As the recent hot weather begins to fade to a distant memory and shorter, darker evenings herald the arrival of autumn, it’s prudent to prepare your home and garden for the approaching winter months.

This is my comprehensive guide to the essential maintenance tasks that you should carry out this month to ensure that your property in Sheffield and Rotherham is prepared for the colder months.

Fencing

It is important to make sure that your fence is in good condition since autumn brings increased rainfall and stronger winds. Ensure that all of the panels and posts are firmly anchored. In order to avoid the need for emergency repairs during bad weather, replace or fix any broken or damaged panels. The lifespan of your fence can be increased by adding an additional layer of protection against the weather by applying a wood preservative or protective oil.

Lawn

Mow your lawn regularly until it stops growing. To avoid matting, the growth of mould, and diseases, keep it at a height of approximately two inches. To avoid ugly patches that struggle to regrow, take care not to cut it too short.

Tidy

Give your garden a thorough tidy-up and clean. Clear up any debris that may have accumulated throughout the summer, wash patios and decking, weed flowerbeds, and rake leaves from the lawn.

Windows

As the weather gets colder, inspect your windows for any leaks. Your energy bills can go up and water damage can result from even the smallest gaps between the sealant and the glass. Making sure the sealant surrounding your windows is in good condition will help to keep heat in and water out.

Garden Furniture

To increase the lifespan of garden furniture, outdoor lighting, and lanterns, store them somewhere dry. If you don’t have much space, you may want to consider investing in high-quality outdoor furniture covers to protect your furniture from the weather.

Gutters

Prevent potential leaks by clearing drains and gutters of debris. Consider installing drain protectors to prevent blockages caused by fallen leaves, minimising the risk of water damage to your property.

Pipes

Insulate exposed pipes to keep them from freezing in cold weather. You can determine which pipes need insulation to prevent freezing and the various problems that can result from it by performing a quick inspection of your property, both inside and out.

Roof

Conduct a thorough inspection of your roof. Look for any loose tiles or signs of leaks. If you spot any issues, it’s important to have them professionally repaired promptly to prevent more extensive damage from being caused.

Paint

Take advantage of any sunny days to apply a fresh coat of paint or protective oil to your outdoor furniture, sheds, and fence panels. This will provide an additional barrier against the harsh winter weather, extending their lifespan.

By being proactive as the seasons change, you’ll ensure that your home and garden in Sheffield and Rotherham are well-maintained, protected, and ready to withstand the challenges the colder weather presents.

If you are considering selling your property in Sheffield and Rotherham and would like to know more about what you can do to prepare your property for sale during the colder months, please give me a call on 07920 097 175 or send an email to linda.stringer@exp.uk.com.