Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

As the cooler weather approaches, now is the time to prepare for the winter months while the weather is good to prevent costly damages from neglect.  Below are a few fall preventative home maintenance steps that everyone should follow.

Exterior:

§         Clean gutters and downspouts frequently throughout fall to prevent build up of leaves and other debris.  Neglected gutters can lead to wood rot problems, pest infestations, foundation damage and many other expensive complications.

§         Make sure all gutter connections are securely attached and all gutter extensions are in place preventing water from pooling at the foundation.

§         Check the weather stripping around doors and windows, replace any that are worn or torn.

§         Install freeze proof faucet covers on exterior hose bibs.

§         Be sure that you know how to locate and turn off the water shut off valve in case pipes do freeze.

§         Although grass appears to stop growing in the fall, the roots are actually growing deeper to prepare for winter.  Now is the best time to fertilize and reseed your lawn.

§         Prune your trees and shrubs after the leaves turn to encourage healthy growth in the spring.

§         Trim any tree limbs that are dangerously close to power lines or the roof of your house.  Heavy ice can cause damage in the winter.

§         Pack up and clean removable patio cushions to protect them from dust and dirt, but be sure the cushions are dry before storing for the winter in order to prevent mildew growth.

Interior:

§         Call a professional to inspect and clean your chimney.  Fireplaces that are regularly used during the season should have an annual cleaning to prevent dangerous chimney fires.

§         Consider installing a carbon monoxide alarm near the fireplace and furnace.

§         Order firewood for the winter and stack it away from the home to prevent pest infestation.

§         Reverse motor on ceiling fan.

§         Test and replace batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

§         Examine fire extinguishers, recharge or replace as needed.

Attic Ventilation:

§         Be sure attic insulation doesn’t cover ventilation vents in eaves to prevent ice dams on the roof.

§         Be sure ridge vents and vents at eaves are free of plants and debris.

§         Check bird and rodent screens for the attic vents to prevent and unwanted guests.

§         DO NOT cover roof turbines with plastic bags.

Heating Systems:

§         Replace the filter in your system every month.

§         Have a heating professional check your heating system to ensure optimal performance and discover minor or major safety problems before you turn on the furnace.

§         Consider having your air ducts cleaned to improve efficiency as well as to reduce household dust and to provide relief to those respiratory problems.