With spring cleaning far behind and summer fun over, it’s time to start fall home maintenance and cleaning. Fall is the perfect time to perform important maintenance to your home so you’re not caught in the middle of winter with a drafty house or a malfunctioning heater. We’ve compiled the top five fall home maintenance tips, along with what you can do to ensure your home stays warm and comfortable this winter. Just make sure you're covered with an affordable home insurance policy.
Clean the Gutters
A few leaves piling up along the roof might not seem like a problem, but it can lead to serious issues. If water doesn’t drain away from your home, cracks can form in your foundation, siding can rot, and your basement can flood. Climb up there while temperatures are comfortable and clear out the debris. If you don’t want to do this yourself, you can hire someone to help.
While you’re up there, be sure to check for loose shingles and flashing. A wet winter's night is not the time to discover that the roof over your bed is leaking.
Repair Driveway and Steps
The driveway and porch steps tend to see the most wear in the winter, so it’s important to update them in the fall. Because of uneven areas, slippery ice, and loose railings, these are also the areas where trips and slips are the most common … and thus where you are most liable. Avoid having to use your personal liability insurance by securing railings, filling in any cracks larger than 1/8 inch wide, and repaving paths.
Check Windows and Doors
If you have window air-conditioning units, take them out and store them until next summer. You can also swap out regular window screens for storm windows. Check all windows and doors for drafts, and add weather stripping to keep the cold out.
Book a chimney cleaning
A chemical buildup of creosote is terrible for a few reasons. It can cause a foul odor, and it also prevents your chimney from venting correctly, which can lead to health concerns. Hire a chimney company to clean the flue. Ask if they can inspect the brick and mortar for any defects and check the chimney cap so no water or snow can get inside otherwise you risk water damage inside your home.
Set Up to Avoid Slip-Ups
Ensure your walkways, driveway, railings, and stairs are in the right condition before snow begins the fall. Once the snow falls, ice will freeze which can lead to slippery surfaces where people can fall. Ensure your railings are sturdy, your driveway is in good condition and your stairs are clear of planters that can be a limitation when covered in snow and concealed from view. This will also make shoveling your property much easier come the first day of a heavy snowfall.
Begin these tips for home maintenance this fall season and you’ll have your to-do lists completed before you know it. The maintenance will have your home looking and running great during the fall. The organization will pay off during the winter when you won’t have a worry and especially in the spring, as it will make the spring cleaning much easier.
