Fall Clean Up and Winterizing
We all know about spring cleaning, but many forget about fall cleaning. Of course, there is the standard yard clean-up like raking leaves and cleaning out gutters. There are some additional fall maintenance tasks that will help you wind down from summer and prepare for winter. You want to make sure your house is ready by winterizing your house each year to prevent potential damage. The list below will help get you started.
First, give the house and shed exterior a good cleaning. Spray it down with a good cleaner that knocks out mold and mildew and wash off any dirt (or bird droppings) that may have accumulated. Making sure the exterior of your home and shed are free from mold and mildew improves how they look. It also helps prevent health hazards to the surrounding environment.
Mold Versus Mildew
You know it’s important to remove both mold and mildew from your home and shed. But can you tell the difference between them?
Mold
Looks slimy or fuzz
Burrows
Removed with household products and cleaners
Mildew
Looks powdery
Grows on the surface
Removal with bleach or specialized products (depending on the type of mold)
Next, after cleaning the siding, check to make sure there isn’t any damage that could comprise the ability to keep moisture out. If you have vinyl siding, make sure the lawnmower hasn’t thrown rocks or debris that caused damage and make repairs as needed. And if you have painted wood siding, make sure there aren’t any chips and touchup as needed.
Secure windows and doors by adding or replacing weatherstripping where necessary. Caulk around window and door frames to keep moisture out. Lubricate door hinges so they continue to function optimally even during the winter months. Again, these items are important for both your house and your shed.
Moving inside the house, there are a few items to address. Consider your water heater. Easy item to overlook, but over time, particles and sediment can collect at the bottom of your water heater. When that happens, the unit isn’t as efficient as it should be. Flushing water through the drain valve will clear out those particles and sediment to keep your heater functioning at optimal capacity.
One of the quickest and easiest things you can do to winterize your home is to change the direction of your ceiling fans. Changing the direction of your ceiling fan is a quick and easy way to help warm a room. Having the blades move in a clockwise direction pushes hot air along the ceiling down towards the floor. Your fan’s manual will tell you how to reverse the direction.
As part of your fall prepping, it’s also important to spend a little time to show your hardworking shed some TLC. Start by sweeping out your shed. Be sure to move tools and other items out of the corners so you can get rid of all the dead insects, leaves, dirt, twigs, etc. Sweeping gets rid of things mice, squirrels and other rodents may use to build their home in your shed.
Walk around the outside of your shed and look for piles of leaves, sticks, grass, or anything that’s close to the exterior walls. Removing debris from exterior walls helps discourage all these same rodents and pests from building homes near your building.
All of our Liberty sheds have thermal radiant barrier on walls and roofs is a standard feature in all Liberty buildings. They work by reducing radiant heat gain. According to energy.gov, dust accumulation on the reflective surface can reduce its capability. So give your walls a quick wipe-down with a damp rag to remove excess dust. That way it will be ready to reflect all that heat once spring and summer come around.
Whether your Liberty building has architectural shingles or 29-gauge metal, it’s important to keep it properly maintained. Make sure no debris is on the roof and there is no damage. Inspect the roof for any obvious damage and make repairs as needed. If you have a shingle roof, make sure none are damaged or loose. If your roof is metal, look for loose or compromised screws that may allow moisture to leak in around them.
For items inside your shed:
• Drain gas and oil from summer equipment such as your lawn mower, edger, leaf blower, trimmer, etc.
• Hose off your garden tools to remove caked-on mud and dirt. Let them thoroughly air dry.
• Spray metal tools with lubricant to keep them from rusting.
• Detach water hoses from spigots and drain and water that may be left in them. Roll them up and store them on hooks inside your shed.
You’ve taken the time to winterize your house and shed, but don’t forget the most important thing this fall. Enjoy the colors of the season. Get out to one of North Carolina’s Apple Festivals. Enjoy the crisp cool weather. Make some s’mores by a fire. Make the most of the season!
