For those of you who’ve lived in Evanston for a few years, you’re aware of our lake effect weather and how fall can turn to winter without warning. Instead of waiting to make sure your Evanston home is fully prepared for the change in temperatures and precipitation, we decided to put together a September checklist that you can do this month to ensure you’re ready for the new season. Take a look!
1. Add weatherstripping to doors and windows- Weatherstripping can be plastic, foam, felt or metal; its job is to seal small gaps, keeping moisture and cold air outside where they belong. Newer, energy-efficient windows generally don't require added weatherstripping, but if your windows are older, weatherstripping can keep drafts at bay and energy costs down.
2. Check storm windows- If you have storm windows that are cracked or dirty, repair and clean them now; prior to autumn installation.
3. Insulation speculation- This is a good time to check the condition of insulation and see if you need more, especially if you live in one of Evanston’s beautiful turn-of-the-century homes. You can purchase un-backed or loose-fill insulation if you are just beefing up what is already there. If your walls lack insulation, consider having a professional install blown-in insulation foam. The energy savings will probably offset the cost of the procedure in a couple of years.
4. Check gutters- Do a quick visual check to make sure gutters are clear — they'll be performing double duty soon with rainstorms and falling leaves.
5. Keep mice out- September inspires nesting in mice as well as humans. Mice are looking for a winter home now, and that newly insulated attic would be just the spot. Mice can squeeze through 1/4-inch openings. Make sure all exterior vents are screened, and that there are no gaps underneath garage doors.
6. Caulk exterior- Think of caulk as weatherstripping in a tube. Any gap on the outside of your home can be a candidate for caulking. Look at transition spots: corners, windows, doors, areas where masonry joins siding, or places where vents and other objects protrude from walls. Carefully read manufacturer's directions to make sure the caulk you buy will work where you plan to use it, and don't forget to purchase a caulking gun. Early fall is a good time for this task because caulk becomes difficult to apply when the temperature falls.
7. Inspect your roof and chimney- If your roof isn't too steep, and isn't covered with slate or tile, you may be able to carefully walk on it on a dry day. Look for broken or missing shingles, missing or damaged flashing and seals around vent pipes and chimneys, and damage to boards along the eaves. Also peer down your chimney with a flashlight to make sure no animals have set up house in it. If you can't get on your roof, perform this inspection with a ladder around the perimeter. Some patches and roofing cement now can prevent thousands of dollars of water damage later in the winter.
As Evanston Real Estate agents, we want to help people not only navigate through the Evanston Real Estate market, but assist in making sure that current Evanston residents are getting the most they can out of their Evanston home and lifestyle! We hope these tips will give you a few ideas on how to prepare your home for fall, whether you’ve experienced years of this season in Evanston or are new to the area.
If you don’t currently own a home in Evanston, but have been contemplating buying an Evanston home this fall, please let us know! We would be happy to answer your questions about the Evanston Real Estate market and show you some of the homes that are currently available in Evanston.
We look forward to helping you discover Evanston!
The Thomas Team
@ Properties
@ Properties
Chicago's #1 Real Estate Brokerage
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