Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
Fall is officially here! Time to pull out your favorite sweater, indulge in all things pumpkin spice, and prep your home for colder weather. Here is your fall home maintenance checklist from Kiser Construction.
1. Check Your Roof
Make sure your roof is ready to hold this winter’s snowfall by inspecting it for damage. No ladder required! Simply use a pair of binoculars or a telephoto camera lens to check out your roof from the ground. If you notice anything out of sorts, schedule for repairs to be made before the snow flies.
2. Clean Gutters & Downspouts
Clearing your gutters and downspouts can help prevent ice dams from forming over the winter. Clogs in your gutters and downspouts prevent water from flowing away from your house, so it’s best to clean them at least twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall.
3. Seal Air Leaks
Keep the cold air out and the warm air in this winter. Caulking, installing a door sweep, or applying self-adhesive weatherstripping will seal any gaps that are letting air through your windows and doors.
4. Check Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
It’s recommended to check once a month that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. You should also get in the habit of replacing their batteries every time you change your clocks for daylight savings time.
5. Sweep & Inspect Chimney
Have your chimney professionally swept and inspected at least once a year. Even if you have a gas fireplace, you should have the chimney and flue inspected for blockages that could potentially cause a chimney fire. A professional should also inspect gas lines and vents for leaks and make repairs as needed.
6. Clean & Inspect Furnace
It’s also recommended to have your furnace professionally inspected and cleaned once a year. Have this done before you start regularly running your furnace to make sure it can stand the test of another Minnesota winter.
7. Winterize Outdoor Faucets
To avoid frozen pipes over the winter, you should prep your outdoor faucets for the incoming cold weather. Winterizing outdoor faucets is an easy four-step project:
Step 1) Locate the shut off valve(s) for these faucets (usually found in the basement), then turn the valve(s) off.
Step 2) Head outside and remove hoses from all faucets.
Step 3) Open up the faucets to drain any remaining water from the pipes.
Step 4) Cover faucets for an extra layer of protection. Insulated outdoor faucet covers can be purchased from any hardware store.
8. Prep Lawn
Raking leaves in the fall prevents fungus and grass suffocation. A heavy layer of leaves left on your lawn over this winter can smother your grass and prevent new growth come springtime. Fertilizing your lawn will also help nourish the grass, preparing it for when the ground freezes.
9. Clean & Store Lawn Equipment
It’s recommended to empty any leftover gas and remove spark plugs from your lawn mower before storing it for the winter. You should also rinse rakes, shovels, and other gardening tools so they’re clean and ready to go next spring.
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