Fall Maintenance

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist: Keep Your Home in Top Shape

As the leaves change and the temperatures drop, it's time to start thinking about fall home maintenance. Taking care of a few critical tasks before winter sets in can help ensure that your home stays in good condition and avoid costly repairs down the line. Here's a fall home maintenance checklist to get you started:

1.       Inspect and Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Clogged gutters can cause water damage to your roof and foundation, so cleaning them out before winter arrives is essential. Use a ladder to inspect your gutters for debris and remove any leaves, twigs, or other obstructions. Also, ensure your downspouts direct water away from your home's foundation.

2.       Check for Drafts and Air Leaks: Cold air can sneak into your home through cracks and gaps around doors and windows, so it's important to check for drafts and air leaks. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal any gaps you find, and consider adding door sweeps to the bottoms of doors to prevent cold air from entering.

3.       Inspect Your Roof: Your roof is your home's first line of defense against the elements, so inspecting it for damage before winter arrives is crucial. Look for loose or damaged shingles, and check for signs of wear and tear around chimneys, vents, and other roof penetrations.

4.       Service Your Heating System: Your heating system will work hard during the winter months, so it's important to ensure it's in good working order. Have your furnace or boiler serviced by a professional to ensure it operates efficiently and safely.

5.       Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are critical for keeping your home safe. Test your detectors and replace batteries as necessary.

6.       Prepare Your Lawn and Garden for Winter: Fall is the time to prepare your lawn and garden for winter. Rake up leaves and debris, and consider fertilizing your lawn to help it stay healthy through the winter. Also, trim any trees or shrubs that could pose a hazard during winter storms.

7.       Drain and Store Outdoor Equipment: Before the first frost, drain and store any outdoor equipment, such as hoses, sprinklers, and outdoor furniture. These actions will help prevent damage from freezing temperatures and prolong the life of your equipment.

8.       Have a certified chimney sweep inspect the fireplace, damper, and clean the flues.

9.       Test your emergency generator.

10.   Prepare your lawn equipment for storage over the fall and winter months.

11.   Check for exposed pipes and ensure pipes are insulated. 

By following this fall home maintenance checklist, you can help ensure that your home stays in good condition throughout the fall and in preparation for winter. Taking care of these tasks now can save you time and money.