As the leaves begin to fall and the weather becomes cooler, autumn is the perfect time to give your home a little attention. Tackling a few simple maintenance jobs now can help keep your property looking its best throughout the season and prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems.
Whether you're a keen DIYer or simply want to stay on top of your home maintenance, these five quick jobs are well worth adding to your autumn checklist.
1. Check and Reseal Windows & Doors
Your windows and doors are constantly exposed to the elements. Over time, sealant can crack, shrink or begin to peel away, allowing moisture and draughts to creep in.
Walk around your home and inspect the sealant around every external frame. If you spot gaps or signs of wear, remove the old sealant and apply a fresh bead of quality exterior frame sealant.
Top Tip: Clean the surface thoroughly before applying new sealant to achieve the best bond and a professional-looking finish.
2. Replace Old Bathroom & Kitchen Silicone
Bathrooms and kitchens experience daily exposure to water and humidity. If your silicone sealant has become mouldy, discoloured or started to lift away from the surface, autumn is the ideal time to replace it.
Fresh sanitary silicone not only improves the appearance of your bathroom or kitchen but also helps prevent water from getting behind sinks, baths and showers.
3. Inspect Exterior Gaps and Cracks
Take a few minutes to walk around the outside of your property and look for small cracks around brickwork, render, pipework and utility cables.
Sealing these gaps helps keep moisture out, protects your home from the changing autumn weather and keeps everything looking neat and well maintained.
4. Tackle Those Indoor DIY Jobs
As we spend more time indoors during autumn, it's a great opportunity to complete those small repairs you've been putting off.
Loose skirting boards, architraves, trims and decorative mouldings can all be secured quickly using a strong hybrid polymer adhesive or grab adhesive, giving your home a tidy, finished appearance.
5. Restock Your DIY Essentials
Every homeowner should have a few trusted products ready for those unexpected jobs.
A well-stocked autumn DIY kit should include:
- Exterior Frame Sealant
- Sanitary Silicone
- Hybrid Polymer Adhesive
- Grab Adhesive
- Sealant Gun
- Sealant Remover
- Wonder Wipes
Having these essentials on hand means you'll be ready for everything from quick repairs to weekend DIY projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is autumn a good time for home maintenance?
Autumn offers mild temperatures and generally drier conditions, making it an ideal time to carry out repairs and replace old sealants before colder, wetter weather arrives.
How often should I replace sealant around my home?
It's a good idea to inspect sealants at least once a year. If you notice cracking, shrinkage, mould or gaps, it's usually time for a replacement.
What's the difference between silicone and hybrid polymer sealant?
Silicone is ideal for areas exposed to frequent water, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Hybrid polymer sealants offer excellent adhesion and flexibility, making them perfect for a wide range of interior and exterior applications.
Everything You Need for Autumn DIY
Whether you're resealing windows, refreshing bathroom silicone or tackling those long-overdue DIY jobs, Silicone Direct has everything you need. We stock professional-quality sealants, adhesives and accessories from trusted brands including Sika, Bond It, Soudal and many more.
Explore our full range today and get your home ready for the season with products you can trust.