Check Your Chimney –

Make sure everything is in order before the first fire of the season!

You should have your chimney professionally inspected or cleaned after every 70 fires.  A quick way to tell if your chimney needs cleaning is to run the point of your fireplace poker along the inside of your chimney liner.  If you find a 1/8″ layer (or more) of buildup, call a chimney professional!  One we recommend is John Yeamans: email:  [email protected]

Check Your Roof –

Storms, wind, and other weather conditions over the past year have done damage that you might not be aware of.  Don’t wait until the first heavy snow to find out you have a leak!  Now’s the time to call your roofer and get that professional eye in!

Seat It Up –

There are 3 important reasons to make sure your home is air tight:  1.  Keeping moisture out;   2.  Keeping critters out;  3.  Keeping warm air in.  Fall is when pests begin to look for places to ride out the winter, so make sure your exterior is free of gaps and holes that will allow for unwanted houseguests!

Sealing up holes and cracks can also make your home more efficient – saving you money and keeping you warm and cozy.  In most cases all you need is weather stripping and caulk.

Disconnect Garden Hoses From Faucets –

As soon as the weather dips, it’s time to disconnect and drain hoses.  This simple task can potentially save you a lot of heartache later.  Leaving hoses attached can cause water to back up in the faucets and in the pipes just inside your exterior walls.  If freezing temps hit, that water can freeze, expand, and crack the faucet or pipes.  Also, make sure to drain your hoses before storing them to prevent cracking during the cold winter months.

And, of course, Clean Your Gutters –

Your gutters are you best ally when it comes to moving moisture away from your home, so it’s critical to keep them free of any obstruction.

“THE HEAT OF AUTUMN / IS DIFFERENT FROM THE HEAT OF SUMMER / ONE RIPENS APPLES, THE OTHER TURNS THEM TO CIDER.”

JOLIE POWELL REALTY — FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS – SINCE 1990!