The Most Important Fall Home Maintenance Tasks

Nothing says autumn like football, bonfires, and of course - fall home maintenance. The change in seasons means it’s time to prepare your house for winter. Here are the most important tasks you should consider completing before colder weather arrives.

Clean the gutters – Clogs in your gutters and downspouts prevent water from properly draining away from your property, potentially causing damage to your trim, siding, and the gutters themselves.

Inspect your roof – Hire a contractor to inspect your roof for loose tiles, shingles, and loose seams. It is much easier to prevent leaks now than to repair a leaky roof when it is cold outside and snow has piled up.

Clean the chimney – Whether you have a gas or wood-burning fireplace, it is recommended to have your chimney professionally inspected and cleaned before its first use each season to prevent chimney fires.

Care for your lawn – Now is the time to prepare your lawn for next year. Prevent winter damage by aerating your yard and applying winter fertilizer. This is also a good time to properly care for perennial plants and shrubs before the first frost.

Fill driveway cracks – As water freezes, it expands. This can turn even the smallest driveway cracks into big unsightly cracks by the time spring rolls around.

Check the detectors – Ensure all smoke and carbon monoxide (CO2) detectors have fresh batteries and replace those which have exceeded their lifespan (10 years for smoke alarms and six years for CO2 detectors).

Drain outdoor faucets – All garden hoses connected to outside spigots must be drained and disconnected. Freezing water can result in burst pipes resulting in flood damage.

Seal doors and windows – Well-sealed and insulated homes will not only keep their occupants warm and cozy, but they will also save on your energy bill. Use self-adhesive weather stripping for sealing, and consider door sweeps to prevent drafts.