November Home Improvement for Fall/Winter

In November, while temperatures during the day are still mild, take a close look at the driveway, patio, sidewalk and steps. Any small holes or cracks should be patched with a filler or sealer. The cycle of water freezing and thawing can create more damage if left unrepaired.

Trim tree limbs back from the house or roof at least twelve inches. This decreases the chance of damage from wind and storms brushing the limbs against these surfaces.

November 4th is daylight savings time. Don't forget to turn your clocks back one hour. This is a good time to replace batteries in household carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. During the cooler months, typically windows stay closed and decorations such as holiday lights increase the risk of fire. This simple maintenance can save lives!

Clean and protect outdoor furniture and protect it from the harsh winter weather.

Basement window wells should be cleared of leaves to make sure they are draining properly. The wells can then be covered with plastic domes.

Porches and decks should be raked under to keep pests away.