Fall Home Maintenance Checklist: Keeping Your Property in Top Shape

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, it’s time to prepare your home for the colder months ahead with these fall home maintenance tips. By addressing essential maintenance tasks during the fall, you can avoid costly repairs, improve energy efficiency, and ensure your home stays safe and comfortable through the winter.

Inspect the Roof

Your home’s roof is its first line of defense against the elements, and fall is the perfect time to ensure it’s in good condition before winter’s harsh weather sets in. Perform a thorough visual inspection of your roof from the ground using binoculars, or hire a professional if necessary.

• Look for missing, cracked, or curling shingles. These issues can lead to leaks and water damage, particularly during winter storms.
• Check for damaged flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights. Faulty flashing can also allow moisture to seep into your home.
• Inspect the soffits and fascia. These are the boards along the edges of your roof, which can rot or be damaged by moisture.
• Check for moss or algae growth. If you notice any, remove them using a moss remover and cleaning solution. These organisms can deteriorate roofing materials.

Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Falling leaves, twigs, and other debris can easily clog your gutters and downspouts in the fall. Clogged gutters can lead to water overflow, which may damage your roof, siding, and foundation.

• Remove leaves and debris by hand, using a gutter scoop or a small trowel.
• Check for leaks or sagging. If your gutters are loose, reattach them securely, and if you find any cracks or leaks, seal them with gutter sealant.
• Ensure downspouts are directed away from the foundation. Add extensions to divert water at least 3-4 feet from your home’s base if necessary.

Seal Gaps and Cracks Around Windows and Doors

Preventing drafts can save you money on heating costs. Heat can escape through gaps and cracks around windows and doors, leading to higher energy bills and a less comfortable home. During your fall home maintenance:

• Inspect for drafts by moving a lit candle or incense stick around the edges of doors and windows. If the flame flickers, there’s a draft.
• Use weatherstripping around the edges of doors and windows to block cold air.
• Seal cracks with caulk. Check the exterior siding where windows meet the walls and apply a fresh bead of caulk to any cracks.

Service Your Heating System

As temperatures drop, your heating system will become one of the most crucial components of your home. 

• Schedule a professional HVAC inspection. A technician will check for potential problems, replace filters, and ensure your system is ready for winter.
• Replace furnace filters monthly. A clean filter ensures that your system runs efficiently and can improve air quality inside your home.
• Check your thermostat. Ensure it’s working correctly, and consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat if you don’t have one. This can help reduce energy costs by automatically adjusting the temperature when you’re not home or sleeping.

Prepare Your Fireplace and Chimney

If you have a fireplace, during your fall home maintenance is the time to prepare it for the winter. A fireplace can be a wonderful source of warmth and ambiance. Still, it can also be a hazard if not properly maintained.

• Inspect the chimney for blockages, cracks, and debris. Birds and other animals may build nests in chimneys, and leaves and twigs can create dangerous blockages.
• Hire a professional chimney sweep to clean and inspect the chimney. This helps prevent chimney fires and ensures your fireplace is safe.
• Check the damper. Ensure it opens and closes properly, and close it when the fireplace is not in use to prevent drafts.

Winterize Exterior Faucets and Irrigation Systems

Freezing temperatures can cause outdoor water systems to burst, leading to costly repairs. Preparing your exterior plumbing for the winter before the first freeze is wise.

• Turn off the water supply to exterior faucets and drain the remaining water. This prevents water from freezing inside the pipes.
• Disconnect garden hoses and store them indoors. If left attached, hoses can freeze and damage the faucet.
• Blow out sprinkler systems to remove any remaining water. As sprinkler systems are delicate and expensive to repair, you may need to hire a professional.

Inspect and Clean the Dryer Vent

A clogged vent can pose a significant fire risk. Cleaning the vent and ensuring proper airflow is a vital fall home maintenance task.

• Check the exterior vent cover. Make sure it opens properly and isn’t obstructed by debris.
• Clean the lint trap after each use. This helps reduce the risk of fire and keeps your dryer working efficiently.
• Use a vent brush or vacuum attachment to clean out the dryer vent hose, removing any lint or debris that has accumulated over time.

Check Safety Devices

Fall is an ideal time to check the safety devices in your home and ensure they’re functioning correctly before you spend more time indoors during the winter.

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace the batteries if necessary. Ensure they are positioned correctly, especially near sleeping areas.
• Inspect fire extinguishers. Make sure they are not expired, fully charged, and easily accessible.
• Review your family’s emergency plan and update it if needed.

Prepare Your Landscaping

Prepare your yard for winter during your fall home maintenance, ensuring that your plants and lawn survive the cold and return healthy in the spring.

• Rake and remove fallen leaves. A thick layer of leaves can smother your lawn and lead to dead patches come spring.
• Prune trees and shrubs to remove dead or damaged branches. This can help prevent breakage under the weight of snow and ice.
• Aerate and fertilize your lawn. This allows oxygen and nutrients to reach the roots, promoting healthy growth in the spring.
• Mulch flower beds to help insulate plant roots from the cold.

Inspect Your Foundation

The freeze-thaw cycle of winter can exacerbate small cracks in your foundation, leading to serious structural issues if left unchecked.

• Look for cracks in your foundation and seal them with a concrete patching compound.
• Check for signs of moisture or water pooling near your foundation. This can lead to basement leaks and foundation damage.
• Slope soil away from the foundation and ensure gutters and downspouts are working correctly to ensure proper drainage around your home.

Fall home maintenance is all about preparation. Investing time in the fall will save you from costly repairs and keep your property in top shape year-round. Contact one of our local, well-connected REALTORS® if you need help finding a professional. We can recommend a variety of trusted suppliers!