Photo Credit: Douglas Sheppard - Unsplash
Days are becoming shorter, and nighttime is getting cooler. In some regions, leaves are changing color, and reminding homeowners of what’s to come.
Autumn Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere is September 22 this year. Now is the time to take care of pre-winter home maintenance projects, renovations, and prepare the home for the upcoming Holiday season.
The following are just a few tasks worth addressing this season:
Exterior preparations:
Fix cracks in concrete, stucco, and brick mortar. In regions where continual freeze/thaw is prevalent, you do not want rain, snow, or ice melt to penetrate cracks as it can cause considerable damage to foundations and wall surfaces. Best to take care of it now while the weather and temperatures are still somewhat comfortable.
Nobody loves cleaning out the gutters but it needs to be done. Make sure to inspect the roof for any possible damaged shingles, flashing or vents. Also, inspect the chimney for any missing mortar between bricks and repair by tuck-pointing.
Turn off outdoor plumbing. Drain and cover outdoor water spigots to protect from freezing temperatures. Remember…trapped water will expand when freezing causing pipes to burst.
Clean and cover outdoor furniture and grilles.
Some folks prefer to bring in small garden items for the winter. This may prolong the life of certain garden items from birdbaths to small garden statuary.
Start composting. Accumulated autumn leaves make for good composting material. Consider purchasing one of our garden composting bins now for a stellar organic growing season in the spring.
Inspect windows and doors for air leaks. Caulk around windows and door and replace weather-stripping if needed.
Install or replace exterior lighting. Proper lighting can help improve security for your property as well as accent a home’s architecture. Low voltage landscape lighting is easy to install and you can add just a few light fixtures and add even more in the future. Consider adding a lamp post light at the end of a driveway or add wall mount lighting to a garage.
Interior preparations:
Prepare your furnace. Consider having your furnace (or heating system) professionally serviced and chimney properly swept. Check to make sure your carbon monoxide detector(s) are active and working properly. Test all fire alarms within the home.
Shorter days and cloudy skies can mean darker spaces inside. Consider adding or replacing interior lighting to brighten things up. Adding floor lamps and table lamps can create more light without the need of hiring an Electrician. Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient bulbs. Purchase and install timers for portable lamps. Adjust timers for the shorter days.
Update or create a mudroom. If you do not have a dedicated mudroom, you can prepare and organize entryways that will serve as cold and wet weather stations. Purchase a doormat for both the exterior and interior. Purchase or make a shoe rack. Purchase or build a bench. Mudroom areas are perfect for coat racks, key racks, dog leash racks, mirrors, and booth brushes. We have many of these items, which can be customized.
Now is a great time to replace door entry hardware and increase home security. Consider installing electronic door entry systems because fumbling with keys in the middle of extreme cold conditions can be annoying. Add an interior slide bolt lock.
Put together an emergency preparedness kit in the event of any possible long-term power outages.
As always, Oak Park Home & Hardware is here to help with your selections.
Enjoy the season in your warm, safe, and comfortable home.