While spring cleaning has come and gone, and the summer days are slowly fading into memories, it is time to embrace the warmth of autumn in your home and all it has to offer.
Tackling any home maintenance tasks now can better prepare you for any issues you may experience during the months to come, says the publication Better Homes & Garden. “You’ll save money in the long run by preventing costly (and potentially dangerous) damage to your home.”
Below are a few ways to best prepare your home for autumn.
Clean the fireplace
The publication House Beautiful shares that it is best to line the area with newspaper and remove loose ashes and dust with a shovel and broom. Next, use a wire brush to clean off the soot from the brick, and use baking soda and warm water on a sponge to clean the remaining soot and dust.
Prepare your garden
According to House Beautiful, autumn is one of the most important seasons for gardening. “Cut back perennials that have died down, divide herbaceous perennials, make leaf mould, move tender plants into a greenhouse or conservatory, and harvest apples, pears, grapes and nuts,” suggests the publication.
Inspect your roof
Better Homes & Garden advises that you inspect your roof from the top to the bottom. The publication lists the following that you can do:
- Check ridge shingles for cracks and wind damage.
- Look for damage to metal flashing in valleys and around vents and chimneys.
- Scan the entire roof for missing, curled, or damaged shingles.
- Look in your gutters for large accumulations of granules.
- Make sure your gutters are flowing freely.
Set the atmosphere with an autumn scent
Create a perfect autumn setting with a few candles and diffusers, shares Home Beautiful. Interior designer Sylvia James tells the publication, “There is nothing more comforting than an autumn scent running through the air on a rainy evening. Trendy mason jar candles with scents of ginger, pumpkin pie, cinnamon, and cedar wood complete the ultimate autumn vibe.”
See to the gas appliances
As the days get colder, many opt for their gas heaters to keep cosy and warm. “An improperly maintained heater can spew toxic gases into the air of your home, or it could simply be costing you more to operate. Have a professional check these devices annually,” states Better Homes & Garden.
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