Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
Spraggins Home Inspections would like to share a Fall Home Maintenance Checklist that can be followed to ensure your home is ready for the cooler weather autumn brings. It is not necessary to complete all of these tasks at once, rather use this checklist as a guide to get a head start on the work. Regular home maintenance will save you money and could even save your life!
Prevent Water Freezing: Remove water hoses and protect standard outside faucets before the first hard freeze. Some homes utilize freeze-resistant (frost-free) hose bibbs that require little to no maintenance, but even frost-free spigots can break if hoses are not removed.
Gutters and Downspouts: Clean and check rain gutters and downspouts. Leaf debris holds water, which is heavy and can cause gutters to sag and detach from the fascia. When it freezes, full gutters can cause ice dams to form which can damage your roof.
Water and Your Foundation: Excess water should be moved away from your home’s foundation because saturated ground cannot support the same weight as dry ground. Downspouts should direct rain water away from the home foundation. Any negative grading should be corrected to facilitate drainage away from the home.
Cracks and Holes: Check the exterior of your home for cracks and holes that would allow wind, water, or pests to enter. However, some are necessary- never seal the spaces between bricks known as weep holes or the holes at the bottom of modern windows or doors. These holes need to be open to provide drainage and ventilation.
Exterior Painting: Cooler weather is a great time for painting of a home’s exterior since wood surfaces will tend to be the driest after warm summer weather. It is important to note that horizontal surfaces will hold water and take far longer to dry out after rain occurs.
Roof: Check for damaged or loose roof shingles. Now is a good time to have small repairs done.
Trees and shrubs: Trim limbs and shrubs away from the roof and walls of your home. Limbs are constantly moving and abrading siding and roofing materials. Shrubs and close trees inhibit air flow and increase the moisture around the home envelope. Any limbs touching utility wires should be removed by a qualified professional.
Tight Seals: Weather-strip your garage door. Make sure the seal between your garage door and the floor is water-tight to prevent drafts and unwanted pests. Check all other doors and windows for a tight seal.
Air Conditioners: Remove window units. After disconnecting the power, vacuum internal parts of air conditioners and remove units from windows. Clear vegetation from around your air conditioner condenser to prolong the life of the unit.
Yard Equipment: Clean yard equipment and prepare items for storage. It is important to drain fuel from all gas-operated equipment (lawn mowers, leaf blowers, chain saws, etc.).
Railings and Stairs: Check the supports on porches, balconies, and decks. Make sure handrails are strong enough to support someone slipping/falling.
Prevent Damage and Rot: Probe the wood trim around windows, doors, railings and decks. Make repairs before rain increases damage to exposed wood.
Inspect concrete slabs for signs of cracks or movement. All exterior pavements should drain water away from the home’s foundation. Fill cracks with a suitable crack-filler or caulk. When weather permits, power-wash and then seal the concrete/asphalt.
Firewood: Firewood should be stored off the ground and at least two feet from the structure. Remove/relocate any firewood stored against the home.
HVAC: Have your heating system serviced by a licensed heating (HVAC) contractor. Some service companies may offer start-up maintenance specials. Services include cleaning and replacing filters, inspecting the unit to ensure protection from carbon-monoxide poisoning, and checking for efficiency. If you have your furnace/heating system serviced regularly, it will be more efficient, less likely to fail, and should last longer.
Insulation: Check your attic for insulation levels and any damage by workers and/or rodents. Rodents sometimes chew wires and can create fire hazards. Low insulation levels can lead to over-stressing heating appliances and energy loss.
Kitchen Appliances/Bathrooms: Clean or self-clean the oven in preparation for seasonal cooking/baking. Vacuum condenser coils in the back of your refrigerator. Clean your kitchen exhaust hood regularly. Clean bathroom fans.
Ceiling Fans: Change the direction of ceiling fans to create an upward draft that redistributes warm air down from the ceiling level.
Power Cords: Check for worn power cords and replace them immediately. Never use “permanent” extension cords.
Fire Safety: Change the batteries often in smoke alarms and carbon-monoxide detectors. This is not to be taken lightly as these devices are designed to save your life and that of your family. Ensure you have a reliable fire extinguisher. Refer to our Fire Safety Checklist for more tips to prevent fire in your home!
If you have any questions about home maintenance or wish to schedule a Home Maintenance Inspection performed by a licensed professional, contact us at Spraggins Home Inspections today! (828)482-7239
