Preparing for Colder Weather

Last-minute tips for fall and winter maintenance

Fall is in full swing, but it’s not too late to prep your home for the even cooler months to come. Here are four areas that probably need some attention.

Gutters
Debris can gather in your gutters even before fall arrives, and once the leaves start to come down—not to mention the rain and snow—clogs are even more likely. Be sure to clean your gutters out now to prevent clogs, and check for leaks.

Paint
If it’s still dry enough to paint, check to see if any outdoor surfaces could use a fresh coat. As it gets colder and wetter, new paint won’t be able to dry and cure properly, and exposed wood surfaces could suffer water damage.

The driveway
Cracks may have developed over the summer, so give your driveway a good power washing, then make the most of any opportunity to seal the cracks. Then, add a new coat of sealant to the driveway surface to help it endure the rain and snow.

Doors and windows
Extra air flow may have felt refreshing in the summer and early fall, but that’ll change soon (if it hasn’t already). Replace any missing or damaged weather stripping around your doors, and do the same around your windows. It’ll keep your home better insulated and save you some money on energy costs.