9 Easy Yet Essential Autumnal DIY Tasks to Help Retain Your Home's Value

1/3 people in the UK are living with potentially dangerous faults in the home – often because they're left to develop to the point homeowners can’t afford to fix them. To avoid costly repairs – it’s important that homes are maintained with the changing seasons, as a variety of fixes are reliant on the weather as homes are vulnerable to the outside elements. Many incidents could be avoided if they are checked as the climate changes.

 

As the Summer turns to Autumn, this is the best time to prep for the upcoming cooler weather of Winter. The main thing to take care of internally in the autumn is your loft insulation. Make sure that it’s at least 270mm deep to comply with building regulations. This will ensure your home remains warm into the winter.

 

Externally, with Autumn comes the inevitable falling leaves which should be cleared frequently to ensure they don’t cause blockages to your drains. These months are also the best time to ensure your outside pipes and taps are properly insulated and switched off at the isolator valve to prevent issues caused by freezing temperatures.

 

To help, Roof Stores, have created an easy-to-digest checklist, which highlights only the essential tasks you should be tackling each season: https://www.roof-stores.co.uk/blog/essential-home-maintenance/

 

Essential House Maintenance Tips for Autumn Include:

External:

• In the warmer weather, check exterior walls for damage and address any faults to prevent water ingress over the colder months.
• Clear debris from wall junctions to prevent damp from appearing throughout autumn and winter.
• Insulate external pipes and taps – ensuring that, prior to frosty weather, outside taps are turned off at the isolating valve.
• Check for any issues in foul drains by removing the inspection covers.
• Clear your gutters towards the end of Autumn, after trees have finished dropping their leaves.

 

Internal:

• Check draught-proofing around doors and windows but leave adequate ventilation elsewhere.
• Insulate interior taps in cold areas i.e. those in cupboards on external walls or in unheated rooms and outbuildings.
• Check that you have the correct amount of insulation in your loft. Aim for a minimum depth of 270mm.