Get your house autumn-ready with these tips.
With fall right around the corner, we can almost smell the pumpkins in the air. Fall brings cooler weather and the start of the holiday season, but also a variety of maintenance tasks that homeowners should perform to care for their properties. With maintenance and TLC, you can keep your home in good condition and prevent costly insurance claims down the road. Not sure where to get started? Read on.
- Check Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are the primary outlets to the elements. Without proper maintenance, however, the warm air that’s inside the home can escape, leading to expensive utility bills and an overworked furnace. To combat this, install weather stripping and caulking to block drafts and repair any loose window or door frames.
- Clean Out Gutters
Although it’s not the most exciting or enjoyable task, removing leaves and dirt from the gutters is incredibly important to prevent water blockages and ice dams.
- Examine the Roof
While you’re on the ladder cleaning out the gutters, take a moment to inspect your home’s roof. If there are any missing or damaged shingles, call the professionals to repair the roof. If you can see light or water coming in through the attic, you should ensure the repairs are undertaken before the weather gets worse.
- Inspect the Heating System
Although reliable, a HVAC system that breaks down in the dead of winter can result in an expensive repair. To avoid this, make sure that it’s inspected and repaired, especially if maintenance was neglected throughout summer. You should also be able to replace filters regularly, which can accumulate with debris quickly.
- Install Theft Deterrents
Now that the nights are drawing in, it’s easier for thieves to inspect your property in the dark. To prevent lurking thieves, install motion-detector lights outside your property. Trim the trees and shrubs back so that people cannot easily hide in them.
To find reliable homeowners insurance that will protect you and your property through fall and beyond, visit the experts at Kurt Rolf Insurance Agency. Our team is ready to assist homeowners in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Florida, South Dakota, and Arizona with their home insurance needs!
