Home Maintenance Tips To Prepare for Fall

It’s late summer and the smell of freshly mowed grass is still lingering in the air. It won’t be long though before the air gets crisper, the days shorter, and football and tailgating parties begin (woo-hoo!).

Before you become too caught up in all the fun activities fall has to offer you'll want to take some time while the days are still warm and long to get your homestead ready for fall and the upcoming winter.

Here are some home maintenance tips to check off your list:

For the indoors

Safety first. Fall is a perfect time to test your home’s safety equipment, such as smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors, and replace their batteries if necessary. In the kitchen, make sure the fire extinguisher in the cabinet is charged and not expired.

Check the insulation in the attic. If it’s warmer upstairs in the summer, it’ll be colder in the winter months. That’s a sure sign that your insulation may not be sufficient. Check the fluffiness of the existing insulation and look closely for gaps and missing sections. Add a layer of insulation over any gaps and/or holes. While you’re up in the attic, make that the ventilation eaves are unobstructed since proper ventilation is essential. And lastly, check for signs of animals or pests and make appointments for their removal if necessary.

Have the furnace inspected. The last thing you want is a furnace problem when you need it most. An early fall furnace check-up will ensure the furnace is in good working order and will fire up on that first chilly night.

Clean and inspect the fireplace. A buildup in the chimney can be a safety issue, so having the flue and chimney inspected professionally is a good idea. Check for cracks as well since escaping gases pose a health and safety risk.

Plumbing. In the kitchen and bathrooms, make sure all pipes (especially those exposed to exterior walls) are insulated.

On the outside

Inspect the roof. After the snow and sleet start to fall is one of the worst times to find out you have a leak. Check for worn shingles along with the condition of the flashing at corners and angles. If you see problems, don’t hesitate to consult with a contractor. You may even get a good fall deal on any roof work that might be needed. Make sure to take a look at the gutters and downspouts for leaks which may also be faulty or causing damage.

Doors and windows. Technically, this is an inside and outside check. Look for gaps which may let in cold air during the fall and winter months. Replace screens with glass in the storm windows. Finally, invest in caulk or foam insulation, which you can find at Walmart or a local hardware store. You can use it to fill in any small gaps you find.

Siding and foundation. Look for damage and gaps in your home’s siding, and cracks in the bricks and/or concrete.

Check the trees in your yard. Dead or dying branches, especially those hanging over the house, can wreak havoc on your home when ice and snow add weight to them. Keep any eye out for branches over power lines that can be removed.

And now you’re ready! The earlier you tackle these items on your home maintenance checklist the earlier you can start relaxing and having fun on the weekends during one of the best seasons of all – fall!

Related Resources

Huffington Post 8 Early Fall Home Maintenance Tips That Are So Easy!

HomeAdvisor Fall Home Maintenance Checklist