Fall is an excellent time to get your house in shape before winter arrives. Outdoor work can be tough during the winter because of cold temperatures and shorter days. It makes sense to handle fall home maintenance tasks before the weather gets harsh.
Inspect the Roof
The roof protects your home, family, and belongings from the elements. If it’s in disrepair, water can seep beneath the materials and cause damage. Look for warning signs like missing or damaged shingles and algae growth on the roof. If you have any questions, call an expert to assess the state of your home’s roof. If repairs need to be done, it will be easier to perform them during fall than in the winter.
Detach Garden Hoses From Faucets
Leaving garden hoses attached can trap water in exterior faucets and pipes. If temperatures drop, the water may freeze and cause burst pipes. Prevent damage by removing the garden hose from the faucet and using the shut-off valve to stop the water supply. As an extra measure, drain garden hoses and store them indoors to prevent them from being damaged during the winter.
Home Maintenance Includes Checking for Drafts in Fall
Inspect your home for drafty windows and doors. If you identify areas with air leaks, apply weatherstripping to minimize drafts. Weatherstripping keeps your home warmer and reduces energy costs.
Examine the Furnace
Make sure your furnace is in good condition by scheduling an appointment with a heating and cooling expert to have it inspected. Your HVAC filter should be changed every 30-90 days. If you haven’t changed yours in a while, fall is a great time to install a new filter.
Fall Home Maintenance: Fertilize Your Lawn
While it may sound counterintuitive to fertilize your lawn during the fall, the cooler days are a perfect time to do so. Fertilizer helps the grass grow deep roots and build up stores for winter. In spring, it will look healthy and green.
Purchase Supplies for Winter
Obtaining supplies during the winter can be challenging, especially if you live in a cold region with heavy snow. That’s why fall is the best time to purchase the things you’ll need for winter. Stock up snow shovels, ice scrapers, pet-safe ice melt, and emergency supplies. If you’re in an area that experiences frequent power outages, keep non-perishable food on hand and make sure you have plenty of firewood to keep your home warm.
Maintaining Exterior Lights
As the days get shorter and the nights longer, you’ll depend more on outdoor lighting for security and ambiance. Test all outdoor lights to verify they are working and replace bulbs if necessary.
Fall Home Maintenance Projects
If you don’t have a regular fall home maintenance routine, this year is a great time to start one. A routine helps you accomplish major household tasks before the weather makes them more difficult to achieve.
St. James Home Services offers home inspections in Durham, NC, and the surrounding areas. Contact us to schedule an appointment.