Your Garage Checklist for Autumn

The fall is a wonderful time of the year, where the pumpkins are fully grown, the leaves are changing to beautiful colors, and we are making way for winter to arrive. In the Chicago area and the DuPage County suburbs, the weather will change very abruptly, from warm weather and sun, to cooler weather and a breeze, to overcast skies and rain, to cold days and snow. You will be preparing for the holidays soon enough, but it is a good idea to clean your house before the weather quickly changes. To have peace of mind for your garage during the cold season, you should ask yourself the following questions:

When Should I Clean Out My Garage?

Now is the best time to clean out your garage to prepare for winter. This is a great opportunity to get rid of extra toys and kitchen appliances and give them to people who would like to have them. It is a good idea to start looking for things that you do not want and set them aside to either put up for a garage sale or donate to a local resale shop. Depending on the quality of the unwanted extras, you will need to evaluate whether they are still safe to give to others, or if you should safely dispose of them.

Is Fall the Best Time to Clean Out Gutters?

It is important to clean your gutters at least twice a year, during the fall and spring. If they are not cleaned regularly, water tends to build up in gutters, finding another path and often leaking into the walls and ceilings of the house. During the winter, ice-damming is a major problem that can occur when frozen water is blocked, causing it to push up against the roof and work its way under your shingles, likely destroying the wood, causing more leaks, and costing you a fortune. This issue can be easily resolved by cleaning out your gutters before winter arrives.

How Can I Keep Animals Out of My Garage?

One of the worst things that can happen to you in the winter is finding that a furry creature has created its own living space in your garage. During the fall, it is best to check your garage for any needed repairs, so that you can discover any overlooked damages, such as broken windows or holes that lead into the garage. It is also best to remove any food in your garage, since animals are often attracted to food. Your garbage cans should have tightly sealed lids to keep animals from getting in.

Can I Caulk My Windows During the Fall?

Since your home’s heating system is less likely to be needed in the fall than in the winter, now is the perfect time to caulk your windows. Caulk adheres better in warm temperatures, so it is best to caulk the windows now before the temperature drops. If your windows are not caulked in the winter, cold air will likely come through, and your heating system will have a harder time doing its job to keep you warm during this bitter cold season.

What Should I Do About My Driveway?

If you have not done so already, you may want to consider preparing your driveways and walkways for the upcoming winter season. It is a good idea to refill any cracks and joints in the driveways and walkways with a polyurethane sealant to keep any water from traveling under the driveway, causing lifting and cracking once the water freezes. If your driveway is made of asphalt, you will need to clean the driveway with a degreaser to get any debris and other unwanted particles out of cracks that you may have in your driveway. Filling in your driveway is best when the fall weather is cooler, allowing the sealant to dry faster.

Contact Blue Sky Builders, Inc.

Trying to keep up with the tasks that need to be done before winter may seem overwhelming. With Blue Sky Builders, Inc. by your side, you can easily plan for your autumn cleaning. We have 38 years of experience in roof replacement and garage renovation, and we can efficiently answer any questions that you may have. If you need assistance with your garage, or if you need any tips on how to organize your fall cleaning process, please contact us at 630-852-8485. Please check out our gallery to see the type of work that we do.