6 Home Projects You'll Regret Not Doing in the Fall

With the crisp, cool air finally here and the heat and humidity of Summer long gone, the Fall days are the perfect time to get some crucial tasks done around the house. These home projects won't just keep your place looking great and well-maintained — some of them can also prevent potential disasters once Old Man Winter arrives. So break out the flannel button-down and sturdy boots and get to work on some of these essential home projects!

As beautiful as the Fall foliage is, it can also be a real pain once those leaves start to come down. Leaves, small branches, and other debris can start to build up in your gutters and can become a real problem if they start to clog them up. Gutters should always be clear of debris so the water can flow down and away from your house. Clogged gutters can cause damaging leaks in your roof.

Keeping your home properly insulated is essential for keeping the warm air inside — and your home super cozy this Winter. Take some time to inspect your windows and doors, as these contribute to most of the heat loss in your home, and seal up any gaps you see with caulking or insulating strips. Your attic is another area that sees a lot of heat loss, so check to make sure that's properly insulated too. If you're not sure how to do this yourself, you can request a home energy audit.

If you use a furnace to stay warm in the Winter, it's important to get it maintained — before the cold weather arrives. The last thing you want is your furnace to break down in the middle of a Winter storm, leaving you scrambling for every sweater and blanket you can get your hands on.

Your roof is your first defense against harsh Winter weather, so making sure it's in great shape is critical. If you notice any damaged shingles, be sure to replace them (or have them replaced) before it gets too cold. Also get any other damage or suspected leaks fixed, even if they're not at their worst yet. Strong Winter storms and wind can wreak havoc on your roof and lead to costly damage inside your home.

Nothing says cozy in the Winter like a roaring fireplace! And just like your furnace, fireplaces need regular, annual maintenance to keep them in great shape. If you have a chimney, make sure to get that serviced as well. Chimneys should be cleaned every year and inspected in case any critters have taken up residence over the Spring and Summer!

Broken tree limbs and branches pose a huge threat, not just to your house but to anyone who might find themselves walking by. This is only made worse by the storms, wind, ice, and snow that Winter brings. So before the first storm rolls in, make sure any broken branches or branches that hang too close to your roof are trimmed back.