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9 Must-Dos on Your Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

Sep 21, 2018 4:45:00 PM

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Fall is on its way in, and winter weather will be here before we know it. To make sure that everything in and around your home works the way it should before cold weather descends, take some time to get these vital chores on your fall home maintenance checklist completed.

1. Clean out gutters and downspouts

Over time, gutters can get clogged with leaves, twigs, and debris. When that happens, water can back up in them, causing damage to your attic and roof. Clean out at least twice a year to prevent this. At the same time, take time to inspect your gutters. If any gutters are damaged, have them fixed before winter storms set in.

2. Shut off exterior faucets

Protect pipes from bursting by shutting off faucets outside before temperatures drop. You should also take this opportunity to drain hoses and stow them away indoors until spring.

3. Inspect your roof

Check your roof for flaws like missing or loose shingles. When these go missing, it can allow moisture to get inside your attic, which can lead to serious structural damage. It is safest to do an inspection from the ground. If the architecture of your home does not allow this, have a qualified roofing professional perform the inspection.

4. Find and seal gaps and holes

Gaps, holes, and cracks in your house's foundation or walls can allow cold, moisture, and pests to get inside. You should perform visual inspections regularly so that you catch any small issues before they become big ones. If you discover there are cracks or holes, including damage to your foundation, you should have them repaired so you don't lose money from additional utility costs. 

5. Apply or reapply weatherstripping

Good insulation means lower power bills and less stress on your heating system during winter. Apply or reapply weather stripping to the garage door, your front door, and any other exterior doors in the fall. Doing this now can prevent costly and uncomfortable drafts when cold weather sets in.

6. Have a qualified professional check out your heating system

Your home's HVAC system is one of its most expensive and important features. Your furnace and other parts of your heating system should be cleaned and inspected regularly to ensure that they are in working order. Regular inspections and maintenance can prevent the heat from going out when you need it most. They can also extend the life of your system, saving you thousands of dollars over time.

7. Check and update home safety devices

Check your smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and other home safety devices each fall and each spring. Replace any batteries that are going dead. If you discover that your fire extinguisher is expired, buy a new one so that you can be sure it will work in the event of a fire in your home.

8. Inspect and clean the chimney and fireplace 

These structures should be free from cracked bricks and worn or missing mortar. Check the flue to make sure that there is no creosote build-up, which can cause chimney fires. If you are not sure what to look for, have a professional check for you.

9. Inspect the driveway and sidewalk for cracks

Minor cracks in your driveway or sidewalks can lead to major buckling when temperatures go through significant dips and climbs in the winter months. If buried under the snow, these can create serious trip and fall hazards. Get cracks fixed now so that they do not become more expensive problems in the colder months.

Cross these tasks off your list to be sure you are fully prepared for the winter months. Making them a habit can help you avoid costlier maintenance later on. These tasks take just a few minutes each, but can provide significant savings and safety throughout the coldest time of year.