🍂 Fall Home Projects to Tackle Now
Before winter arrives in Greater Cincinnati, here are essential projects to protect your home and save money:
1. Winterize Your Exterior
Check and seal gaps around windows and doors. Look for drafts on a windy day by holding a candle near edges - if it flickers, you've found a leak. Pay special attention to areas where different materials meet, like where siding meets window trim.
2. Gutter Maintenance
Clear those gutters before the leaves finish falling! Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, water damage to your fascia, and even foundation problems. If you're cleaning them yourself, work from a stable ladder and consider using a gutter scoop or wet/dry vacuum attachment.
3. Furnace Prep
Replace your furnace filter now and mark your calendar to check it monthly through winter. Cincinnati's temperature swings mean your system works harder than in more stable climates. A clean filter improves efficiency and indoor air quality.
💡 Pro Tip:October is the perfect time to check your attic insulation. With our temperature swings, proper insulation can reduce your energy bills by 15-20%. Look for R-38 to R-49 value in your attic - that's typically 10-14 inches of fiberglass or cellulose insulation.
📐 Project Spotlight: Weekend Deck Refresh
Give your deck new life before storing the patio furniture. Here's your step-by-step approach:
Clean thoroughly - Use a deck cleaner to remove dirt, mildew, and old stain. A pump sprayer makes application easy, and a stiff brush works better than a pressure washer for most wood types
Inspect and repair - Walk the entire deck checking for loose boards, protruding nails, and weak spots. Test the railing stability too
Sand and seal - Light sanding opens the wood pores. Apply sealer when temperatures are between 50-90°F and rain isn't forecast for 24-48 hours
Time required - Plan for a full weekend: Saturday for cleaning and repairs, Sunday for sealing
The key is patience between steps - let each stage dry completely before moving to the next.
💡 This Month's Lesson:For Cincinnati homeowners, always factor in our weather extremes. Products need to handle cold winters, hot summers, and rapid temperature changes. Look for ratings that specify "freeze-thaw resistance" for exterior projects.
🎯 What's Coming from Building Supply Guy
We're expanding our educational content to help you tackle projects with confidence:
Expert Tips Library
We're building a collection of pro tips, common mistake prevention, and money-saving techniques. Every month, we'll share knowledge that typically takes years to learn.
Coming Soon: Live Q&A Sessions
Starting December 6th 2025, join us Saturday mornings for live sessions where you can ask questions, get advice on your specific projects, and learn from other homeowners' questions. Stay tuned for the exact schedule!
📅 This Month's Reminder
⏰ Don't Forget: Daylight Saving Time ends November 2nd. When you change your clocks, change your smoke detector batteries too! Also test your detectors - press and hold the test button until you hear the alarm.
❓ Ask the Expert
Q: Should I close my foundation vents for winter?
A: Yes! In Cincinnati's climate, closing foundation vents before the first freeze helps protect pipes and reduces heating costs. The goal is to keep your crawl space warmer than outside air but cooler than your living space. Just remember to mark your calendar to reopen them in spring (typically April) to prevent moisture buildup during humid months.
Have a question for next weeks newsletter? Reply to this email!
🔨 Quick Win of the Month
Reverse Your Ceiling Fans - There's a switch on the motor housing. In winter, run fans clockwise (when looking up) on low speed. This pushes warm air down from the ceiling without creating a cooling breeze. Can reduce heating costs by 10%!