Preventative Maintenance for Autumn

Autumn can be a tough time for many people. It is the reluctant change to cooler weather with a distant memory of hot summer days by the pool. Besides that, there is also a very real situation, we as South Africans find ourselves in. With the scary COVID-19 virus hitting South Africa pretty hard, we do not have a choice but to stay at home. 

That being said, autumn brings a lot of jobs to start doing around the house. We have compiled a list of preventative maintenance jobs to try this season. Now is the time to get started on and oversee projects which have long needed your attention.

Inspect The Roof

This is a good time to inspect your roof and see if there is any debris accumulating from the leaves that are falling from the trees. Inspect your roof, or get a pro to do it for you! Have general look over on your roof and check for wear and tear. Check pipes and chimneys. If you have any leaks or gaps you could be in trouble. Gutters are also important to check this time of year. Clogged gutters can cause all kinds of problems, especially when water can pool in and around it. 

Check for pests and insects too. You do not want anyone else other than your family settling in for winter. 

Garden Talk

Give all your garden tools and machinery a good clean down. The usual maintenance jobs slow down in your garden and things like mowing the lawn become much less. Trim dead branches and get raking. Rake or blow the dead leaves off the lawn or, better yet, use a mulching mower to shred them into fine pieces. 

Put the raked leaves in the compost pile or use as a mulch. Fallen leaves are an excellent source of nutrients. 

Doors and Windows

The cold creeps in everywhere. A window or door that cannot seal properly when closed is going to result in cold air infiltration and unnecessary drafts. Check for glazing putty around window glass that may be cracked or is already crumbling. Repair this as soon as you can. 

Check the condition of exterior caulk around all doors by looking for cracks that could ultimately lead to the cold creeping in, as well as critters. Mice are tiny and can easily sneak into your house given the opportunity. 

Need help with your autumn preventative maintenance? Find an expert in HOMEMAKERS to help you get the job done. You can also visit our Facebook page to get inspiration for daily activities at home.