Now that the hottest part of the summer is almost over, it’s a great time to prepare your home for the cooler weather that’s on its way. We take a look at some of the areas of the home you should attend to in preparation for the autumn months.

While the weather is still predictable (sunny, warm, etc), now is the perfect time to prepare your home for the cooler months that lie ahead. By painting any areas of your home that need a coat of paint now, you’re protecting your home from rot and mould that can occur during the damp weather.

We take a look at some of the ways you can get your home autumn-ready.

Gutters: many people think that keeping your gutters clean and tidy during summer helps reduce the chances of a fire during the hot weather, but it’s important you keep them clean during the cooler months, too. Your roof’s drainage system literally diverts thousands of litres of water away from your house exterior, annually. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage around your home, and also contribute to rust and corrosion.

Seal up gaps: we tend to overlook gaps around windows and doors during summer because the cool breeze that flows through them offers a nice reprieve from the hot summer night when we’re trying to sleep. In winter, however, you’ll be wishing you fixed those gaps while you had the chance. Well, now’s your chance.

Avoid a leaky roof: while you’re cleaning your gutters have a quick look to make the tiles on your roof aren’t broken or missing. If you have a fireplace, check to ensure that water can’t get in through any cracks in the chimney. For chimneys that aren’t in use, while you’re on the roof, it’s a good opportunity to check that it’s still sealed shut correctly, and won’t let any cool air in during winter-or rather, let the hot air out!

Check your paintwork: check the condition of the paintwork around your home to ensure it hasn’t started to peel or flake, which could get damaged by the rain and wind during the autumn and winter months. Be certain to inspect areas that don’t receive a lot of direct sunlight, but tend to be damp-such as laundries, bathrooms and garages-for mould. If you find any grey or black spots on the surface, it may be affected by mould or mildew. Try scrubbing the surface with diluted household bleach and repainting the area with a quality water-based paint to remove mould and mildew. To prevent it returning, install a fan or de-humidifier in damp areas.