Show Me the Ozarks September 2022

Your Realtor FOR LIFE

Clean and Repair Siding. By the time September arrives, siding on homes will become dingy and possibly mildewed. Power washing can revitalize your siding while also removing harmful mildew. Now is the time to also check for cracks in the siding. It is not uncommon for damage to occur during the summer months from lawn mowers and weed eaters. Now is also the time to check the existing caulking that may have shrunk, cracked or be missing. Clean Your Chimney. We don’t think much about the fireplace and chimney through the summer months. However, fall and the holidays will soon be upon us. Before you start your first fire, make sure your chimney is clear of soot and any bird nests, etc. Cleaning the chimney is probably best left to the professionals. Rely on a professional to give you peace of mind that your chimney (and family) is safe. Service Lawn Equipment. Forget about waiting until next spring to service your lawn equipment. Leaving old oil in the case and dirt on the equipment is harmful on lawn equipment. September is a great time to change your oil and filter, gas and air filters. Lubricate parts as outlined in your owner’s manual. Empty gas tank and refill with a mixture of premium grade gas and gas preserver. Clean or replace mower blades. Check and Repair Faucets. Now is the time to check faucets in the kitchen, bathrooms and utility room. Many leaks around the faucet can be a simple fix of a cam washer, valve seat or spring. There are many DIY videos on YouTube, which can guide you through simple repairs. If you are nervous about doing the repairs yourself, hire a professional. Simple repairs now can potentially save you from more expensive repairs down the road. Finally, disconnect outside garden hoses and be sure to weather-proof outdoor spigots to protect from freezing. ChangeAir Filters andCheckFurnace. Air filters should be changed no less than every three months. For those with allergies, a monthly change keeps your home’s circulated air more beneficial. Homes with pets also benefit from monthly air filter changes. The cleaner the filter, the less stress on your heating system. September is also a great time to have your furnace checked. It is far better to make that call now rather than later, when your heating goes out.

By Gary Stubblefield The Stubblefield Home Team of Keller Williams Realty

September Home Maintenance Tips S eptember brings cooler temperatures and thoughts of autumn. September also signals the beginning of the countdown of the final few months of the year. We can all agree it seems like each year flies past faster than the year before. Soon, the leaves will begin to fall, and the holidays will arrive. Soon, we will start decorating our homes for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. But first, we need to take time to do fall maintenance around the house. A few simple tasks performed in September will pay dividends in the general upkeep of your house. Here are seven easy home maintenance tasks every homeowner should perform in September. Check Walkways. Check sidewalks, entryways and walkways for cracks or loose material. Loose material can become hazards for tripping. Cracks can grow during the winter months as moisture freezes and expands. Simple cracks can be repaired with epoxy. For more serious cracks, it’s best to call in a professional to protect your investment. Check Windows. If your windows have a foggy appearance, it is most likely the result of a bad seal. Double and triple pane windows rely on a seal to trap inert gas to make them efficient against the elements. Ineffective sealing translates to higher heating bills. Check first to see if your windows are covered under warranty. Window manufacturers offer warranties, in some cases for as much as 10 years or longer. Professional services can be sought for window de-fogging, which can reseal windows.

September 2022 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 93