most important end-of-summer maintenance tips here, so you can be sure your home is ready for cooler weather even if you’re not.
1. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
Cleaning your gutters is one of the most important things you can do to prepare your home for the cooler seasons. If your gutters or downspouts are clogged or blocked, they can collapse, cause water damage, create mold and mildew, or erode your home’s foundation. Living in an area where leaves and tree needles and debris collect on your roof means that you need to hire a gutter cleaning service as part of your end-of-summer home maintenance each year.
But, climbing a ladder and spending time on your roof may not be on the top of your list of fun activities. Typical homeowners also lack the right tools for ensuring their gutters and downspouts are totally clear of debris. That’s why it’s in your best interests to hire a gutter cleaning service.
Many gutter cleaning services in the area are available within a week of your first contact date, and they are happy to come to your home and give you an in-person estimate first since prices vary depending on the amount of time it will take to complete the job and the height of your home. Keep in mind these cleaning services are far less expensive than the money you will spend repairing damage from clogged gutters and downspouts.
2. Get a Fresh Coat of Paint
People tend to look around their homes at the end of summer and find projects they want to complete inside because they know they’ll be spending more time indoors as the weather turns cooler. The good news is, the start of autumn is a perfect time to get a fresh coat of paint because the heat and humidity lift and improve drying times. It’s also cool enough outside to crack your windows to help your interior paint dry more quickly and to help your family get some fresh air.
If you think that your house needs some freshening up outdoors, you should contact the professionals to complete your exterior painting job. They will make sure to use quality paints and materials that won’t just increase your curb appeal but will also help protect your home from harsh winter elements and last for many years to come.
3. Clean Your Windows
It’s difficult to wash windows in the summer because of the heat, humidity, bugs, and raindrops from summer storms. But, the end of summer is a perfect time to freshen them up by giving them a thorough cleaning. After all, you’ll want to maximize the amount of natural light that enters your home during cooler seasons, and grimy windows will not help you do that.
Zillow Porchlight shares some fantastic window-cleaning tips: use a moist microfiber cloth to scrub windows inside, but spray them down with water and use a vinegar-water solution or commercial cleaner to combat the tough dirt outside. End of summer also is the ideal time to check your screens and make repairs so you can open your windows and let in some crisp fall air.
As you bid farewell to summer, it’s crucial that you look ahead to cooler weather by taking care of end-of-summer home maintenance. If you can’t do the job, you should hire professionals to clean your gutters and downspouts and paint your home. Then, you should clean your windows and inspect your screens before putting them away for winter. Tackle the tasks you can handle yourself, and soon enough you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the best autumn has to offer.