Your home is a huge investment — an investment you’ll want to protect for the long haul.
The fall season means temperatures start to dip down, trees begin shedding their leaves as early as October. This can spell trouble for your house if you don’t stay on top of your exterior home maintenance.
That means proper maintenance is key. Completing a few seasonal chores can help you extend the life span of your home while also cutting down on repair and renovation costs.
Want to make sure you’re keeping your home in tiptop condition? Then don’t skip these six must-do fall maintenance tasks:
1. Clean out the gutters or inspect them.
Your gutters have withstood the intense summer rains, now it’s time to make sure they’re up to the task for the fall season. When gutters get clogged with leaves and debris, water can’t drain properly. This might lead to standing water on your roof or eaves, which can cause significant and costly damage over time. To clean your gutters, follow these steps:
- Start cleaning your gutters near a downspout
- Remove the larger debris like sticks and leaves
- Flush out the rest of the dirt with a hose
This is a seasonal task, ensuring water is diverted away from your home. Failing to keep your gutters clean can mean interior walls are subject to damage from moisture, or cracks in your home’s foundation.
2. Inspect the exterior siding and clean properly
Your exterior siding inspection should include an in-depth cleaning according to the types of siding you have. While it may be tempting to rent a power washer and blast away the dirt and grime of the summer months, there are several ways high-power water streams can damage your home’s exterior. For instance, it can strip paint from the material, loosen caulking creating space for air and moisture, as well as force water into the space between your siding and wood framing.
3. Check for doors and window air leaks
Also, check for (and seal) air leaks around windows and doors. Leaks in these areas can make it hard to control your home’s climate and, as winter approaches, that could mean sky-high heating and gas bills. It could also make your home pretty uncomfortable year-round.
4. Inspect your Roof
Inspect your roof. At the very least, your roof needs an annual inspection. Even small leaks or missing shingles can cause big problems like water damage, mold, mildew, and more.
5. Check the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These vital safety devices should always be in good working condition. Put them in test mode and make sure they’re all functioning properly. Batteries will usually need to be replaced every six months to a year.
6. Furnace Inspection
Have your furnace inspected. If you heat your home with a gas-powered furnace, you’ll want the unit inspected at least once per year. Furnaces can pose serious fire and safety hazards if they’re not functioning properly.
7. Paint your home’s exterior
The lower humidity and cooler temperatures of the fall are an opportune time to paint your home. A fresh coat of paint is a great way to boost your home’s curb appeal (a driving factor in the selling/renting rate of most homes)!
It won’t take long to check these tasks off your list, and the payoff is well worth the effort.
Considering buying a new home? Have questions about your home’s value? Get in touch today.