Make sure to check on these 9 things during the fall

6. Sump pump

If your basement is prone to flooding, then consider buying a sump pump because you will end up with cracked walls and floors if water infiltrates your foundation. Make sure to treat the problem once it happens because the damage will increase and most likely include cracked windows and a shifting foundation.

7. Weatherstripping

Having cracks along seams and windows means having gates allowing cold air to enter your home (this means a hard time keeping your house warm). Make sure to check for airflow around doorjambs, baseboards, and windows. Make sure to add a door sweep to the bottom side of doors leading outside and apply weather stripping to leaking windows (you can also use caulking on windows, but avoid using it on emergency exit windows).

8. Sealant

Make sure to seal your wood deck during the fall season, but first, power wash and let it dry, then apply a sealant to it. There are sealants made for decks and decks only, but there are oil-based and water ones as well. Make sure to use a sealant that is waterproof and can protect against UV rays, mold, mildew (clear sealants are better for decks with naturally colored wood).

9. Steel wool

When the weather is cool, the tiny rodents in the b garage and backyard camp in warm places (inside your house is very ideal). Make sure to seal holes because chipmunks, voles, and mice might give you a winter visit. Look for holes both inside and out of your foundation, then use a grade 3 steel wool to plug the holes.