Fall is one of the best times of year to give your home a little extra attention. As temperatures begin to drop across the DC Metro Area, a few simple maintenance projects can help protect your home through the winter and prevent small issues from becoming expensive repairs.
From preparing your heating system to checking for water intrusion, here are some of the fall home maintenance tasks worth putting on your list this season.
1. Schedule Your HVAC Tune Up
Before you turn on the heat for the first time, have your heating system inspected and serviced. A professional can check that everything is operating properly, replace filters and identify potential issues before you need your furnace on a cold night. If you have a heat pump, make sure it is ready to handle the colder months ahead.
2. Check Your Home for Water Intrusion
Fall is a good time to look for signs of water getting into places it should not. Check around windows, doors, the basement and foundation for moisture, staining or musty odors. Pay attention to areas around exterior doors and window wells, where water can collect during heavy rain.
Catching a small leak now is much easier than dealing with water damage later.
3. Give Your Trees and Landscaping a Closer Look
After summer storms and before winter weather arrives, inspect trees around your property for dead or damaged branches. Branches hanging over your roof, driveway or power lines can become a bigger concern when strong winds, ice or snow arrive.
It is also a good time to trim shrubs away from the house and clear leaves from areas where they could block drainage.
4. Protect Your Pipes Before the First Freeze
Outdoor faucets and exposed plumbing can be vulnerable when temperatures drop. Disconnect garden hoses, drain outdoor faucets and make sure exposed pipes are properly insulated.
If you have a vacation home or an older property, take extra care to identify pipes in unheated areas such as garages, crawl spaces and unfinished basements.
5. Inspect Your Fireplace and Chimney
If you use a wood burning fireplace, schedule a professional chimney inspection and cleaning before fireplace season gets underway. Creosote buildup and other issues can create serious safety concerns.
Even if you have not used your fireplace recently, it is worth making sure it is ready before that first cozy fire of the season.
6. Check Your Roof and Attic
You do not need to climb onto your roof to give it a closer look. From the ground, check for missing or damaged shingles, areas that appear uneven and debris collecting around rooflines.
Inside, look at your attic for signs of moisture, daylight coming through the roof or inadequate insulation. Proper insulation and ventilation can help your home stay more comfortable and your heating system work more efficiently.
7. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Fall is a good reminder to test every smoke and carbon monoxide detector in your home. Replace batteries as needed and make sure detectors are located appropriately throughout the house.
If your detectors are older, check the manufacturer’s recommendations for replacement.
8. Prepare Your Lawn
Some of the best work you can do for your lawn happens in the fall. Cooler temperatures and warmer soil create good conditions for overseeding, addressing bare spots and applying fertilizer.
Keep leaves from sitting on the grass for long periods, since a thick layer can block sunlight and moisture from reaching the lawn.
9. Check Your Drainage Before Winter
Walk around your property after a good rain and pay attention to where water collects. Make sure downspouts are directing water away from the foundation and that drainage areas are free of leaves and debris.
Good drainage is especially important as your property heads into a season of rain, snow and freeze and thaw cycles.
10. Make a List of Small Repairs
Fall is also a great time to take care of those little projects you have been putting off. Tighten loose railings, repair cracked caulk around windows and doors, touch up exterior paint and replace worn weatherstripping.
None of these projects may seem urgent on its own, but taking care of them now can help keep your home in better shape throughout the winter.
A Little Fall Maintenance Goes a Long Way
Fall home maintenance does not have to mean spending every weekend working on your house. A little preparation now can help protect your home, improve efficiency and give you a better idea of any repairs that may need attention before winter arrives.
And if you are not sure who to call for a particular project, we are always happy to share recommendations for trusted local vendors we know and work with throughout the DC Metro Area.
