Angie's List: Fall Home Preps

MEMPHIS, TN (localmemphis.com) - When the weather is crisp, leaves are falling, and football is on TV, it can be easy to ignore those fall chores.

But if you want to stay cozy and avoid costly problems this winter, you better get to work.

In today's Angie's List report, the three projects every homeowner should cross off their checklist.

Gutter cleaning is not glamorous, but it's one of the most important jobs on any fall to-do list.

"Your gutters should not be ignored because leaves will gather there which will lead to mold as well as bugs, even ice damming in the winter. And if you're like some people, you might actually get a garden growing in your gutters which can be pretty embarrassing. So, taking care of them can lead to better health of your home, especially your roof," Angie Hicks of Angie's List said.

Whether you do it yourself or hire a pro, do not neglect the downspouts when cleaning.

"You also want to make sure that all of your gutters are actually nailed in properly and look at your gutter boards and make sure that they are sealed," handyman Elden Foltz said.

Once your gutters are clear, turn your attention to sealing drafts around windows and doors. Walk through your home with a lit candle or stick of incense to see where cold air is seeping in.

"If you don't seal the windows what's going to happen is a lot of energy is going to be dispensed out and you're going to lose money," Foltz said.

When sealing a window, make sure the area is free from dust and old paint or caulk.

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Angie's List: Fall Home Preps