Autumn Checklist for Every Southwestern Homeowner
The Southwest is known for its intense, arid summers and brutally cold winters. When the temperature changes from blistering hot to frigid cold in the autumn season, homes in the Southwest can be at risk for damage. This is why getting Santa Fe home insurance coverage is always a good idea.
Certain parts of the home can be especially vulnerable when the season changes. Roof parts such as the gutter and spouts often incur considerable damage, especially if they have not been prepared for winter. Other common issues include blocked and frozen pipes and clogged drains, which could cause water to accumulate in low-lying areas of the property.
As a Southwestern homeowner, it is vital to prepare your home for the autumn season. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
- Trim hedges, shrubs, and bushes
The coming of autumn often means that hurricane season is approaching. It’s essential to trim the greenery around your home to avoid possible roof and wall damage. Start by cutting and pruning the trees closest to your walls and roof.
Next, trim the shrubs, bushes, and other plants around your property. If necessary, use hand pruners to cut plants back to avoid possible injury, and then switch to shears for the larger shrubs.
Doing all this will help prevent damage to your home caused by strong winds and storms. It would be best to work on getting your home ready long before autumn arrives to give you enough time to address every potential issue.
- Remove debris from your roof and gutters
As many homeowners know, leaves, twigs, and debris can accumulate on your roof and in your gutters over time and cause severe blockages. You can clear these out by using a ladder and a large leaf rake. Extend the ladder high enough so you can see the areas you need to clean easily. Doing so will allow you to remove the debris easily by dragging the leaf rake across your roof and gutters.
If you prefer not to work on a high ladder, you can consider hiring a professional to do the work. This gives you the advantage of having an experienced specialist inspect your shingles, tiles, and flashings and suggest repairs if needed.
- Check your drainage system
Many homeowners find themselves having to deal with blocked drains and other avoidable problems because they neglect to check the drainage system before autumn arrives. Don’t let this happen to you! Check that your surface drain has no blockages of any sort and that every part of your property allows easy drainage. If you detect any potential issues that you can’t fix on your own, call a professional to deal with them.
- Inspect the trim and weather-stripping on your windows and doors
Drafts are no fun to deal with at any time of the year, but they can be especially problematic in the autumn. Bill Richardson, owner of Responsive Inspections in Albuquerque, N.M., recommends checking for drafts by holding a lit candle near your doors, windows, and electrical outlets.
It would be best if you changed old, damaged weather-stripping immediately. If your electrical outlets are drafty, you could pad them with a bit of foam insulation.
- Check your air conditioner’s condensate drain
Before turning off your air conditioner for the winter, inspect the condensate drain pan underneath the indoor air handler. Pay particular attention to the presence of standing water, which often indicates a clogged or sluggish drain. Any water or moisture present could cause molds to grow, which could cause serious long-term problems. You can avoid these by making sure that the drain is empty during the colder winter months.
- Prepare your furnace for the colder weather
Ensure that your home is ready for the colder days ahead by inspecting your furnace thoroughly for any potential problems. Check for signs of damage or malfunctions that could indicate the need for maintenance or repair. You could perform the following steps to ensure that your furnace is in good condition for the autumn:
- Inspect the flue for any debris, which is often a sign that the chimney is blocked up. If you see a lot of soot and ashes, open up the flue and clean it out.
- Make sure your heating unit is turned on. If necessary, arrange for regular inspections with the heating company.
- Inspect air vents for blockages or insect or rodent damage. Any of these issues could be a fire risk, so make sure you are on top of the situation with a thorough inspection. If you notice anything amiss, contact HVAC services immediately before the weather gets colder.
With enough preparation, you can enjoy autumn in your Southwest home without worry. Performing the steps mentioned above will save you time and money and prepare you and your home for the upcoming changes in season.
About Daniels Insurance, Inc.
At Daniels Insurance, Inc., we have a unique understanding of the risks that businesses like yours face on a regular basis. With the backing of our comprehensive coverages and our dedication to customer service and quick claims resolution, your business will be fully protected. For more information, contact us today at (855) 565-7616.