As fall approaches in the rest of the country, it’s still pretty warm along the coast of Myrtle Beach, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start thinking about fall home maintenance. The temperatures have cooled off slightly, and the days are getting shorter, so it’s a great time to check these items off your to-do list.
1. Check your gutters.
Over the year, your gutters can fill up with a lot of leaves and other things. Check them to make sure they are not full of debris and sludge. If so, clean it all out. A great tool to use is an old rubber or plastic kitchen spatula. If any of the gutters need repairs, straighten and fix them to ensure they are doing their job. Don’t forget to check the drain spouts. If they are clogged, they will back up and could cause damage.
2. Check all the batteries in your smoke detectors.
Making sure smoke detectors are working properly is very important to your home and your family’s safety. Check them at least twice a year and put fresh batteries in them as well.
3. Keep up with lawn maintenance.
Just because a few leaves have fallen from the trees doesn’t mean it’s time to ignore your lawn. Keep up with regular maintenance like cutting the grass and watering. Aerating and adding a fall fertilizer is a great way to make sure you have a head start on a great lawn next year. Another helpful tip is to cut the grass a little shorter the last time you cut it to reduce the chance of mold and fungus growth.
4. Drain your sprinkler system once you are finished watering if there is a chance of freezing temperatures.
You never know when temperatures might dip. It’s always a great idea to drain your sprinkler system, as well as any outside hoses, so the pipes don’t freeze and burst. Here at Myrtle Beach, it’s a pretty safe bet that it won’t freeze before Christmas, so make sure to tackle this to-do by then.
5. Clean the grill.
Grilling can be fun year-round, no matter where you live. But it still needs a good deep cleaning! First, remove all the grease and food scraps left behind. Then, deep clean the grates and any other parts that need attention. Finally, if you have a gas grill, make sure the burners are not clogged and that there are no leaks.
If they aren’t already on your Fall to-do list, make sure to add them soon. You’ve spent a lot of time and effort on your dream home, and you want to make sure it stays in tip-top condition. Knocking these things off your list each fall also can help to prevent costly repairs in the future.
