You can preserve the value of your home and prevent major repair costs by regularly performing home maintenance tasks. Have a maintenance schedule for each season. If you live in a part of the country subject to extreme temperature changes and potential heavy precipitation, FALL is the time to prepare your home for the upcoming winter season.
Below are some helpful hints for basic home maintenance that will help ward off wintertime problems:
Inspect the roof. Check for any missing or broken shingles. Make sure flashing around vent pipes, skylights, and the chimney is secure. You may want to hire a professional roofer if repairs are needed.
Clean the chimney and fireplace. Hire a chimney sweep to clean and inspect the firebox and chimney. If you don't use your fireplace more than a few times a year, you can probably do this every couple of years instead of annually. If you have recently moved into a home where the fireplace has been previously used it would be wise to have it inspected before you use it the first time.
Unclog the gutters. Ensure the channels and downspouts are clear of leaves, dirt and any other debris. Make sure that the downspouts funnel water away from the foundation. Replace broken or deteriorating gutters or downspouts.
Inspect the foundation. Look for any indications of water damage. Make sure the dirt around the house is graded to drain water away from the foundation. If you have an underground drainage system or sump pump, make sure it is operating properly.
Check the heating system. Change filters. Filters should be checked monthly and replaced if dirty. Check registers and ducts for blockages. Hire a professional to inspect your furnace for leaks and burner efficiency. Regularly dust registers and intake grills using your vacuum's crevice tool.
Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. A great reminder is the end of daylight savings time. Change the batteries when you set your clocks back.
Insulate. Replace or add new caulk or weather stripping around doors or windows. Check the spaces between the foundation and siding, and wherever bricks and wood make contact. These flexible sealants will degrade over time. Make sure your attic has sufficient insulation. Most areas require at least six inches of insulation material.
Shut off the outdoor water supply after the first freeze. In areas where temperatures drop below freezing in the winter, shut off the outdoor water supply. If you have an automatic sprinkler system make sure the lines are drained. Drain garden hoses an store them indoors.
Winterize your windows. If you have window units or doors with combination screen/storm windows, remove screens, wash and store, and install the storm windows. Remove window air-conditioning units or cover them with an insulated cover.
Prepare your yard. Rake leaves and add them to the compost heap. This is the season to prune trees and shrubs. Mow and fertilize the lawn. Check with your local lawn and garden store for the type of fertilizer recommended for your climate. Store patio furniture, summer sports equipment, and garden tools. You should plant spring bulbs and divide and replant perennials.
Lubricate hinges. Apply oil to door and window hinges. Don't forget garage doors. Check your garage doors for proper alignment and operation.
Clean the garage. Move anything that might freeze indoors, such as paint, caulk, and adhesives. Discard hazardous materials (such as paints and solvents) according to local rules; call your local waste-disposal department for information. Place winter tools in an easy to find location. Towards the end of fall, dig out the snow shovels, brooms, or snow blower so you will be ready to transition to Winter.
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