The autumn season is the perfect season for homeowners to prepare for the coming of winter. However, many fail to realize that they also need to keep their properties safe during this season, and not just prepare for the colder months.

Here are some ways on how you can make sure your home is in tip-top shape as you wait for winter, and at the same time, safe during fall:

Look for roof leaks

Roof damages are oftentimes undetected until it’s severe and hard to repair. Use the friendlier weather during autumn to inspect it or have it inspected by a licensed professional. If the shingles are curling, buckling or crackling, replace them. If you have a lot of damage, it's time to replace the entire roof.

It may also be the best time to check the flashing around skylights, pipes and chimneys. If you have any leaks or gaps, heavy snow and ice will find its way in.

When DIY-ing it, look for brown stains on exposed framing or ceilings in the attic or top floor of your home. Sagging drywall or separating plaster in a finished attic or top floor can also indicate a problem.

If unfortunately, you find evidence of leaks and water damage, experts advice renting and using a moisture meter from a home improvement center to scope out the extent of the damage. Professional contractors can do it for you and assess the damage, as well as suggest ways on how you can repair it.

Protect your pipes

Exposure to harsh weather can damage your pipes. Reports have been made that water pipes burst when the temperature gets below freezing. To prevent this, homeowners should turn off the valves to the exterior hose bibs, sprinklers and pool supply lines. They also suggest to run the water until the pipes are empty. Make sure all the water is drained from the pipes, if not; the water can freeze up and damage the pipes. Not only that it will prevent your pipes from freezing and possibly bursting, it can also help in saving energy.

Clean your gutters

As a preparation for the cold season, make sure your gutters are clean and that there are no leaves or debris that are blocking. Water needs to flow freely through the pipes to ensure that walls are not effected by damp and leaks.

AT the same time, make sure that your house’s downspouts are equipped with wire strainers to filter out large debris and leaves. Any obvious problems like loose pipe or missing hardware should be fixed immediately. If you’re uncomfortable performing the work yourself, consider hiring a licensed roofing contractor.

The best way to make sure that your house is safe during the autumn and through winter is proper preparation. Moreover, you as the homeowner should be fully aware of the state of your house—structural-wise. You should check your property and should be able to identify which parts need tending, repairs, remodeling, or renovation.

You can consult your chosen home contractor and discuss what more you can do to keep yourself and your family warm and safe during the fall season, and prepare better for the coming of winter by addressing concerns as early as this time.

More than additional tips, they should be the one responsible in installing needed repairs and added measures so further make your home a safe, comfy, and winter-proof.

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