Our top ten must-do maintenance jobs for autumn

After all the recent hot weather, it’s hard to imagine that the long summer days will gradually start to dissipate into darker evenings come autumn. As the season changes, and temperatures begin to drop, it’s a good idea to start thinking about some of the more important tasks to undertake around the home and garden before winter hits.

From checking drains to remedying roofing, make the following jobs part of your maintenance must-dos and ensure you aren’t landed with any hefty bills, or nixed by nasty surprises.

Secure fencing

Increased rainfall and high winds can play havoc on fencing so check that all panels and posts are firmly fixed and securely in place. If panels are split or damaged, look to repair or replace them. Replacing panels is a relatively straightforward job and will save you the hassle of attempting to rectify any damage in the event of a gusty storm – after all nobody wants to be outside fixing fencing whilst being battered about by gale force winds! Treating your fencing with one of a wide range of specialist wood preservers or oils will also protect it from the elements. Fencing Products

Tend the lawn

Keeping your lawn in tip top condition all year round isn’t easy. You can prepare your lawn for winter by continuing to mow it throughout the autumn, but aim to keep the length to around two inches. If the grass is too long, it will become matted, effectively suffocating it and encouraging mould and disease to breed. Alternatively, for a completely maintenance free option, consider replacing your lawn with high quality artificial grass – once installed it delivers all the aesthetics without any of the associated elbow-grease!

Clear debris

Just like you’d give your house a spring clean, give your garden an autumn clear out. Washing down paving, weeding flower beds, raking lawns and giving the windows a once over will all help to keep things under control.

Check seals

Consider getting your windows checked for leaks. Just a small gap or crack could cause water damage or allow cold air to seep into your home, decreasing the room temperature and racking up heating bills.

Pack it up

Pack up garden furniture, lights and lanterns and store them somewhere dry. If storage is limited or unavailable, invest in a good quality outdoor furniture cover to keep it protected.

Remedy roofing

Make sure your home is safeguarded from sudden bursts or frequent bouts of rain by checking drains and guttering are clear of debris and obstructions. It’s a good idea to consider protecting your drains from falling leaves by installing a drain protector.

Drain away

Frost can cause pipes to crack. Drain anything that isn’t in use over winter, such as outside water containers. This will stop any water inside from freezing and expanding and consequently causing damage.

Protect pipes

Insulation is a straightforward way to prevent damage to pipes during cold spells. It is easily available and can be quickly fitted to exposed pipes. A quick survey inside and outside your property should help to determine which pipes need protecting. Pipe Insulation

Look up

Examine the roof for loose fitting tiles or leakages and get anything suspicious checked out and, if necessary, repaired by a professional.

A fresh coat

Take the opportunity to use the last of the sunshine and warm weather to apply a fresh coat of paint or preservative to any outside furniture, sheds or fencing panels to protect against the harsher winter elements.

By investing a bit of time and effort during the warmer months, your home and garden should be shipshape well into the new year. From timber to paint – we’ve got a host of products in stock to help you prepare this autumn. Visit our Kingsfold depot for guidance on the best tools for the job or for more advice.