Want to make sure your home is ready for Winter? Run through this simple fall home maintenance check list that ensures you are setting your home and your family up for success.
Exterior Maintenance
- Check foundation for cracks. You don’t want water coming into your home, freezing, and expanding any existing cracks and creating mold. If you find a small crack, depending on where it is located, you can seal it with caulk, quick setting cement, or epoxy and keep an eye out that it doesn’t continue to expand. For larger cracks call a professional.
- Make sure your roof is in good shape. Inspect for any missing or loose shingles -or- call a professional to come and do a quick inspection. You should also look for any damage done to the metal flashing around vents and chimneys. The last thing you want is a leaky roof come winter.
- Clean out your gutters. Check gutters and downspouts for any loose debris that can cause a backup. Gutters are your first defense to make sure water is directed away from your home and its foundation. A clogged gutter can cause water backups and overflow leading to water ponding/freezing around your foundation and ice on your sidewalk come winter.
- Cover/drain your pool. Check your pool cover for any damage and replace if necessary. For your seasonal above ground pools, be sure to drain and let everything dry out before storing away for the winter.
- Drain irrigation systems & remove watering hoses from faucets. Turn off the water valves and shut off any automatic controller to your sprinkler system and outdoor faucets. Make sure to remove all hoses that are still connected to avoid internal freezing and cracking of pipe faucets. Drain any lingering water inside your hose and hang inside your garage or shed.
- Lawn Care. Fall is the best time to fertilize your lawn. Make sure all leaves are raked up and don’t forget to winterize any small trees or shrubs. Now is also the perfect time to prune any overgrown trees and plants.
Interior Maintenance
- Replace batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. October is Fire Prevention Month making it the perfect time to check and make sure all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are functional and have fresh batteries.
- Have your fireplace/woodstove inspected. Clean and inspect your glass door and make sure the gasket has a tight seal. Inspect chimney for any clogs or buildup that may need cleaning. Check your flue for any bird’s nest/blockage or creosote buildup. Calling for a professional chimney cleaning every so often helps ensure your home and health won’t suffer from any smoke backup or chimney fires.
- Change your furnace filters. Filters are your first line of defense to keep dust and dander from circulating inside your home. Clogged filters creates strain on your furnace causing it to stop working properly. You should be changing these out or cleaning them every few months.
- Have your furnace inspected. This doesn’t cost much to have a HVAC specialist come and make sure your furnace is running at peak performance. However, it can cost you a lot if you don’t have it inspected and then something breaks.
- Check windows for air leaks. Heat loss through windows accounts for roughly 25% of your homes heat loss. If you can feel cold air flowing around your windows, it’s time to start thinking about investing in new windows. A temporary fix is to get some window film coverings to help get you through the winter.
- Ceiling Fans. Did you know you can change the direction of your ceiling fans to create an updraft which helps to circulate the warm air above and the cold air below?
Keep this easy to do checklist around every fall to ensure your home is ready to keep you and your family safe. Best wishes on a safe and healthy home this fall and winter season.
Vander Meulen Builders
Your Local Custom Home Builder & Whole Home Remodeler
(616) 396-3448
