Fall is just around the corner, and with the welcomed relief from the heat of summer comes a new list of home maintenance items to consider. As we do each season, we’ve put together a checklist of home maintenance items that will have your home looking it’s best so you can enjoy the fall season!
1. Check Your Roof
Fall is a great time of year to have your roof inspected. If there are areas of concern, it’s best to take care of them before the wetter conditions roll through. If you need recommendations for roofers, we’ve got you covered!
2. Clean Your Gutters and Spouts
As we approach freezing temperatures, you want to make sure that your gutters are free of debris and not backed up, which can lead to sagging and failure. Make sure to check your downspouts as well, and add blocks where needed so that water doesn’t pool around your foundation.
3. Check Your Foundation
Speaking of foundations, the summer months can dry out the soil around your home, creating conditions conducive to foundation issues. Take a walk around your home and look for any cracks in the foundation as well as any brick or stone facade on your home. Also, be aware of any uneven areas inside your home, and contact a foundation repair company with any concerns. Maintaining your foundation versus fixing it can save you thousands.
4. Check Your Windows and Doors
Check your windows and doors for any broken seals or gaps. A telltale sign of a broken window seal is condensation forming between panes of glass. While these may not be major issues, they can make your home less energy efficient by allowing cold air inside your home when you’re trying to keep it out.
5. Prepare Your Lawn
Caring for your grass in the fall is the best way to achieve a healthy lawn once spring rolls around. At a minimum, continue to mow and water your lawn during the fall to maintain healthy roots. You can also use a pre-emergent fertilizer to prevent weeds and deliver nutrients to your grass, further preparing your lawn to grow back healthy in the spring.
6. Trim Your Trees
Overgrown tree branches can cause damage during fall storms, and can create a pathway for small critters looking for warmth. Trimming can also keep your trees in good health. Keep an eye out for any branches hanging directly over or touching your home.
7. Winterize Your Sprinkler System
Before you turn off your sprinkler system for the winter, make sure you drain your mainline and turn off your backflow device. Whether you choose to leave your system on or off, it’s important that any pipes and equipment that are above ground are properly insulated.
8. Have Your HVAC Inspected
Having your HVAC inspected is a cheap and easy way to ensure that your systems will be working properly during the colder months ahead. Like anything else, maintaining is much easier than fixing!
9. Adjust Your Ceiling Fan Direction
Your fans should be rotating clockwise during the winter months, making them pull cooler air up toward the ceiling and pushing warmer air back down where you want it. There is a small switch on most fans that will allow you to make the change.
10. Test Your Smoke Detectors
Start by going through your home and pressing the test button on each of your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. This will tell you if they have power. Next, to ensure they are functioning properly, you can either purchase an aerosol meant to test your alarms or use matches. If your detectors are more than 10 years old, it may be a good time to replace them altogether, as the sensors can become dirty and unreliable as the years pass by.
11. Conduct some fall cleaning and decluttering
Odds are you’ll spend more time indoors during the colder months ahead, making a perfect time to conduct a deep clean and declutter. As you rotate summer and winter clothes, look for items you haven’t worn in a year or two – these are prime suspects for resale or donation!
12. Ensure Your Fireplace is in Working Order
Prepping your fireplace for the winter season can help prevent fires, save energy, and improve the quality of the air in your home. Whether you have a gas or wood-burning fireplace, it’s important to have it properly serviced and cleaned. Here’s a great article that covers both types of fireplaces.
If you have any tips you’d like to share or need a recommendation for a service provider, we’d love to hear from you! You can give us a call at 214-267-9222 or fill out the form at the bottom of the page and we’ll be in touch.
