With Autumn now upon us but also not quite feeling full into the season yet, it’s the perfect time to tackle essential household maintenance to prep for the season changes to make homes warmer, brighter, and more inviting both indoors and out.
From checking window seals, to clearing gutters and refreshing garden plants, these quick, fuss-free projects can be completed in a short space of time, helping households get ahead of the cooler, wetter months to come.
Window Specialist, Jade Oliver at Express Bi-Folding Doors shares ten easy maintenance jobs that will not only spruce up your home but also weather proof your home
10 Simple Home Maintenance Jobs:
1. Weatherproof outdoor furniture
Wooden furniture can quickly deteriorate once the rain sets in. Giving benches, tables, and chairs a coat of protective sealant or wood stain helps repel water, prevents rotting, and keeps colours vibrant. This small job extends the life of your furniture and means it’ll be ready to use again next spring, without looking worn.
2. Clear out gutters and drains
Even a small blockage can lead to water overflowing, staining walls, or seeping into brickwork. Clearing gutters of leaves, moss, and debris only takes 15 to 20 minutes but can save you from costly repairs later. It’s also worth checking that any guttering above any doors is draining properly, as overflow running down the glass and frames can leave stubborn marks and, over time, sit in the bottom track.
3. Add draught excluders
As the weather cools, draughts around doors and windows can make rooms feel chilly and increase heating bills. Self-adhesive draught excluder strips or a simple door snake are inexpensive and quick to fit. For any bi-fold doors, it’s worth checking the brush seals along the bottom track too, as these take the most wear and are often the first place a draught creeps in.
4. Switch to autumn plants
Seasonal planting keeps gardens looking cheerful even as temperatures drop. Replacing tired summer plants with hardier options like pansies, cyclamen, or ornamental cabbages adds colour through the colder months, and looks even better framed around doors. Then in the Autumn plant bulbs such as daffodils or tulips to set your garden up beautifully for spring next year.
5. Deep clean the glass and frames on your doors and windows
With daylight hours getting shorter, every bit of natural light matters, and that’s exactly what windows and glass doors are designed to let in. Giving the glass a thorough clean, inside and out, removes smudges and pollen build-up, allowing more light to flood indoors. While you’re at it, run a soft brush or hoover attachment along the frame to clear out any grit build up, this keeps the doors and windows moving smoothly.
6. Check the seals on your windows and bi-fold doors
Check that seals are still working around your windows and doors by feeling for any cold draughts coming in around the frame. If you can feel a cold draught, it’s a good idea to have the seals replaced, this will help keep your home warmer as the colder months settle in and stops condensation building up on the glass.
7. Service garden lighting
Garden lighting often gets neglected, but as nights draw in, it becomes more useful. Check solar lights are still charging properly, replace worn batteries, and wipe down covers for maximum brightness. If you have mains-powered lighting, swap in energy-efficient bulbs to save on bills while keeping your outdoor areas usable.
8. Lay door mats inside and out
Mats act as the first defence against muddy boots and wet leaves, particularly at well-used entrances to your home. Having one both outside and just inside the door helps protect flooring, reduces cleaning time, and makes entrances look more welcoming. Why not choose a heavy-duty outdoor mat that can handle the weather and a softer indoor version for comfort.
9. Check locks and latches on your doors and windows
As evenings start to get darker, it’s a good time to check all locks, bolts, and handles are working smoothly, including the multi-point locking system on your doors and windows. Tighten any loose screws, oil stiff mechanisms, and replace any broken fixtures. Not only does this improve home security, but it also ensures doors and windows shut tightly against draughts.
10. Freshen up textiles
Curtains, cushion covers, and throws can collect dust and pollen over the summer months. Washing or rotating them now helps improve air quality and gives your interiors a refresh. If you dress your doors with curtains or blinds, give the track a quick wipe down too. Swapping lighter fabrics for warmer textures like wool or velvet also sets your living spaces up for a cosier autumn.
Photo by Anete Lusina: https://www.pexels.com/photo/screw-set-with-various-screws-and-dowels-4792488/
Leave a Reply