10 Things To Do Around The Home This Fall

Author ProRinger Author - Oct 29, 2018

Maintenance

Summertime has come to a close and we are entering into the fall months. We have compiled a list of projects that you should consider completing before winter. Seasonal maintenance is very important and vital to the overall up keep of your property.

Clean flush secure and inspect gutters

It is important to regularly check the gutter system on your property. Clean out the debris so that the gutters and downspouts do not come blocked and potentially cause damage. Flush the gutters and check joints for leaks. Repair any areas that may be leaking. Verify that your gutter system is securely fastened to the property. If the gutters discharge above ground, be sure to have them discharge away from the perimeter of the property. If the water is running onto a sidewalk or driveway, note that in the winter this will become a slip hazard.

Inspect the exterior siding

It is important to inspect the exterior siding on a regular basis. Check for cracking, open access points and organic growth. If you find cracks in the siding or openings that you are unsure about, contact a licensed general contractor for more guidance.

Test smoke detectors

Replace the batteries - Smoke alarms save lives. If there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to exit the premises. Having a working smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in half. Almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

Inspect windows and doors

Now that the hot and humid weather of summer is giving way to the cooler temperatures of the coming season, it's time to prepare your home for the seasonal change. Sealing the air leaks around your home windows and doors is a simple chore that can help prevent drafty cold spots in your house, which means you can save money on your monthly utility bills.

Paint the exterior

If you did not get to put on a fresh coat of paint during the summer months, fall is a great time to paint the exterior of your home. Improved paint technology lets you push down as low as 35 degrees F (as long as you buy that type of paint). In Northern states, stop around November. In Southern states, stop around December.

Inspect the roof

Make a habit of taking a good look at your roof in the autumn, before a long winter sets in. Roofing material, like anything else, is subject to wear and tear, and is your first line of defense from the elements. Because every region of the Country has different weather patterns, it is a good idea to know what to look for and what to expect when it comes to caring for your roof. A roof that is neglected can cost you much more than what it normally would in terms of damaged roof boards, studs, and even interior ceilings and walls.

Weatherproof your exterior water valves

This is a very simple task and may help prevent a frozen or even busted pipe. You can pick up these weather covers from just about any major retailer.

Schedule inspection for your wood burning fireplace

It is recommended to have your chimney swept once a year by a licensed chimney sweep professional if you use a wood burning fireplace. They will inspect the liner and clean any build up from within the chimney. They will be able to inspect the chimney cap and other important areas that need to be inspected.

Schedule annually maintenance for furnace

Always hire a licensed HVAC tech – Annaul maintenance is recommended by the manufacturer and if you pay for a home warranty, usually it is a requirement. A tech will clean the system and ensure it is ready for the cold. They also inspect the internal components such as the heat exchanger. If a heat exchanger is cracked it is potentially deadly.

Inspect the attic

This is a great time of the year to climb in the attic and check for leaks, pest and mold growth. If your ventilation is not adequate (if birds have built a nest in the roof vents this could lead to improper ventilation) it could cause serious problems. Shingle blistering and mold growth are common when an attic is not properly ventilated.

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