The seasons will soon change, and that means hot summer months will yield to cooler, crisp temperatures along with fall’s beautiful colors.

And you can expect all the chores that go along with falling leaves and changing weather.

Here, “Today’s Homeowner” TV hosts Danny Lipford and Chelsea Lipford Wolf share some easy tasks to help homeowners tackle those chores with ease.

VIDEO: Watch the Fall Home Improvements video here>>


    1. Rake Smarter, and Faster

    Raking can be a chore, but a new Leaf Rake from Ames makes it easier.

    The 26-inch rake has a dual-tine design, preventing clogs and covering more ground — up to 45 percent faster — than traditional leaf rakes.

    Clearing thick layers of leaves from the lawn will prevent smothering, and help grass return strong in the spring.

    This rake also includes a detachable hand rake for working in tight spaces!


    2. Clear Gutter Debris

    Leaves can wreak havoc on a home’s gutter system, so clearing leaves and debris from gutters is a must.

    “No one likes to clean out gutters, but it’s so important to prevent damage to your home, “ Wolf says. “Clogged gutters can’t do their job, which is to move water away from your house.

    “But that water’s going to go somewhere — and the likely destination is the eaves and possibly the walls of your home.”

    Guttering edges can be sharp, so wear gloves when cleaning them out.

    Here’s a great hack: create a DIY gutter scoop to make the job easier.


    3. Prevent Gutter Buildup

    Once gutters and downspouts are clear and water flows freely, add gutter guards from GutterBrush.

    The flexible guards, which look like giant pipe cleaners, prevent leaves and debris from accumulating, making regular maintenance even easier. In addition, they help prevent ice from moving down your gutters and blocking your downspouts.

    GutterBrush gutter guards can be cut to fit any length gutter and are easy to install.

    Best of all, they are affordable — most homes can be protected for just $200 to $400.


    4. Insulate Your Windows

    Most homes have cracks and crevices through which cooled or heated air can escape, wasting energy and money — think of drafty windows and doors.

    Caulking around window seams on the home’s exterior is the first step, but it’s good to add another layer of protection indoors. The Max Strength Window Kit from Duck Brand is an inexpensive solution for insulating older, less efficient windows.

    The window kit is made with clear, puncture-resistant film applied with double-stick tape and heated with a blow dryer to finalize the seal. When the weather turns warmer, the film is simple to remove and discard.

    Weatherization consumers can now text “Weather” to “84444” to access Duck brand’s Project Selector, an online resource for project guides, instructional videos and more.


    5. Replace Old Weather Stripping

    Finally, replace worn or cracked weatherstripping to ensure a tight seal.

    Also add a seal along the bottom of exterior doors to eliminate drafts and keep out moisture and water.

    These are just a few quick ways to prepare your home for the fall. There’s no shortage of tasks (both inside and outside) to keep your home in top shape.

    Additional fall tasks include testing or replacing smoke alarms, changing air filters and cleaning refrigerator coils.

    Download our fall home maintenance checklist and infographic!

    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Danny Lipford

    Danny Lipford

    Founder

    Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

    Learn More