A plan for all seasons
Like it or not, winter is coming — and it’s time to fall inline and prep for the snow
I hate to say it, folks, but summer is almost over. While we have a few more weekends left of summer sun, it won’t be long before the leaves turn and that autumn chill hits the air. And that means winter isn’t far behind. Do you have your list of chores ready before the cold and snow arrive?
At this point, you know that fall means cleaning out your gutters, checking your roof for damaged or missing shingles, and raking the leaves — but that’s not everything you need to do when the season hits. To get your home truly ready for winter, here are a few other jobs you’ll want to add to the to-do list.
RODENT PROOFING
When it gets cold, we all flee to somewhere warm. That can include some unwanted guests taking up residence behind our walls — potentially making a mess of insulation and wiring.
Did you know that some rats can fit through a hole the diameter of a quarter? That amounts to about an inch. Mice are even sneakier, being able to squeeze through gaps that are about a 1/4-inch in diameter. Once they get in, they multiply — fast. If you see one mouse in your home, odds are there are many more.
How can you stop them before they get in? Take a look around your home for any cracks or gaps. This is a job you should do twice a year (once in the spring, and again in the fall). If any caulking or weatherstripping needs replacing, make sure to do so. For large gaps surrounding exhaust pipes, I like to fill those with a low-expansion foam. Make sure to go around the foam with an exterior caulking, as the spray foam won’t be weather-tight.
Keep dry goods like pet food or grains in sealed containers, as opposed to their original packaging to remove an easy food source for any rodents who do make it indoors.
PREPARING YOUR POOL FOR NEXT SUMMER
Taking the necessary steps to close your pool at the end of a season is a no-brainer. But are you also thinking about your pool maintenance when summer comes to an end? It might seem less obvious, but the best time to have your pool inspected is at the end of the season.
Your pool guy can alert you to any necessary fixes or maintenance you need to make so you’re not shocked by a big cost when it comes time to reopen at the beginning of the next season. As an added bonus, you’ll generally have an easier time scheduling pool maintenance during the offseason. If you can schedule necessary repairs in the fall, you’ll typically have more options when it comes to materials and scheduling.
CLEARING A SAFE PATH
Waiting until the snow and ice hits to worry about the conditions of your walkways is too late. Ensure that your driveway and sidewalks are still in good shape, without any missing or broken pieces that could become hazards, especially when they get slippery in the winter.
Outdoor stairs can be especially hazardous if they fall into disrepair, so pay close attention to them.
Look for loose hand railings, uneven steps, or worn treads. If your stairs are starting to crumble, it’s definitely time to bring in a pro — making a fix now can save you from a big accident later.
FILL YOUR STOCKS
You never know when a winter storm is going to hit. Is last year’s snow equipment still good? Check the condition of shovels, and scrapers — and if you’re one of the lucky ones with a snowblower, gas it up before the season starts.
Make sure to have plenty of pet-friendly de-icing agents on hand to keep your walkways safe.
In case of an extreme storm, you’ll want to have an emergency kit ready to go, just in case. It should include at minimum: a first aid kit, necessary medication, flashlight, batteries, water, and three days worth of canned food.
Enjoy your last few weeks of summer while you can, but don’t hesitate to start your fall maintenance. By getting ahead of it now, you can relax, knowing that you’re ready for the upcoming change of seasons.