Helpful things you should do around your home this Fall

Before the weather grows colder it's important to prepare for the winter months to prevent any costly damage. Below are the fall preventative home maintenance steps that every homeowner should follow.

Gutters and Downspouts

• Clean gutters and downspouts frequently throughout fall to prevent buildup of leaves and other debris. Neglected gutters can lead to wood rot problems and pest infestations, not to mention ruined gutters.
• Be sure water is not coming down behind gutters and that all support brackets are securely in place.
• Ensure that water drains properly and doesn't pool. Pooling can cause damage to foundations, driveways, and walkways.

Windows and Doors

• Change summer screens to cool weather storm windows and doors.
• Inspect and repair any loose or damaged window or door frames.
• Install weather stripping or caulking around windows and doors to prevent drafts and to help lower heating bills.

Heating Systems

• Replace the air filter in your furnace.
• Consider having a heating professional check your heating system to ensure optimal performance and discover minor problems before they turn into costly major repairs.
• Clean your ducts to better your heating system's efficiency as well as to reduce household dust and to provide relief to those with respiratory problems.

Plumbing

• To prevent pipes freezing and bursting, ensure that the pipes are well insulated.
• Know how to locate and turn off the water shut-off valve in case pipes do freeze.

Chimney, Fireplace, and Smoke Detectors

• Call a professional in to inspect and clean your chimney. Fireplaces that are regularly used during the season should have an annual cleaning to prevent dangerous chimney fires.
• Test your fireplace flue for a tight seal when closed.
• Change all batteries in all of your Smoke and Carbon Monixde Detectors and you should test them weekly. If any of your dectectors are older than ten years (most have a date stamped on the underside), you should consider replacing them with new ones.
• Check your Fire Extinguisher to ensure it is fully charged, replace if neccessary.

Attic ventilation

• Be sure attic insulation doesn't cover vents in the eaves to prevent winter ice dams on the roof.
• Be sure ridge vents and vents at eaves are free of plants and debris.
• Check bird and rodent screens for attic vents to prevent any unwanted guests.

Landscape and Yard work

• Even though grass appears to stop growing in the fall, the roots are actually growing deeper to prepare for winter. Now is the best time to fertilize and reseed your lawn.
• Prune your trees and shrubs after the leaves turn to encourage healthy growth.
• Trim any tree limbs that are dangerously close to power lines or the roof of your house. Heavy snow and ice can cause damage in the winter.

Hopefully this tips will assist you with your home and property this upcoming winter.

Burlington County Real Estate Sales and Solutions – William Rothermel, REALTOR®, 203Ks, REO Team Leader, Real Estate Investment Specialist, & Real Estate Consultant Whether buying or selling, be it your first home, your last home, or building your investment portfolio, Bill has the knowledge and the experience to deliver the unsurpassed service you deserve. He can’t wait to help you achieve your dreams as he has helped so many clients before. EXIT Realty is the areas fastest growing real estate firms. (609) 714-EXIT (3948) Office (609) 304 6952 Direct

EXIT Realty JP Rothermel specializes in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate properties and homes in Southern New Jersey area including Medford Township, Medford Lakes, Evesham Township, Marlton, Southampton, Vincentown, Tabernacle, Lumberton, Eastampton, Westampton, Shamong, Mount Laurel, Hainesport, and the surrounding areas.