Page 3 - WVFCU: Community Connection: Fall 2021

15 tips to Prepare your Home for the Fall and Winter (cont.)

2. Repair Roof Leaks
It can be easy to forget about a leaking roof, especially in the months before the Fall and Winter. However, a leak can a ect the insulation and beams
of your house and can lead to worse water damage.
3. Install New Flashing
It’s one thing to x your roof tiles and leaks, but you should also make an e ort to install ashing to reinforce your roof as well.
4. Clean your Gutters
Cleaning your gutters is important when preparing your home for fall and winter months. Clogged gutters can lead to backup and drainage that
can seep into your roof, and drip down into your foundation.
5. Prepare your Sprinkler System
Nothing is worse than having ice block your sprinkler system, burst your pipes, and prevent you from watering your grass and plants come spring-
time. Winterizing your sprinkler system can save you hundreds in repair costs.
6. Cover your Pool
Cleaning your pool is never fun, and can be a hassle, and hard work especially during the chilly fall and winter months. Have a pool cover to protect
your pool and outside areas from excess leaves and debris that might fall during the autumn season.
7. Renovate your Kitchen
Your kitchen is an important part of your life, and many say is the central part of a home. During the winter months, you might nd yourself home
more due to dangerous weather conditions like snow and rain. Renovate your kitchen beforehand in order to be as comfortable as possible while
spending more time at home. Kitchen preparation for fall and winter can be the best thing for you and your family to enjoy warm meals at home.
8. Treat Exterior Wood
Exterior wood can end up getting damaged during the harsh winter and fall months. Sealing your wood with a good sealant, painting your wood,
and adding caulking to any visible cracks can go a long way in helping protect your exterior wood.
9. Seal all Doors and Windows
If the gaps between siding and window or door frames are bigger than the width of a nickel, you need to reapply exterior caulk. (Check the joints in
window and door frames, too.) Silicone caulk is best for exterior use because it won’t shrink and it’s impervious to the elements.
10. Fill and Seal Driveways
Driveways are prone to damage from the cold months, make sure to add concrete and proper masonry work to have your driveway ready for the
snow and rain. Sealing an asphalt driveway is also simple and cost-e ective if you do it yourself.
11. Clean out your Chimney
Your chimney can help keep you warm during the winter and fall months, and cleaning it out is essential when preparing your home for fall and
winter months. Also, take this time to shop for rewood before residents begin to take up supplies by the truckload.
12. Prepare your Flooring
Your ooring can be susceptible to damage come the winter months, and it’s important to prepare your household for this. Not only should you
consult the help of oor cleaning services year-round to help your oors stay clean, but also to prepare them for stripping and adding a nish.
13. Prevent Flooding
Flooding can occur at any time of the year with the coming of rains, storms, and worst of all hurricanes. When preparing your home for fall and
winter, you should de nitely include protecting against ooding in there as well.

14. Prepare for Insects
Check for any holes that should be sealed, and put up traps if possible for smaller insect infestations. Consult the help of pest control as well to make
your home as insect-free as possible.
15. Prepare your Garage
Preparing your garage for the cold months is often overlooked when preparing your home for fall and winter. Nevertheless, because your car is
stored in your garage, and you might do projects in there as well, it’s important to prepare your garage for possible incoming snow and cold.

VOL. 7 | FALL 2021 | ISSUE 4 PAGE 3