Top 10 Fall Outdoor Projects

1. Clean out the gutters - Debris of leaves, pine needles and sticks can quickly clog up a gutter. A clogged gutter can lead to ice damage once winter sets in. Another potential hazard of a clogged gutter would be for it to pull away from the home.

2. Power the siding of your home (after you clean the gutters). Cleaning your siding removes built up dirt and mildew. This small preventative maintenance can help extend the life of your siding.

3. Shut off water to outside faucets. Every year frozen pipes cause extensive damage. One of the primary pipes that can crack due to freezing is the plumbing leading to outside faucets. Be sure to shut off the water going to the faucet, then open the faucet to drain out any existing water.

4. Remove and drain outside garden hoses. They may be made of rubber but they will crack if water freezes in them. Draining your garden hoses will also extend their life.

5. Caulk holes and cracks in your homes siding - pay attention to the areas by windows and doors. Caulking prevents cold breezes from entering your home. It prevents heat from escaping. It also stops water from infiltrating your home and rotting wood.

6. Add weather stripping to doors and windows. A proper sealed door and window will reduce your heating bills and ensure that your home remains comfortable during the winter months.

7. Winterize your lawn mower. You are not going to be cutting grass to the spring. Now is the time to drain and replace fluids, scrape down the blade and deck, and swap out the sparkplug. Be sure to spray some non stick cooking spray to the underside of your mower deck to help keep it clean and rust free.

8. Tune up your snow blower. Don't wait until the big snow storm hits. Fall is the time to make sure your snow blower is working.

9. Have your heating system inspected and tuned up. A well maintained heating system will save you money and keep you safe.

10. Make sure chimney flues and outdoor electrical fixtures are free from debris and bird nests. Fires due to debris and nests are quite common. I remember when growing up my mother opening the dampener of the fire place only to discover a family of squirrels had moved in. Those little critters could sure run fast all over the home.