10 Home Maintenance Tips for the Fall
Tags: Home Maintenance Tips
The fall season is here, and it’s time to get your house in shape for the cooler months ahead. Although autumn can be one of the busiest seasons for homeowners preparing for winter, it’s also the best time to take advantage of the moderate weather to repair any damages before the first frost sets in. Here are some home maintenance ideas that will keep your home running in peak condition all winter long.
INSPECT YOUR ROOF
Look for and repair any missing, cracked, or damaged shingles. Pay close attention to the areas near chimneys, vents, and skylights as well.
CHECK YOUR ROOF GUTTERS
Clearing the gutters allows rainwater to drain properly through your downspouts, rather than spilling over the sides and potentially getting into your home's foundation. Inspect the pathways and driveways, as well as the downspouts, to ensure that water is directed away from the foundation and to check them for leaks.
CLEAR YOUR YARD
Move or cover backyard furniture that you know won't react well to the cold and snow. Your lawnmower doesn't like those conditions either, so move all outdoor tools inside.
DISCONNECT YOUR OUTDOOR HOSE
Turn the water off to outdoor faucets and disconnect and store your garden hose as well. Make sure to run the tap after to drain as much of the water out before the cold sets in.
INSPECT YOUR HOME'S EXTERIOR FOR CRACKS
Walk around and have a look for cracks or gaps. Take a good look at doors, windows, and entry points of wires or cables. Sealing these off will save you headaches later. Don't delay too long in doing so, as caulking is best done before it gets too cold.
Test winter equipment
Check to see that all your snow equipment is up and running before the first flurry falls. Organize your snow clearing gear. When snow arrives, you’ll want to have shovels, roof rakes and snow blowers where you can get to them.
CHECK YOUR FURNACE
Change out the air filter on your furnace (and stock up on spares) and call in an inspector to give the system a once-over, as well as check for signs of carbon monoxide buildup. Next, check all your heating ducts and vents for dust build-up, and peek inside to see if anything fell into them over the past season. Every bit of extra clearance helps.
REVIEW SAFETY FEATURES
Replace the batteries in each smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detector, then vacuum them with a soft brush attachment.
GET YOUR WOODSTOVE AND FIREPLACE IN WORKING ORDER
Examine your wood stove or fireplace insert’s door gasket for a tight seal. Also, clean and inspect the glass door for cracks and have the chimney cleaned by a licensed chimney sweep.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR GARDEN
With the leaves starting to fall, it is the perfect time to prune any dead branches of trees and bushes in your yard. Remove any branches that are dying in the fall can protect your home from the branches causing damage in the case of severe weather.Fall maintenance doesn’t have to take a lot of time, but it’s essential for the well-being of your home. Get started on your to-do list so it’s finished by the time the snow comes.
