Although it may feel as though you’ve just finished up all of your home’s spring maintenance chores, fall in Brandon, FL is just around the corner, so there’s no better time than now to get started on your fall home maintenance. Taking preventative steps now will save you both time and money down the road as well as the headache of dealing with issues that often occur as the weather gets colder. Here are a few tips from Runnels Insurance to help you get started on your fall maintenance.
Clean the Gutters
One of the most important fall home maintenance tasks you should include on your list is cleaning the gutters. Nobody likes cleaning the gutters, but if left alone the gutters and downspouts can lead to much more significant and expensive damages, including roof leaks. It’s typically recommended that the gutters should be cleaned at least twice each year, once in the spring and again in the fall. If your home is surrounded by trees this should be done more frequently. Cleaning the gutters prevents clogging. Over time the leaves and debris build up in the gutters, eventually preventing the water from flowing away from the roof and spilling over which causes damage to the foundation.
Inspect the Roof
Fall is the best time to inspect your roof. The winter rains can cause significant damage to the roof, the structure of your home and lead to issues with pests. When inspecting your roof, make sure to check for loose shingles, missing shingles, and any damaged flashing around chimneys and vents. If there is any buckling, curling or cracking shingles, be sure to replace them before winter arrives. If there is extensive damage, you may want to consider hiring a professional roofing contractor to replace the existing roof.
Pest Prevention
People commonly assume that spring and summer are when they will notice the most pest activity in and around their home. While this is often the case, the reason why spring is the time of the year when you’ll notice an influx in pests is because the eggs that have been laid over the winter are hatching. Pests, such as ants, spiders, centipedes, roaches, and a host of other creepy crawlies start looking for a warm place to spend the winter and your home is the perfect winter home for them. As these pests take up residence in your home over the winter, they lay eggs, which eventually hatch in the spring; ultimately possibly leading to an infestation. So, the best way to prevent the problem is to address the issue in the fall before there’s a risk.
Residents of Brandon, FL interested in learning more information about home insurance should contact Runnels Insurance.
