Sounds of fall

Written By yellowsack.com

California is not like any other climate; as other states drop temperatures significantly, we are still prone to many summer days here in the West. However, as we head into fall, you'll be well-rested from your summer vacation and likely be spending more time at home. So it's a perfect time to think about tasks to protect your house from winter weather.

We've compiled a list of Fall home improvements that should be at the top of your checklist, and while you're completing them, we thought we'd give you a little something to listen to, to help make the tasks go faster.

Welcome to our Fall home improvement playlist:

Clearing your gutter

Yep, it's not glamorous, but it's essential. As fall foliage begins to build up, there'll be increased organic debris falling into and clogging up your gutters. It's not something many of us enjoy, but if left, it can cause blockages to water drainage, causing damage to your precious home. Late fall is considered the optimal time to check and clean your gutters, as most leaves will have fallen before the winter rain. As the rainfall in California becomes more frequent in the winter months, it's a good idea to clear any excess debris to avoid water pooling around your roof and causing potential damage. Other advantages to keeping the gutters clean are that it keeps your property's soil from eroding and prevents harmful water stains that can damage the exterior of your home.

Check your Windows

Next on your list should be your windows. Regularly checking windows can save you large sums of money on your energy bills, so maintaining them is great for your pocket and good for the environment. So, before the winter rain takes hold, these are the things you should check:

  • Give all seals a thorough check - this should be done at least once a year. If you closely inspect where the window meets the wall and the sash meets the frame, check for light coming through, and this will indicate that your seals need replacing.

  • Check surrounding walls inside your property; if there's water damage, peeling paint, or mold, this could be another indicator of damaged seals.

  • Check the integrity of your windows by tapping the panes, and if you notice any movement or rattling, there could be a problem. You can also check for drafts by dampening your hand and holding it by the window seals.

  • Make sure all locks on windows are functioning correctly.

“Regularly checking windows can save you large sums of money on your energy bills, so maintaining them is great for your pocket and good for the environment.”

Prepare your deck and patio for winter

As you clean your patio and garden furniture for winter, it's a good idea to fill your Yellowsack with old dirt inside clay pots because if the weather gets too cold, those pots can crack. Fix any patio cracks you notice as they could become worse over the winter months.

If your deck is splintering, has faded coating, or loose planks of wood, get a permit and get repairing because you'll want to protect it from further damage from winter rain. If you're planning to sell your house anytime soon, a well-maintained deck will help you get your asking price.

Inspect your heating system and chimneys

Fall is a great time to check your chimneys and heating systems. Check your smoke and fire and carbon monoxide detectors. If you have a fireplace, you need to ensure it's clear and clean before use. Malfunctioning heating systems and blocked chimneys are some of the most significant fire hazards in U.S. homes in the winter months. You must ensure your chimney is inspected by a professional. And any excess debris can be added to your Yellowsack for waste recycling.

New Coat

While winter might be a time to consider updating your outerwear, it's also a good idea to think of that in terms of your property. You may want to consider giving your house a fresh coat of paint before any winter weather begins; paint, and sealer can prolong the life of your siding, floors, and stairs.

Check your roof

Southern California's climate fluctuates so much from the scorching sun one minute to a significant dip in degrees and pouring rain the next; that's why it's always best to be prepared when it comes to your roof. Look out for cracked or curled shingles or any missing tiles, and if there are signs of wear around the chimney, this can indicate a deeper problem. If you are thinking of selling your home, roof damage is often cited as one of the significant reasons prospective buyers will try to negotiate a lower price.

The last thing you need as you are begin to cozy up for fall is a leak, so give it a check and if you spot any signs of damage, rather than risking damage to yourself, call in an expert to do the rest.

Simply order your Yellow sack dumpster bag and appoint a local professional like California Roofing Pros, who are experts at roof repairs and gutter clearance. Ask them to divide their waste into your individual Yellowsack dumpster bags, and you'll be safe in the knowledge that most of your home debris will be recycled by one of our local depositing stations. While they attend to your roof, you can switch on your playlist and move on to your next task!

“Beautiful as trees are, inspect any trees for long branches that could hit your windows in windy weather, cut away low-hanging and dying branches.”

Clear up your yard

During the fall, it's a good idea to rake up the leaves from your lawn and retrieve any excess foliage from your garden beds. This will ensure that your plants and shrubs will go into winter comfortably and ready to grow shoots as they enter into spring.

Trim Problem Bushes and Trees

Beautiful as trees are, if they are close to your home, they can become problematic. Inspect any trees for long branches that could hit your windows in windy weather, cut away low-hanging and dying branches. The trees can be fully trimmed in the springtime to promote growth ready for the summer.

For more tips regarding fall yard clearance: https://www.safewise.com/blog/the-15-must-dos-of-fall-yard-cleanup/

Clean Up Your Lawnmower and Other Yard Tools

While you're outside, give your lawnmower and other garden tools some maintenance, they've probably been used a lot over the summer, so it's a good idea to clean them off now, ready for use in spring.

Clear out your storage space

Though Thanksgiving may not be as traditional as the holiday season when it comes to gift-giving, if you've got generous family and friends, you may want to declutter before your guests appear. Just in case you're going to need that extra storage space!

Yellowsack's flexible dumpster bags make many of these cleanup and clearance projects super fast and easy. Simply separate your waste into different bags, be it garden, roof, or household; call our man, and he'll have that waste out of your way quicker than you can say Fall clear up! Happy home improving and happy listening!

Check your insulation

Weatherstripping around doors, windows, and your garage seal your property from drafts, but they become worn and ineffective with regular use. Replace any worn weather stripping to help keep your energy bills low.

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