Ottawa is truly beautiful in the fall. The leaves on the trees turn from green to breathtaking shades of russet, ochre and crimson, while the crisp fall air provides a refreshing change from the humidity of summer. Fall is a time of transition, and this transition should also apply to our homes as we get ready for the coming winter months. By undertaking a few small home maintenance projects now, we can ensure the health of our homes throughout the colder weather. Our team has gathered together a few important fall home exterior maintenance tips for you:
Rake leaves
Taking care of your lawn is not just something to consider during the summer months, you should continue to do so during the fall and winter months as well. Make sure to rake up any leaves before the first snow falls. Leaves left under a layer of snow can rot and smother the grass, meaning you won’t have a lovely green lawn to show off when spring arrives.
Mow the lawn
Once you have raked up any fallen leaves, mow your lawn. Mowing the lawn is something that should be done regularly. Frequent mowing keeps your lawn under control and stops the long grass from becoming a hiding place for rodents and other small creatures, who may scurry into your home given half the chance.
Clean the gutters
Cleaning out gutters is far from an enjoyable outdoor task, but it is an important one! Clear your gutters of any rotten leaves, sticks or other debris to prevent them from overflowing with water in the case of a heavy rainfall this fall or winter.
Fix driveway cracks
If left untreated, any cracks in your driveway could pose a huge problem this winter. When snow falls and settles into the cracks, it could cause the concrete to freeze and then expand, making the cracks even bigger. Depending on the material of your driveway, find an appropriate product to fix cracks in the fall and avoid winter damage altogether.
Touch up chipped paint
Paint protects the exterior of your home. If paint is flaking or chipped, it means the protective layer is compromised. Chips and cracks could let in moisture, which cause mould and rot. To avoid this issue, make sure to touch up any chipped or flaking paint on the exterior of your home this fall.
Remove moss
Moss may look attractive covering your home but it can actually cause huge problems for both your home’s exterior and interior. Moss holds a lot of water, which can seep into your roof and, if left untreated, eventually inside your home. To avoid water damage or mould issues caused by moss, remove it before it has a chance to spread.
Are you looking to purchase a home this fall? At Capital Mortgages, we have the knowledge, experience and network to find you the most favourable financing now and for future terms. Do not hesitate – contact us today!