Ozark Living

42 • OCTOBER 2018 • OZARK LIVING ADVICE A Living Special to Ozark Living Autumn in Northwest Arkansas is a great time to inspect patios that might have endured some wear and tear during the heavy usage seasons of spring and summer. Fall has become a season that's synonymous with home improvement, but homeowners need not wait until the leaves begin changing colors to start planning their next projects. e following are a few items homeowners can add to their fall home improvement to-do lists. No home is immune to wear and tear, and homeowners who want to protect their real estate investments should try to stay two steps ahead to ensure their homes do not succumb to the elements or become outdated and unappealing to prospective buyers. e following are a few items homeowners can add to their fall home improvement to-do lists. Roof inspection Less precipitation tends to fall during the warmer months than during the late fall and winter. As a result, homeowners may not be aware of leaky roofs until autumn has come and gone. But waiting until winter to inspect the roof can prove disastrous, as weather conditions will not be conducive to inspection and increased precipitation may result in potentially costly damage. Leaky roofs can be easily identifi ed by looking for water stains on interior ceilings. Once you see a stain, you can climb onto the roof to identify the location of the leak and fi x it before winter rains and snowfall turn the problem into something much larger. Gutter cleaning While some homeowners prefer to delay their gutter cleaning projects until late fall, those whose homes are surrounded by trees may need to schedule two such projects. Gutters clogged with leaves and other debris can cause serious roof damage, and that damage can extend all the way inside a home. In addition, clogged gutters make great nesting areas for insects or critters. Always stand on a ladder when cleaning gutters, wearing gloves to remove items by hand and dropping leaves and debris into a trash can below. Standing on the roof and leaning over gutters greatly increases your risk of injury. If the gutters are clear when you fi rst examine them in early fall, you can wait until later in the season to give them a complete and thorough cleaning. Once you have fi nished clearing the gutters, you can use a hose to run water through them and the downspouts to confi rm everything is functioning properly. Window and doorway inspection Before temperatures start dropping once again, homeowners will want to inspect their windows and doorways for leaks. Cold air can enter a home through cracks around windows and doorways, and many homeowners who don't suspect leaks may respond by turning up the thermostats in their homes. Your fall to-do list Gutters clogged with leaves and other debris can cause serious roof damage. Greg & Becky Tuck REALTORS ® ȏȮȟȟȍȮȰȍȦȰ 'IGO]%;IMGLIVX,VMǽRGSQ 1MWXIHF] ƘƐBŇķåžƐƣŹŹåĻƒĮDžƐĻÚåŹƐŇĻžƒŹƣσĞŇĻú ȏȴ7IWMHIRXMEP'YMPHMRK1SXW.R5LEWI. &ZIVEKI1SXM^Iȁȉƶ\Ȧȏȉƶ 'IEYXMJYP*RXV]2SRYQIRX+IRGMRK [MXL'VMGO(SPYQRW (IHEVLEHS['S\+IRGI[MXL.VSR ,EXI5ERIPWEX-EQQIVLIEHW ȶȏȉȉUYEVI+SSX2MRMQYQ ȴ(EV,EVEKI -SQI4[RIVW&WWSGMEXMSR &VGLMXIGXYVEP7IZMI[(SQQMXXII +YXYVI5LEWI..ƳȴȰ1SXW 1SX5VSZMHIH'])IZIPSTIV+SV-4&5SSP.R5LEWI.. Blessed Living in West Springdale &2*3.8.* ȏ'IHƽȴ'EXLƽȴȶȟȍ+ 21ȦȉȁȁȰȮȁƽȏȴȁȉȉȉ 271 Santa Teresa Place ȍ'IHƽȴ'EXLƽȴȶȟȉ+ 21ȦȉȟȉȟȶȟƽȏȴȮȍȉȉ 247 Santa Teresa Place

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