September is sort of a unique month for home owners. It's the time when many people finish projects that were started earlier in the summer, but never completed. It’s an excellent opportunity to see what can be improved, replaced, or repaired while the weather is still nice enough for outdoor projects. It is also a great time to get a jump on fall maintenance and even prep for winter maintenance.
- Check outdoor paint for cracking, peeling & proper coverage. Peeling & cracking can allow moisture to get behind the paint and cause rotting and possible interior leaks. Prime and re-paint before it gets too cold.
- You probably will not notice a drafty door until the weather becomes much colder. If you wait until then to replace worn out weatherstripping, your fingers are likely to become too numb to finish the job . Set aside a pleasant September day to check and replace any worn out weatherstripping. There are many options for weatherstripping, so the U.S. Department of Energy has compiled an online chart that compares the options.
- Think of caulk as weatherstripping in a tube. Early fall is a good time for this task because caulk becomes difficult to apply when the temperature falls. Any gap on the outside of your home can be a candidate for caulking. Look at transition spots: corners, windows, doors, areas where masonry joins siding, or places where vents and other objects protrude from walls. Carefully read manufacturer's directions to make sure the caulk you buy will work where you plan to use it, and don't forget to purchase a caulking gun.
- Washing down the siding can make your exterior look new again. Power washers can be too powerful and can push water behind the siding, so use a soft rag or a soft-bristle brush and a hose. While you are cleaning, look for spots where the paint might need a touch up and follow through after the siding dries. Windowsills, which typically suffer the most rain and snow damage, might need to be completely repainted and sealed.
- Do not wait until it gets too cold to schedule routine heating system maintenance. Most good HVAC pros will all be too busy then. Arrange for a yearly tuneup of an oil or gas furnace towards the end of the month. If you burn wood, schedule a chimney cleaning. If you have electric baseboard or wall heaters, vacuum out any lint and wipe down the grills.
- De-clutter and organize your basement and garage. These typically become catch-alls for miscellaneous storage. Look for smart storage solutions that take advantage of the walls and ceilings and free up valuable floor space. Set aside items you no longer want or need. If you haven't used something in a year, odds are you no longer need it. Late summer/early fall is a great time for a yard/garage sale!
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