Getting Your Home Ready for Cooler Weather

As the seasons turn colder, it's time to consider what services you may need to hire to prepare your home for fall and winter. Below, we offer suggestions.

Roof services

Fall is a good time to have your roof inspected to prevent serious roof damage. Worn rubber around vent pipes or masses of moss and lichen, for example, indicate serious damage underneath your roof's surface. In addition to damage from summer storms, wind, and hail, inspectors normally check for issues involving:

• Blown off shingles

• Gutter damage

• Damage from animals or birds

• Leaking roofs

Gutter and downspout issues can also cause mold, landscape damage, basement leaks, and foundation damage. Roof contractors correct these issues by moving downspouts or replacing gutters entirely.

Tree trimming services

Fall is also a good time to trim trees when they go dormant. Hire out tree trimming services to prepare your trees for the next growing season. You might also consider having arborists remove unsightly, potentially problematic tree stumps.

Plumbing services

Get your home ready for holiday guests and check for lingering summer plumbing issues with a plumbing inspection. Plumbers normally look for signs of pipe or faucet damage. They also usually check:

• Drains

• Outside sewer lines

• Gas lines

• Faucets and water-based fixtures like your washer and water heater

• Hoses

• Garbage disposals and dishwashers

HVAC services

Heating and cooling services are important any time of year, although fall is a good time to schedule an inspection. This is when homeowners are preparing to switch from air conditioning to heating. An inspector checks for signs of damage from summer use. HVAC professionals also normally check the following:

• Furnace connections

• Air conditioning connections

• Wiring

• Thermostats

Fireplace and chimney services

There are nearly 25,000 chimney fires in the United States each year, and they can cause injuries and structural damage. If you have a fireplace and chimney, hire a professional inspector to clean them. While cleaning, they also normally check the flue and other key components.

A home energy auditor or weatherization contractor

A home energy auditor or weatherization contractor identifies leaks and insufficient insulation in your attic. They also look for areas where you can improve your home's efficiency. They normally check the insulation around doors and windows and look for places where you can improve efficiency, including basements and crawl spaces. The savings can add up over time when you make recommended improvements.

With these tips in mind, you can enjoy added peace of mind this fall and winter. Check out Marketplace by TheHomeMag for a more comprehensive list of contractors and professional services. For more information on preparing your home for cooler weather, follow us on Instagram and Facebook!