Make sure your house is ready to weather this year’s storms by performing these essential fall home repairs.

In many states, the leaves are starting to turn, and it will be leaf peak season soon. I can’t believe it’s fall already! Fall is an important time to tend to your home and sort out any fall home repairs that need to be done. Most of these fall home repairs and maintenance ideas can be done easily and affordably.

As the weather cools down and winter comes in, your house begins to come under more pressure. During the Spring and Summer, it’s had a big rest, but you have to make sure you are ready for the rain, cold and warm spells, and maybe a little lightning and snow! Take it upon yourself to make sure your house really is in ship shape to sail through this year’s storms.

1. Weather Strip

Weatherstripping basically involves plugging the gaps in your doors and windows. This prevents the loss of heat, saving you money on your energy bills, and also helps stop rain from coming in through any gaps.

The easiest way to weather strip is to buy affordable weather stripping kits from your local DIY store or online.

2. Insulate Your Walls, Ceilings and Floors

Putting insulation in place is sadly one of the more expensive maintenance jobs you may have to do. However, the good news is that through saved energy and home efficiency, it normally pays for itself a few times over in the long term.

Start with the attic and exterior walls if you have access. Then try the interior walls and under your floors.

Read up more on the internet and get expert opinions if you are unsure of anything. If not done correctly, it could be ineffective.

3. Fix and Clean Your Guttering and Drainpipes

This is an ongoing project. Leaves and mud block the pipes and guttering around your home, so keep getting up there to keep them clean.

Fix any broken parts, as water drips can infiltrate your brickwork and cost a lot of money in the future to fix.

4. Caulk Any Cracks

Get some caulking and borrow a caulk gun. Go around the exterior walls and interior areas, applying the caulking to any cracks you encounter.

Do this before the rain comes, so you don’t trap water inside the walls!

5. Get Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide is deadly, and it kills every year! It’s undetectable by sight or smell and only feelings of lethargy can alert you to it.

Faulty boilers and heating equipment could cause carbon monoxide leaks, and you should stop what you are doing this minute to go and get a carbon monoxide detector. It really could save your life!

6. Stop Plumbing Leaks

You should really keep on top of this task all year round. However, as the colder weather comes in, your plumbing may be susceptible to freezing, among other things.

Take the time to check all your plumbing and repair any leaks or broken pipes. Also check all taps around the home and make sure the washers are in good condition and everything is running efficiently. Toilets should also all be flushing properly and drains should be draining.

• How To Prevent a Small Water Leak From Becoming a Huge Expense
• Finding an Affordable Safe Handyman for Simple Repairs
• 12 Ways To Keep Warm for Less This Winter
• 5 Steps To Prepare Your Car for Winter Driving

Reviewed October 2024