Fall Maintenance Can Help Prevent Costly Winter Issues
For homeowners, fall can bring complicated conditions and seasonal responsibilities. Without conducting appropriate maintenance or planning for the colder months ahead, slight issues could become major problems with expensive consequences. Be mindful of several key homeowner responsibilities:
Clear gutters and downspouts
Leaves, twigs and other debris can clog your home’s drainage systems. Trapped water may freeze and inflict significant damage on your siding and foundation.
Make roof repairs
Fall and winter weather can pummel your home, and your roof may be particularly exposed. Check for signs of leaks, loose shingles and other issues, and make repairs as soon as possible.
Change furnace filters
As temperatures drop, you’ll likely start using your furnace more often. Replace filters and inspect the furnace itself to ensure that the system is ready for winter.
Inspect trees
Walk along the outside of your property and identify any potentially problematic trees or branches that might give way under the weight of snow and ice.
Protect plumbing
Insulate pipes in areas that may be exposed to colder temperatures, shut off exterior water valves and drain outdoor spigots.
Many issues that may come up during the colder months of the year may be considered maintenance issues by home insurers. For example, while a sudden burst pipe could be covered, your claim could be denied if your carrier determines that you failed to take appropriate steps to prevent the problem.
Driving at Dusk? Here’s How to Stay Safe
As the days get shorter and the sun sets earlier, many drivers may need to adjust to their newly darkened commutes. Whether you’re coming home after a long day of work or running errands, taking appropriate precautions while behind the wheel can be particularly important around dusk. Be mindful of these safety tips:
- Keep your windshield and windows as clean as possible, as streaks and smudges may enhance glare from other vehicles’ headlights.
- Only use your high beams when there are no cars approaching or driving ahead of you.
- Reduce speeds and increase the distance you leave between your vehicle and others in front of you.
- Constantly scan the sides of the road for wildlife. Many animals, such as deer, become more active at dawn and dusk, especially during the fall.
- Dim your dashboard and turn off other sources of light inside your vehicle, as they can make it more difficult to see clearly in the darkness.
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We Can Help Around the House and with Driving
If you need some assistance with cleaning and organizing this fall, our housekeepers are here to help. And if getting the kids to and from school, sports, or other appointments is stressing you out, our childcare professionals are standing by!
Our reliable, experienced, thoroughly screened caregivers have been providing peace of mind to Capital Region families for more than 34 years.
If you need full- or part-time care, or just occasional babysitting, camp pickup and drop-off, housekeeping, or anything else in your home, let us know how we can help.
Request a service or give us a call at (518) 348-0400 and we’ll provide a free consultation to get you the care you need.