Get your fall home maintenance checklist in order this season
With
winter just around the corner, it’s important that homeowners realize the
damage that freezing temperatures, moisture, and ice can have on their homes.
Staying on top of home maintenance is key, especially in the months leading up
to winter. Now is the time of year where it’s still warm enough to get outside
and complete important home improvements before it’s too late. Add these tasks
to your fall home maintenance checklist and properly prepare your home for
winter in order to avoid any expensive repairs.
Fall home maintenance for a home’s foundation – masonry – exterior
- Check your
home’s foundation including walls, floors, concrete, and masonry for any
cracking, heaving, or deterioration
- Inspect the
home’s chimney for loose, deteriorated, or missing mortar
- Examine the
home’s eavestroughs and remove any debris
- Fix cracks
in your driveway and perform seasonal repairs to any concrete around the home
- Complete any
exterior painting or touch-ups before cold weather arrives
- Test your
snowblower to ensure it is in proper working order
Fall home maintenance tips for roofing
- Inspect your
roof’s flashing around all vents, skylights, and other openings
- Trim back
any tree limbs or vegetation that could fall and damage your home’s roof
- Repair
gutters and secure them before cold weather arrives
- Consider
hiring a home inspector to ensure your roof can withstand winter weather
- Make an
effort to ensure all gutters and downspouts are not blocked by leaves or debris
Fall home maintenance for doors and windows
- Inspect
windows and doors for missing glazing putty
- Check for
caulking deterioration on all openings and joints between wood and masonry
- Ensure that
weather-stripping is properly fitted and applied throughout the home
- Properly
clean window wells to remove moisture
Fall home maintenance tips for plumbing
- Have well water tested and checked for safety
- Winterize any exterior plumping connections including
outdoor hoses and faucets
- Ensure your sprinkler system is water-free to
ensure pipes do not burst over the winter
- Drain out any garden hoses
- Close your water shut off valve and open your
outside faucet to let out any remaining water
Fall home maintenance for heating and cooling of the home
- Lubricate fans and motor bearings
- Clean and maintain any radiator vents
throughout the home
- Inspect your attic to ensure that it is
properly insulated
- Check for proper fan belt tension
- Install a digital thermostat
- Examine the home’s shut-off valve for leaks
- Replace your furnace filter
Protect your home with AmeriSpec
AmeriSpec can provide a professional home inspection to reveal the true condition of a home before fall home maintenance improvements take place. As North America’s leader in home inspections, let the professionals at AmeriSpec get to work so you can prepare for winter weather. When you need to take the next step, call our team at
866-284-6010.