As the summer sun packs its bags and makes way for Chicago’s infamous chill, it’s time to roll up those sleeves and tackle some end-of-summer home maintenance tasks. Before you get too cozy with your pumpkin spice latte, check out these five must-dos to keep your crib comfy and your sanity intact. Trust me, future you will thank present you—or at least won’t curse past you when the snow hits.

Gutters: The Leafy Apocalypse Awaits

Your gutters have likely become a retirement home for leaves, twigs, and possibly a frisbee or two. With fall just around the bend, those bad boys are going to get flooded with even more debris.

Cleaning out your gutters now might not be glamorous, but it’s way better than dealing with a waterfall pouring down your siding or—worse—your foundation cracking under the pressure of poor drainage. Think of it as giving your gutters a spa day. They deserve it.

Pro Gutter-Cleaning Tips (Because Why Not?)

• Ladder safety first: make sure it’s steady and always have a friend spot you, or at least stand by to laugh when you inevitably drop something.
• Scoop out all the gunk with a gloved hand, a gutter scoop, or—if you’re feeling fancy—an old spatula.
• Rinse it down with a hose and bask in the satisfaction of a job well done.

Seal the Drafts: It’s Like Hugging Your House

Remember that chill you felt sneaking through your windows last winter? Yeah, let’s nip that in the bud. Sealing up the cracks around your windows and doors will save you from a winter of high heating bills and wearing three pairs of socks at once. Think of it like giving your house a nice, warm sweater before it faces Chicago’s brutal winds.

Easy Steps to Block the Breeze

• Use weather stripping or caulking to fill in those cracks. It’s as satisfying as filling in the blanks on a crossword puzzle—if that puzzle is trying to rob you of warmth and money.
• Get yourself a door sweep. It’s like the forgotten cousin of draft protection, but trust me, it works.
• Give each window a once-over. You’d be surprised how sneaky those drafts can be.

Furnace TLC: Time to Rekindle the Romance

Your furnace has been ghosting you all summer, but don’t let it catch you off guard when the temperature drops. A little maintenance now will save you from huddling under blankets when it decides to go on strike mid-January.

Get a professional tune-up, swap out that old filter, and make sure your furnace is ready for the cold. You want it to work like a well-oiled machine, not a disgruntled employee.

Furnace-Prepping 101

• Change the filter. It’s easy, and your furnace will thank you with cozy warmth.
• Check the pilot light to make sure it’s not going rogue.
• Have a pro come in to give it a full check-up. They’ll tell you what’s up before the thing gives up.

Roof Check: Save Yourself a Headache (Or a Flood)

If you haven’t looked at your roof since the 4th of July, now’s a good time to give it some love. Missing shingles, tiny cracks, and leaks have a way of snowballing into bigger problems, especially when Chicago’s winter decides to dump several feet of snow on top of them.

Climb up there (or hire someone, if you value your life) and check for any signs of damage. Your future self, sitting by a dry fireplace, will thank you.

What to Look For Up There

• Loose or missing shingles—because you don’t want your roof looking like it’s losing a game of Jenga.
• Any signs of leaks or damage. Water has a way of finding the tiniest gaps and making them your biggest problems.
• Call in the pros if climbing up on your roof feels like a bad life choice.

Outdoor Furniture: Time to Put It to Bed

As much as we all love grilling and lounging on the patio, it’s time to admit summer’s over and pack away the outdoor furniture. Give everything a good clean, store it properly, and resist the urge to squeeze in one last BBQ before the snow flies.

Your furniture will thank you by looking fresh when summer rolls around again (because it will, right?).

Storing Outdoor Gear Like a Pro

• Give your patio set a scrub. No one wants to sit on a moldy cushion next year.
• Cover or stash your grill in a safe spot. Treat it like the MVP of summer that it is.
• Store cushions and soft stuff indoors to keep them safe from Chicago’s icy wrath.

Wrapping Up: Winter Won’t Win This Time

So there you have it—five key tasks that’ll keep your home in tip-top shape as we transition from the glory of summer to the icy grip of winter. Sure, maintenance isn’t as fun as a beach day, but it beats the heck out of dealing with a burst pipe or a drafty house.

And hey, if you’d rather binge-watch your favorite show than wrestle with a ladder or furnace filter, no judgment! Give Chicago Handyman a call, and we’ll handle all the dirty work while you stay cozy inside. We’ll keep your home in great shape and maybe even crack a joke or two while we’re at it. Give us a shout today!