Before You Begin Decorating for Fall, Make Certain To Do Some Maintenance On Your Home

10/1/2021 (Permalink)

Before you begin putting up the Fall decorations, it’s important to prepare your home for the colder months.

Fall is here but before you begin putting up the Fall decorations, it’s important to prepare your home for the colder months ahead of us to prevent costly damage.  Here are some preventative fall home maintenance tips every homeowner should follow:

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

• Most importantly, this is the time to replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. As you know, twice a year the batteries should be replaced, and alarms tested. Alarms should also be replaced every ten years.

Plumbing

• Ensure that the pipes are well insulated to prevent pipes freezing and bursting.
• Know where the water shut-off valve is located and how to turn it off in case pipes do freeze.

Heating Systems

• Replace the filter in your furnace.
• Consider having a heating professional check your heating system to ensure optimal performance and discover minor problems before they turn into costly major repairs.
• Clean your ducts to better your heating system’s efficiency as well as to reduce household dust and to provide relief to those with respiratory problems.

Chimney and Fireplace

• This is one where you need to call a professional. Have them inspect and clean your chimney. Fireplaces that are regularly used during the season should have an annual cleaning to prevent dangerous chimney fires.
• Test your fireplace flue for a tight seal when closed.

Gutters and Downspouts

• Neglected gutters can lead to wood rot problems and pest infestations, not to mention ruined gutters. Clean gutters and downspouts frequently throughout fall to prevent buildup of leaves and other debris.
• Check to make certain water is not coming down behind gutters and that all support brackets are securely in place.
• Ensure that water drains properly and doesn’t pool. Pooling can cause damage to foundations, driveways, and walkways.

Windows and Doors

• Change summer screens to cool weather storm windows and doors.
• Inspect and repair any loose or damaged window or door frames.
• Install weather stripping or caulking around windows and doors to prevent drafts and to lower heating bills.

Attic ventilation

• Be sure attic insulation doesn’t cover vents in the eaves to prevent winter ice dams on the roof.
• Be sure ridge vents and vents at eaves are free of plants and debris.
• Check bird and rodent screens for attic vents to prevent any unwanted guests.

Landscape and Yardwork

• Although grass appears to stop growing in the fall, the roots are growing deeper to prepare for winter. The beginning of fall is the best time to fertilize and reseed your lawn.
• Prune your trees and shrubs after the leaves turn to encourage healthy growth.
• Trim any tree limbs that are dangerously close to power lines or the roof of your house. Heavy snow and ice can cause damage in the winter.