Labor day usually signifies the end of summer in Upstate NY. After a balmy and dry August the focus shifts to fall and prepping your home for the colder weather that will be approaching.
We’ve gathered some of the best Labor Day home projects to consider as you add the “labor” into Labor Day. If you have a more a substantial project requiring a general contractor in Utica NY call us at 315-839-7233.
If you are away this weekend, savoring the last weekend of summer, don’t fret….You still have time to get these done.
The first tip is from Luke Hancock at Bin There Dump That, showing the importance of driveway maintenance. Luke writes:
Repair Driveways And Walks
They might not seem like a big deal, but small cracks in your driveway or walkway can quickly expand during winter’s freezing and thawing temperatures.
Cracked cement and disintegrating asphalt can be treacherous for your family and for guests visiting your home.
Clean out and repair any damage with driveway filler, then coat with a commercial sealer. Sealing the driveway now will help extend the life of the asphalt through the winter and beyond.
This is a two $$ job.
Pro Tip
Make sure the temperature will stay above 45 degrees for a few days after you seal the driveway, and be sure no rain is expected for three days after you complete the project……read more here
There is no doubt that your driveway could use a little love after the harsh snow and ice that occurs during our Utica, NY winters. This is a good time to address simple driveway repairs prior to the turn of the weather.
With the forecast being extremely comfortable for the next few days with temperatures in the mid to high 70’s, it will be a perfect opportunity to tend to your garden or perhaps your flower beds. This is also prime time for perennials. Tiffany Aller from Coldwell Banker offers up these tips:
Plant Perennials Now
You know those beautiful tulips and irises that you love to see come up each spring? They won’t be making an appearance next year if you wait until after the winter to plant. The time to plant bulbs for perennials is the fall. While you’re working to prepare your flower beds for next year, also take care of any pruning that needs to happen. Plants like roses and crepe myrtles do better when they are cut back quite considerably over the fall…….
Since you are already outside, and the leaves haven’t turned yet it’s time to address the gutters. This tip is from Andrea Davis at cheatsheet.com:
Clean out the gutters and downspouts
Gutters allow water to flow from your roof through the downspouts and away from your foundation. If the drainage system becomes clogged by dirt, debris and leaves, it will be compromised and may allow water to damage your home. Thus, you need to find a local gutter cleaning service or climb up a ladder and carefully clean the gutters in the fall to prevent such dangers. If you want to take extra precaution, you can also cover your gutters in mesh to protect them against debris buildup……read the rest of the tips here
These projects should give you a good place to start and aren’t too involved. Another “easy” project is to simply test your heating system on one of these cooler nights. It is far easier to deal with heating issues before they are actually needed and you are literally out in the cold!
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This post originated from Three Labor Day Home Projects to Get Ready For Winter. To learn more visit KL-Jr. Building Contractor
