Owning a home requires work. With winter fast approaching, here are our top fall home preparedness tips to keep your home in tip-top shape and save you money in the long run!

Clean Your Gutters

Your gutters function year-round to help thousands of gallons of water drain off your roof. If your gutters become clogged, you could begin to see that seep into the interior and exterior of your home. Check your gutters in the fall and if they appear clogged, clean or replace them. 

Drain And Cover Your Outdoor Faucets

Idaho winters can be harsh. When cold temperatures start to strike make sure to drain and winterize all of your outdoor faucets. Failing to do this crucial maintenance task can result in burst pipes and water damage. 

Fix Cracks In Your Driveway

If you want to keep your driveway free of potholes this is a must! During winter water drains into cracks in your driveway and freezes, expanding the cracks. A small crack now can become much larger over winter and it is worth the time and effort to fill them while they are small. You can buy cement crack filler at most hardware stores and it is cheap and easy to use!

Fertilize Your Lawn

Winter’s are hard on lawns. Even though grass does not grow during Winter, the roots of the grass are still active and need fertilizer. Fertilizing your grass just before winter also helps it come back earlier and be greener in the spring.

Aerate Your Lawn

Over the summer, your lawn’s soil becomes compacted and stressed by heat. Without aeration, your lawn will turn brown and will be thinner or bare when spring comes. Aerating your lawn loosens the soil and allows the roots to reach nutrients during the winter. Doing this crucial task will ensure your lawn comes back green and healthy once spring comes.

Check Your Windows And Doors For Drafts

Heat escaping through doors and windows can drastically increase your heating bill. Before winter comes, check your window seals for cracks in the caulking and recaulk them if necessary. Check your door weathering strips by trying to stick a piece of paper under the door. If you can get the paper through the door then your weathering strip needs to be raised or replace