Fall is a few steps away. That means winter is coming soon, so here are some advices and tips in order to get your home ready this fall for this winter.

Close water outlets

At the end of September, watering flowers is no longer necessary since they are almost completely faded. So it is important to store garden hose:  to make sure it is empty and to store it in a shed or a garage, so that it doesn’t freeze. Once the garden hose is removed, you have to make sure that water outlets are turned off tightly. An unclosed water outlet can cause a pipe break and lead to expensive costs.

Outdoor furniture and accessory

First of all, clean every outdoor furniture and accessory that you have to preserve them. Secondly, try to store everything in your shed or garage. Finally, anything that doesn’t fit in your storage space, envelop it with a cover in a way that no parts is uncovered.

Outdoor Inspections

First of all, look air outlets. Make sure to clean them properly and that the grill still in good condition, in this way there won’t be any intruders during the winter. Secondly, it is important to clean gutters properly and to make sure they are correctly fixed. Then, make a roof visual inspection to ensure that there is no hole, crack or anything in the roof that needs to be repaired before winter. Finally, clean the yard correctly, trim trees and plants and remove leaves to avoid carpenter ants, because they like moisture.

Air Infiltrations

Check every window in the house to make sure there is no air infiltration, and if so put some silicone. We recommend you to check your doors weatherstrip and if necessary replace it. Did you know that you can save up to 50%  of your loss of energy?

Electric Baseboards

Do you remember the smell when you open your baseboards for the first time at fall? It’s the smell of dust burning. Before using your baseboards for the first time, it is recommended to clean and vacuum them.

As this long and harsh winter is ending, spring’s warm winds along with its bright sun truly are a breath of fresh air. So, what’s the problem? All this magnificent sunshine also spotlights how cracked your sidewalk is, how full of leaves your gutter is and how your flowers are not so colorful after winter. So, here’s a checklist to help you see where maintenance is needed.

Operation Spring Cleaning

As spring comes up, an overall cleaning is almost a custom for many homeowners. We get the energy boost required to sort out all that clutter from the rejuvenating spring warmth to get everything in order before the really very nice weather knocks at the door. Don’t forget to clean the walls, the windows, the outlets, the baseboards, the faucets, the shower heads, the dryer vent… well, everything you never do!

Smoke Alarm Check-up

There’s no better time than a change of season to check if your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are in proper working order and change their batteries. Also have a quick look at your fire extinguishers to make sure that the pin is locked in and that it’s leak-free!

AC And Furnace Check-up

Make sure the air conditioner or your central air unit is working well before it gets really required for summer! Change the filter, check all the connections, and have it serviced if necessary.

Roof Shingles Examination

Examine the roof to see if shingles are missing or have been damaged during winter. If you have an older roof covering that would need to be replaced, you may want to start to set aside some money. Roof shingles can be quite damaged by the summer sun! Shingles that are buckled, cracked, loose, or even if they are missing granules, need to be replaced. Have a look at your skylights, plumbing vents and chimneys and have them repaired by a qualified roofer as needed.

Windows And Doors Outside Seals Check-up

Caulk around your windows and doors can be hardened by the cold weather or cracks can appear. Inspect all the seals on your doors and windows and change them as needed. This will help reduce your energy bill by preventing water from getting in. Also, don’t forget to replace any damaged mosquito screens!

Gutter Check-up

Make sure your gutters are secure and leak-free. You can get water in your basement or your crawling space due to improper drainage. The downspouts must be clean, free of debris and drain water away from the foundation.

The Compacted Soil

You should use compacted soil next to your foundations and in your yard’s lower areas. Your yard might get flooded because of all the spring rains, which can lead to your foundations also being flooded and damaged.

Concrete Inspection

Check your concrete slabs to see if any are wobbly or cracked. With the exception of pool decks, all exterior slabs have to drain water away from the foundation. Use a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk to fill these cracks. Power-wash whenever you can and then seal the concrete.

Outside Faucet Check-up

Search for freeze damage on your outside hose faucets. Turn on the water and cover the opening with a finger or your thumb. If the water stops, there are good chances that you will need to replace a damaged pipe. While you’re in water, inspect the garden hose to make sure there is no dry rot.

Power Equipment Inspection

Inspect your powered lawn equipment to make sure it is summer-ready. Sharpen the blades and clean up your equipment for an smoother lawn work.