Fall is more than colorful leaves and pumpkin-spice lattes. It\u2019s also the perfect time to prep your home before winter sets in. Follow this fall home maintenance checklist to help prevent damage and keep your home in tip-top shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some of these tasks are potentially dangerous, so please consider hiring a service professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s easy to neglect your gutters. Because they\u2019re positioned so high up on your home, they\u2019re often out of sight and out of mind. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to schedule a fall cleaning with a professional each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A fall cleaning will remove all of those crisp, dry leaves before winter comes along and makes them soggy and smelly. As a result, water will flow properly through your gutters and downspouts and away from your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some ways that clogged gutters and downspouts can wreak havoc on your home:<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t
The winter months are supposed to be spent inside your home, in front of the fireplace with your family. They\u2019re not supposed to be spent stopping leaks or wondering why your heating bills are so high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s why the fall is a great time to schedule a roof inspection with a licensed roofing contractor. They\u2019ll check your roof for any damage done by summer thunderstorms, falling tree limbs and other hazards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some roofing inspectors will also check out your attic to see if there are any leaks. Water in your attic can lead to mold and also damage your insulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keeping the outside air out and the inside air in is crucial during the winter months. The last thing you want is to make your heating system work harder than it needs to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This fall, protect your home by sealing up any gaps around your windows and doors with caulk or weather-stripping. If any pipes or ducts travel through an exterior wall, be sure to seal those entry points too. Don\u2019t forget to install your storm windows and doors if you have them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you haven\u2019t thought about your home\u2019s insulation for a while, you\u2019re not alone. It\u2019s something that many people overlook. But it\u2019s an important part of keeping drafts\u2014and your energy costs\u2014to a minimum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Think about how the rooms in your home are insulated. You may know from previous years that some exterior-facing walls are colder than others. See if you can add insulation to those walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should also check your basement and attic for exposed pipes. If you find one, wrap it in insulation right away. Polyethylene foam pipe insulation is affordable and considered the most efficient. It also comes with pre-cut slits, so you can easily slide it on.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBack to top >><\/a>\n\n\n\n That chill in the air means it\u2019s time to schedule a maintenance tune-up for your heating system and fireplace, if you have one. Sediment buildup can cause your furnace to work less efficiently, or worse, become a fire-hazard. Having your furnace professionally cleaned and inspected will keep your family safe and reduce energy costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If an inspector determines that your furnace is due to be replaced, buy an energy-efficient model. It will save you money and energy each month. In addition, you may want to purchase a programmable thermostat, if you don\u2019t already have one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cold temperatures can severely damage your home\u2019s outdoor water lines and cause water damage. The good news is that you can take action in the fall to prevent your spigots from freezing and bursting. Before the weather turns, take the time to follow these steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPrepare your home for freezing weather<\/h2><\/a>\n\n\n\n
Check doors and windows<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Improve insulation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Service your heating system and fireplace<\/h2><\/a>\n\n\n\n
Drain outdoor watering pipes<\/h2><\/a>\n\n\n\n