Fall is a busy time of year for most of us. Cooler temps prompt us to get our homes “buttoned up” for winter. We’ve gathered some tasks together for Your Fall Maintenance Checklist to get you moving in the right direction.
Inspect Your Gutters and Roof
Once most of the trees in your yard have shed their leaves, inspect your gutters and downspouts. Remove sticks, leaves, and debris. Flush your gutters with water, and check joints and brackets. If possible, replace old, worn gutters with gutters that provide leaf guards.
Inspect your roof. Look for missing and loose shingles. Your roof is your home’s first line of defense from all sorts of elements. It’s imperative that your roof stays in tip-top shape, especially during winter months.
Note: if your home is 2-stories or more, consider hiring a professional to clear your gutters, especially if you are not confident on a ladder. Have a licensed, certified roofing professional inspect the condition of your roof.
Check Your Foundation
Inspect your home’s foundation for cracks—caulk areas where pipes, wires, etc. enter the house. Also, caulk around windows and door frames to keep the cold air from getting into your house. “Caulking and sealing openings is one of the least expensive maintenance jobs,” says Michael Hydeck, Hydeck Design Build, Inc., Telford, PA, and National President, National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). “Openings in the structure can cause water to get in and freeze, resulting in cracks and mold build-up.”
Check Your Safety Devices
Fall is a great time to check your home’s safety devices. Test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries if necessary. Take a look at your fire extinguisher and find its expiration date. Replace if needed.
Insulate Your Windows
Older windows need a little extra help keeping the cold air out and the warm air in. First, figure out where your home is losing heat by moving your hand around the window’s frame and feel for drafts. Add weatherstripping and caulk where needed. “Heating and cooling amount to 47% of the energy costs in your home. Proper sealing and insulation can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs, or up to 10% on your total annual energy bill,” says Katie Cody, spokeswoman for Lowe’s.
Maintain Your Deck
Check handrails, stairs, and railings on your decks and porches. Look for loose railings, make sure they’re steady and ready to support someone during wet weather.
Clean and cover your outdoor furniture and barbecue, or stow them away for the season in a covered area.
All Hands on Deck – It’s Deck Safety Month
Inspect Your Heating System
Have your heating system inspected by a licensed heating contractor. Your heating system will run more efficiently, use less energy, and last longer if it is properly serviced.
Prepare Your Lawn and Garden
Clean your summer garden tools and store them away for the winter. Drain fuel from your gas-operated equipment like leaf blowers and lawnmowers. If you’re in a snowy climate, make sure your snow equipment is operational.