Before the weather grows colder it’s important to prepare for the winter months to prevent costly damage. Below are the fall preventative home maintenance steps that every homeowner should follow.
Gutters and Downspouts
- Clean gutters and downspouts frequently throughout fall to prevent build up of leaves and other debris. Neglected gutters can lead to wood rot problems and pest infestations, not to mention ruined gutters.
- Be sure 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.
The damages caused by wet weather in fall can have serious repercussions for home and business owners alike. Not only can water ruin your foundations leading you to need foundation inspections to ensure the safety and structural integrity of your property, if left untreated, it can also lead to damp and the formation of mold which can have serious health implications. For this reason, if your property has been damaged by inclement weather, it is in your best interest to reach out to a home repair and water damage specialist. Do you live in Austin, Texas? If so, and If you need a fix fast, these SERVPRO water damage experts can help. For more information, go to servproeastcentralaustin.com.
Windows and Doors
- Change summer screens to cool weather storm windows and doors.
- Inspect and repair any loose or damaged window or door frames.
- If you have an AiA Industries skylight, or any other type of skylight, ensure it is clean, in good working order and also check it is not letting in any unwanted drafts.
- Install weather stripping or caulking around windows and doors to prevent drafts and to lower heating bills.
Heating Systems
- Replace the filter in your furnace.
- Consider having a heating professional, like someone from Boulden Brothers, 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.
Plumbing
- To prevent pipes freezing and bursting, ensure that the pipes are well insulated.
- Know how to locate and turn off the water shut-off valve in case pipes do freeze.
Chimney and Fireplace
- Call a professional in to 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.
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 actually growing deeper to prepare for winter. Now 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.
**This article was provided by HomeAdvisor.
