Fall home maintenance checklist

Leaves are falling, chipmunks are preparing to hibernate, and as the chilly air arrives, a lot of us feel like taking a long winter’s nap of our own. But wait! Before you reach for the slippers, have you gone through your fall home maintenance checklist? Fall is an excellent opportunity for homeowners to take precautions and complete maintenance before harsher weather arrives. So put on the work gloves one more time, and let’s get into it.

Why is fall home maintenance important?

Fall and winter bring a slew of challenges for homeowners—snow, ice, wind, colder temperatures, wet leaves and even some of those hibernating critters. These can all lead to problems that could turn into expensive repairs without proper care, but having a fall checklist can help you better prepare to avoid the worst-case scenarios.

1. Check the roof

   Weather-related problems often start at your roof and work their way down. Water can enter your home through cracks, gaps, and missing or loose shingles, potentially causing water damage and mold to spread through ceilings and walls. You can walk around your home to look for missing shingles, but hire a licensed professional to give your roof a full inspection and repair any issues. [1]

2. Clean gutters and downspouts

   After checking the roof, the next item on your fall maintenance checklist should be the gutters and downspouts. Like the roof, gutter systems are one of your home’s first defenses against weather-related problems. Blocked gutters may result in the accumulation of water and subsequent overflow, potentially leading to roof, foundation, and siding damage. Making sure your gutters and downspouts are clean and clear (especially after the leaves have finished falling) can help avoid bigger problems later. You can also consider investing in a clog-resistant gutter guard system. [2]

3. Check for air leaks in house

   Colder air typically brings larger heating bills, but guarding the thermostat isn’t the only way to save. Check your home for air leaks like drafty doorways or windows and seal off any you find. Use weatherstrips to close the space under your doors, redo caulking around windows and keep garage doors closed whenever possible.

4. Inspect your fireplace and clean your chimney

   Before cozying up by the fireplace, be sure to check your chimney. Cleanings performed by a licensed chimney sweep can reduce the risk of a chimney fire by removing flammable residue lingering there. But don’t stop at the chimney! Your fireplace should also be inspected for defects such as cracks, and if you have a woodburning stove, make sure it’s properly sealed so smoke and fire can’t escape into your home. [1]

5. Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

   While you’re performing regular maintenance, check on your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Give each detector a test and change out batteries as needed. You can also use a brush or vacuum with a brush attachment to clean off dust that could interfere with functionality.

6. Check your furnace and replace furnace filter

   If there’s one thing you can be sure of, it’s that your home will likely need heat every winter. Giving your furnace an inspection each fall can help ensure you’re warm when the coldest months arrive. Have a professional check your HVAC system for any issues each fall. And remember to replace your furnace filter as needed. [2] You should also take the opportunity to inspect other elements of your HVAC system, such as air conditioning, so everything runs smoothly when it’s needed again at winter’s end. [3]

7. Protect outside faucets from freezing

   Frozen pipes are always a concern during colder months, and outdoor faucets and spigots can be more vulnerable. If you live in an area that experiences freezing winter temperatures, consider shutting off the water to these faucets and allowing them to drain so no water remains in the line. This can help prevent the pipes from bursting during bouts of extreme cold. [2]

8. Drain your water heater and clean your space heater

   You’ll want to make sure all heat sources are running smoothly and safely when cold weather arrives. If you use space heaters, clean them off to remove materials like lint that could present fire hazards. [3] You may want to drain your hot water heater to ensure your hot water supply doesn’t falter. Working with water heaters can present some safety issues, so leave their maintenance to a professional if you’re unsure of your abilities. [4]

9. Repair your driveway and sidewalk

   Water infiltrates tiny cracks in your driveway and walkways, eventually causing larger cracks as it freezes and expands. Before freezing temperatures arrive, take this opportunity to fill and seal cracks to help limit expansion over the winter. These patch jobs are easy enough for a DIY project, but keep an eye out for more extensive damage that could signal it’s time to have these surfaces professionally replaced. [2]

10. Prepare your lawn for winter

    It’s natural for many plants to wither during the winter temporarily, but that doesn’t mean you want them to stay that way! For a lush, green lawn in the springtime, some preemptive action during the fall can be incredibly beneficial. Clearing away leaves and other debris and laying down fertilizer can help your lawn wake up healthy and verdant in the spring.

11. Check and seal the deck

    As with your driveway, imperfections on wood decks can worsen during cold months. Expanding water in the wood can cause nail pops, cracks and other problems, so ensuring the deck is sealed is paramount. Fill cracks with epoxy or replace the individual boards, and if you notice water doesn’t pool on top of the deck, it could be time to reseal before winter. [3]

12. Inspect and touch up paint on walls

    Paint is more than an aesthetic touch; it also protects surfaces against the elements. If you notice paint peeling on your home’s exterior, this could herald expensive siding repairs in the future. Touching up the paint in these areas will help reseal the siding material against harsh winter weather and prevent rapid deterioration. [1] The more thorough your fall maintenance checklist, the better protected you’ll be against seasonal safety hazards and expensive damage.

Learn more about how Hazard Insurance helps protect your home or property from potential damages.  Interested in protecting your home? Contact an independent agent today.