Home Improvement: Fall Home Maintenance Tips

You’ve probably noticed that leaves have begun to fall from the trees in your neighborhood. That can only mean one thing – fall is coming! There are some important home maintenance tasks that you should complete before the snow and ice hits our area to help your home withstand the cold winter weather. Many of these tasks you can do yourself but, when it comes to checking gutters, your furnace and similar things, call a professional. They are experienced and know how to safely perform inspections and repairs.

Head Outdoors:

Clean Gutters and Downspouts – After leaves have fallen, it’s time to make sure they are clear. Gutters that are clogged can cause ice dams in the winter which can lead to major issues. Flush the gutters with water, inspect the joints and tighten any brackets that are loose. You can also have your gutters replaced with new ones that have leaf guards.

Inspect Roof and Chimney – Avoid a leak in your roof by having a professional roofer check your roof for needed repairs. Another very important task to complete is to have your chimney inspected. Chimneys that are in need of repair pose a very serious risk to you and your family’s safety.

Install Storm Windows – If you’ve installed screens in your windows for the summer, you will want to replace them with storm windows to help keep the cold out and the heat in your home. When installing the storm windows, check the window frame for holes that may need patching.

Store Outdoor Equipment – Turn off all outdoor spigots and place hoses in a storage area. Clean and store all outdoor furniture that can be ruined by cold weather. After you have mowed your lawn for the final time this season, clean your mower and store it in an area where it will stay dry.

Keep the Leaves in Check – You can either rake the leaves on your property and dispose of them properly or make them work for you. You can use the leaves to protect flower beds, nourish your lawn and save them for use in the spring. Use your mower to shred the leaves into small pieces to work best. You can then use the leaves as mulch.

Indoor Chores:

Test the Alarms – Test all of the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. A great time to do this is when we have to turn our clocks back. You should have a smoke detector on every floor of your home to keep your family safe no matter which room they are in whereas a carbon monoxide detector only needs to be placed in the hallway outside of bedrooms.

Get Your Heating System Ready – Have your furnace serviced to make sure it is in good condition and running safely. The inspection should only be performed by a professional. You may also want to consider changing the filters and making sure that the space around heating vents is clear.