Get Your Evanston Home Ready for Fall!

If you’ve lived in Evanston, or anywhere along the Lake Michigan Shoreline, for a few years; you know that the warm last days of summer can quickly change to a crisp fall atmosphere in just a few short days.

Here at Shoreline Property Advisors, we’re looking forward to the beautiful fall weather, Northwestern football season and the sound of leaves crunching underfoot. It’s a great time of year in Evanston and, if you’re new to the area, you’ll come to love this season as much as we do!

As Evanston Real Estate agents and advisors, we believe that our clients deserve the best information and service during the home buying or selling process and even years after! Our goal is to help you continue to enjoy your home for years to come.

One way to do this is to keep your home in tip top shape throughout the changing seasons. While it may still seem early to get out your fall “to do” list; there are a few things that you’ll want to tackle this month. Going through this quick checklist from Frontdoor.com will ensure your home is ready and that you can enjoy curling up in your cozy Evanston home once the cold weather arrives.

1. Add weatherstripping to doors and windows- Weatherstripping can be plastic, foam, felt or metal; its job is to seal small gaps, keeping moisture and cold air outside where they belong. Newer, energy-efficient windows generally don't require added weatherstripping, but if your windows are older, weatherstripping can keep drafts at bay and energy costs down.

2. Check storm windows- If you have storm windows that are cracked or dirty, repair and clean them now; prior to autumn installation.

3. Insulation speculation- This is a good time to check the condition of insulation and see if you need more, especially if you live in an older Evanston home. You can purchase un-backed or loose-fill insulation if you are just beefing up what is already there. If your walls lack insulation, consider having a professional install blown-in insulation foam. The energy savings will probably offset the cost of the procedure in a couple of years.

4. Check gutters- Do a quick visual check to make sure gutters are clear — they'll be performing double duty soon with rainstorms and falling leaves.

5. Keep mice out- September inspires nesting in mice as well as humans. Mice are looking for a winter home now, and that newly insulated attic would be just the spot. Mice can squeeze through 1/4-inch openings; rats need a half-inch. Make sure all exterior vents are screened, and that there are no gaps underneath garage doors.

6. Caulk exterior- Think of caulk as weatherstripping in a tube. Any gap on the outside of your home can be a candidate for caulking. Look at transition spots: corners, windows, doors, areas where masonry joins siding, or places where vents and other objects protrude from walls. Carefully read manufacturer's directions to make sure the caulk you buy will work where you plan to use it, and don't forget to purchase a caulking gun. Early fall is a good time for this task because caulk becomes difficult to apply when the temperature falls.

7. Inspect your roof and chimney- If your roof isn't too steep, and isn't covered with slate or tile, you may be able to carefully walk on it on a dry day. Look for broken or missing shingles, missing or damaged flashing and seals around vent pipes and chimneys, and damage to boards along the eaves. Also peer down your chimney with a flashlight to make sure no animals have set up house in it. If you can't get on your roof, perform this inspection with a ladder around the perimeter. Some patches and roofing cement now can prevent thousands of dollars of water damage later in the winter.

Getting your Evanston home ready for the colder weather now can save you from problems later in the season. We hope these tips help make the process a little easier!

If you have questions about the Evanston Real Estate market, or are considering relocating to the area and want to learn more about Evanston and the homes currently available. Please feel free to contact us today!

We look forward to hearing from you!