Necessary Fall Repairs That Are Easier Than You Think
Fall is here and it’s time to get the house ready for the cold winter months. Although some jobs may seem a little daunting on paper, there are a few necessary fall repairs that are a lot easier than you think. From prepping windows to filling holes in the driveway, here are six DIY fall repairs that will keep your home in top shape.
1. Prepping Windows
Properly sealed windows will help prevent heat loss and save you money on the energy bill. To get started, check the seal around the perimeter of your windows and look for bad or missing caulk. Replace caulking where needed. You can also take this opportunity to replace summer screens with cold weather windows. Use a drill to replace the screens and install new hardware.
2. Check Gutters
You want to make sure the gutters are completely free of leaves and debris before the freezing temperatures set in. If these clumps are left unattended they can seriously weaken your home’s ability to drain ice and snow. This can lead to major buildups which can damage exterior portions of the home. You may need to install new gutters if you come across any that have been seriously damaged. Consider purchasing mesh guards for the gutters to avoid future cleanups.
3. Kitchen Cabinet Repairs
Renovating kitchen cabinets is easier than you think. From fixing a loose door to installing new pulls, you can give your kitchen a complete makeover in no time. Things to look out for when tidying up cabinets include misaligned doors, bad latches, missing bumpers, sticking sliders, and loose knobs. If you encounter a stripped screw while working on the cabinets, you can fix the problem with a handful of toothpicks. Simply put some glue on the toothpicks and jam them into the hole as far as you can. Cut any excess flush with the cabinet surface and use a drill to drive the screw out of the hole. Avoid worn drill bits that can slow your repairs by using a Drill Doctor sharpener to save money and keep them like new.
4. Check Safety Detectors
You should check all of the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in your home at least once a year. Make sure the batteries are working by using the test button and replace where necessary. If you find a defective unit, replace it with a new model. There should be at least one smoke detector on every floor of the house.
5. Driveway Repair
Cracks in walkways and driveways can get worse during the winter. Fall is the perfect time to repair these gaps and ensure they don’t get bigger next year. For larger cracks, you may need to use a concrete sealer. Before installing the sealer, make sure the crack is thoroughly cleaned. Use a drill to stir the concrete mixture faster and apply to the area. The mixture should be packed down tight before allowing to dry.
6. Install New Ceiling Fans
Circulating the air in your home is just as important in the winter as it is in the summer. In fact, most ceiling fans can reverse their direction to help drive warm air down during cooler months. When installing a ceiling fan, make sure you turn off all power to the room before you start disconnecting the old unit. Pay attention to how the old fixture is wired as the new one will be hooked up in the same manner. Using a drill can speed up the installation process, but avoid driving in the screws too fast as this can strip them out.
It’s a good rule of thumb to do a house checkup each season to repair damage before it gets worse and to minimize future wear and tear that comes with the changing of the seasons. A lot of projects are easy when using a good electric drill, but many DIYers forget to take care of their bits. Dull bits can slow projects down and make shoddy holes that can either ruin the appearance of your work or keep a screw from securing to the material. With a Drill Doctor, you can save money by renewing worn bits quickly so you can get back to your projects and enjoy the fall season.
