As autumn rolls in and the weather begins to cool, it’s the perfect time to prepare your home for the winter months ahead. Whether you enjoy tackling these tasks on your own or prefer to hire a handyman, getting your home ready for the colder season will not only keep you comfortable but also help prevent costly repairs down the road. To help you get started, here’s a friendly and easy-to-follow fall maintenance checklist from an expert handyman.
Handyman Tips: Things To Do Before Winter
Start with Lawn Mower Care
First and foremost, before you store your lawn mower for the winter, it’s important to take a few steps to protect it from potential damage. For instance, consider adding a fuel stabilizer to prevent the gasoline from breaking down over time.
Alternatively, you can run the mower until it’s out of gas, and then lubricate the engine to ensure an easy start when spring rolls around again. Moreover, don’t forget to clean the mower deck to remove any grass and debris, which can lead to rust if left unattended. You can always get handyman services so you don’t have to take care of these tasks on your own.
Disconnect and Store Garden Hoses
Next, you’ll want to make sure you disconnect all garden hoses and drain them thoroughly. This step is crucial to avoid frozen pipes and faucets during the cold months. Additionally, it’s a good idea to turn off the shutoff valves on any water supply lines connected to outdoor faucets. Once drained, store your hoses in a sheltered spot where they won’t be exposed to the harsh winter elements.
Winterize Your Sprinkler System
Another important task is to winterize your sprinkler system. Shutting off the water supply to your irrigation system and deactivating the automatic controller will help prevent any freezing. If your system has drain valves, be sure to use them to clear out any remaining water. On the other hand, if your system doesn’t have drain valves, you might want to consider hiring a professional to make sure the system is properly winterized.
handyman in Lexington SC
Don’t Forget to Clean the Gutters
Once the leaves have fallen, it’s time to clean out your gutters. Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which can cause significant damage to your home. Therefore, keeping them clear is crucial. While you’re at it, inspect your gutters for any signs of sagging or damage, and replace any sections as needed.
Additionally, make sure your downspouts are directing water at least five feet away from your home’s foundation to prevent water damage. If you know what to do, you can go the DIY route. But, you can also hire handyman services in Lexington SC.
Inspect Your Roof for Any Issues
Inspecting your roof before winter hits is another important step to avoid leaks and other problems. For example, you can use binoculars to do a basic inspection from the ground. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as buckled, cracked, or missing shingles.
Also, check for rust spots on the flashing. If you notice any issues, it’s best to replace damaged shingles right away to prevent further damage. Additionally, inspect the plumbing vent stack for cracks or wear, and if you find any significant problems, it might be wise to call a professional roofer.
Improve Your Home’s Drainage System
Ensuring proper drainage around your home’s foundation is key to avoiding water-related damage. By making sure the soil slopes away from your house in Lexington SC, you reduce the risk of water saturation, which can lead to foundation cracks and leaks. Furthermore, it’s also important to keep soil away from your siding to avoid potential rot and other issues.
Prune Trees and Shrubs Around Your Home
Late fall is an ideal time to prune back trees and shrubs around your property. Trimming branches that are too close to your house can prevent moisture from dripping onto your roof and siding, which can cause damage over time. Furthermore, proper pruning helps protect your home from falling branches during winter storms. If you’re unsure about how to prune your plants correctly, consider consulting local guidelines or seeking advice from a gardening expert.
By taking care of these essential fall maintenance tasks, you’ll be well-prepared for whatever winter may bring. Not only will you keep your home cozy, but you’ll also avoid potential issues and costly repairs in the future. Need a hand with some of these tasks? Reach out to Palmetto State Home Pros LLC and ensure your home is in great shape for the winter season.
Ready to get started? Schedule your home maintenance now and enjoy a worry-free winter. Call Palmetto State Home Pros LLC now if you the expertise of a handyman.
Palmetto State Home Pros LLC
Lexington, SC 29072
803-403-4451
https://handymanlexingtonsc.com
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Areas Served: Lexington, Lake Murray, Gilbert, Red Bank, Oak Grove
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