Many people love autumn with its vibrant colors and cooler air. Its arrival also means that winter is right around the corner. Following a fall home maintenance checklist will help keep your home in good shape during the winter. Here are some fall home maintenance tasks worth taking care of before the weather changes.
Roof Inspection
Because your roof protects your home from the elements, it is susceptible to damage. During the autumn months, it’s a good idea to have your roof inspected for potential leaks.
Clean Rain Gutters
As the trees drop their leaves, rain gutters become overloaded with debris. Clean the gutters as part of your regular fall home maintenance routine. Take a moment to also inspect your downspouts. If they are clogged or have holes, you will want to make repairs before the first snowfall.
HVAC Inspection
If you have a forced-air heating system, it’s important to schedule HVAC service from a professional. They’ll check your system and make any needed repairs ahead of cooler weather. Early fall is a great time to do this before these companies become busier with service calls in the colder months.
Tree Trimming for Fall Home Maintenance
Trimming and pruning dead or weak limbs will reduce the risk of branches falling on your roof from ice or high winds. Cutting trees back in the fall will also help stimulate new growth in the spring and keeps the tree healthier.
Check Carbon Monoxide Detector
Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas emitted by fuel-based household appliances and equipment, including space heaters, stoves, and furnaces. Fireplaces can also cause carbon monoxide to build up. To stay safe from this dangerous gas, install a carbon monoxide detector in your home.
Test Smoke Detectors/Change Batteries
Similar to carbon monoxide detectors, homeowners should also regularly test their smoke detectors. Fall is an excellent time to do this because, while house fires can happen at any time, they occur more frequently in the fall and winter.
Weather-Proofing for Fall Home Maintenance
Weather-proofing your home is an essential part of fall home maintenance. Seal up drafty windows and doorways with weather stripping or spray foam insulation. This extra insulating barrier helps to stop the cold air from entering your home, which will cause your energy bills to increase. If you have older windows, consider replacing them with newer ones with better insulation capabilities.
Pressure Washing
Pressure washing is an excellent way to remove grime from the exterior of your home and walkways. It works well on stubborn and hard-to-remove substances, including oil, vehicle fluids, and discoloration from mold or mildew buildup.
Prepare Your Lawn During Fall Home Maintenance
Take advantage of the fall months to prepare your lawn for winter. Your property will be healthier when spring arrives when you remove dead leaves, weeds, and other debris. Also, consider aerating compacted soil to boost drainage and removing lawn thatch to encourage healthy new growth.
Completing these fall home maintenance tasks will help prepare your home for winter so that you’re ready for colder weather.
Monadnock Home Inspections provides home inspections to Southern New Hampshire. Contact us to schedule an appointment.