As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, it’s time to prepare your lakefront home for fall. While this season brings picturesque views and cooler temperatures, it also brings specific challenges and opportunities for homeowners. To help you make the most of autumn at the lake, here are a few tips to get ready for fall.
Prepare Your Lakefront Home for Fall
1. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
Autumn brings falling leaves that make their way into your gutters. Clogged gutters can lead to roof leaks, water damage, basement flooding, and other issues. Grab a ladder, a pair of work gloves, and a trowel, and remove debris from the guttering channels. While working, inspect the gutters for cracks, holes, and rust and make necessary repairs.
2. Trim Overhanging Branches
If trees are overhanging your lakefront house, inspect their branches in the fall. Limbs can become heavy with ice and may break, causing damage to your home or nearby power lines during winter storms. Prune dead or dying branches to prevent damage to your home and cars.
3. Check the Dock to Prepare Your Lakefront Home for Fall
Your lakeside property may include a dock or boat lift. Before the weather gets too cold, give these structures a thorough inspection. Look for loose boards, damaged cables, or signs of wear and tear. Preventative maintenance can save you from costly repairs later.
4. Inspect Your Fireplace or Wood Stove
Many lakefront homes feature fireplaces or wood stoves, perfect for staying warm on chilly autumn evenings. Verify these heating sources are clean and in good working condition. Have your chimney swept, and stock up on well-seasoned firewood to enjoy the warmth and ambiance all season.
5. Seal Gaps and Cracks
Walk around your lakefront home and inspect windows, doors, and utility openings where drafts enter. Seal gaps and cracks with weatherstripping or caulk to keep the cold air out and your heating bills down.
6. Prepare Your Lakefront Home for Fall: Winterize the Water Lines
If temperatures drop below freezing in your area, it’s essential to winterize water systems around your property. Shut off exterior faucets, drain and store garden hoses for the winter, disconnect and drain the sprinkler system, and insulate pipes in unheated areas to prevent freezing and burst water lines.
7. Prepare Outdoor Furniture
If you have outdoor furniture on the deck, patio, or dock, prepare it for cooler weather. Clean and cover the furniture or store it indoors for the winter. Proper care will extend its lifespan, and it will be ready to enjoy it when warmer weather returns.
Following these tips ensures your home is well-prepared for the autumn season. You’ll have more time to savor the breathtaking fall scenery and the peacefulness of life by the water. So grab a cozy blanket and a warm beverage, and enjoy the beauty of fall at your lakeside home.
Digs Doctor Home Inspections provides inspection services to Charlotte and the surrounding areas of North and South Carolina. Contact us to request an appointment.