3 Late Summer and Fall Projects To Do Around the House

Some home projects are best suited to early fall when the extreme heat is starting to fade, but before winter’s cold sets in. Here are three things you can add to your to-do list this year.

1. Trim Trees and Shrubs

Tree limbs that are too close to your house or outbuildings can cause damage in winter weather. For example, ice, snow and high winds can cause broken limbs that land on the roof or crush a shed. This is especially true if trees are under stress, damaged or show signs of disease.

Be careful to prune enough to clean out dead branches and any signs of damage, but not so much that you stress the plant. Because some trees and shrubs should be pruned in the winter and not the summer, you’ll want to do a little research first.

2. Seal Gaps and Leaks

The summer and fall are also good times to seal gaps in your home’s exterior. A few places you may want to concentrate your attention include:

Sealing these areas serves two purposes in colder weather. First, it helps reduce heating costs by removing potential air leaks. It also reduces potential entrances for pests like rodents and spiders that want to get in out of the cold.

3. Inspect the Chimney

If you have a fireplace or wood stove in your home, it’s a good idea to inspect the chimney before cold weather sets in. This will help you avoid problems when you decide to light a fire. Creosote buildup inside a chimney is highly combustible and a leading cause of chimney fires. There is also the risk of cracks in masonry chimneys or flue pipes, which would require professional chimney masonry repair Washington DC before you could safely use the fireplace.

Taking time to get your home ready for the winter can save aggravation later on. For example, keeping trees trimmed, having your chimney inspected and sealing any gaps around windows and doors are all great fall projects.