Fall can be a beautiful time, especially in the northeast. The leaves are starting to change, and admirers are treated to flashes of red, orange, and yellow. The weather can be unpredictable, and sometimes catches people unaware, causing common fall home problems.
There are a few issues that the homeowner has to be aware of when fall strikes. While there may not be as many storms as the spring and summer, fall presents its own challenges.
Frost
Fall is often associated with officially arriving when the first frost does. While this signal comes as a welcome change for many, it can pose some problems to homeowners. Frost is particularly burdensome when it arrives earlier than expected. Frost can wreak havoc on unprotected flowers, fruits and vegetables. If you are worried for the health of your plants, you can insulate your garden with mulch or some straw.
Clogged Gutters and Downspouts
As the weather continues to cool, gutters and downspouts will continually need to be cleaned. As the leaves begin to fall, they will clog your gutters and downspouts up pretty handily. If clogged and kept uncleaned, these pipes can function as a dam, pooling the water. This can end up causing some pretty severe water damage if it gets inside the house.
Additionally, cleaning your gutters can be dangerous. Ladders are often needed to reach them, and this frequently leads to imbalance. If possible, complete the project with another person. This way, the ladder can be held secure from the ground.
Dead Trees and Branches
When the leaves clear themselves from the trees, you may be greeted with something unexpected; a dead tree or limb. When trees are clustered together, with their branches overlapping and full of leaves, it may be hard to see the hidden danger.
These dead trees or branches can be the result of any number of things, with insect damage during the spring and summer being a common cause. It is important to take care of the dead wood as it is no longer stable. Even a mild storm can cause dead branches to break off of a tree.
Critters
No matter where you live, fall can cause you to have some issues with critters. As the weather begins to cool, small mammals begin to look for a place to keep warm. Often, it seems that the best option for them is a home attic or basement. Houses provide unparalleled warmth, and many different species will seek refuge within one.
It’s important that any entry points be sealed shut. Not only is having the animals in the home unsanitary, many of the animals can do some significant damage to a home’s insulation or infrastructure. Sealing any entry points in the early fall should help prevent this as the weather cools further and the animals head indoors.
Across the country, fall is a highly anticipated time of year. Just like any of the other seasons, it presents a few challenges that must be met in order to enjoy the weather completely.