Must-do fall home maintenance projects
As summer winds down and the days get shorter, it’s time to turn your attention to some projects that will ensure your home survives the winter and that you don’t have any unwelcome surprises in the spring. Here are projects that should be done each fall. There are plenty of videos on YouTube and other online resources to help with the easier projects. For complicated projects, hire a licensed contractor and be sure to check referrals and get contracts in writing, including any change orders.
Roof, siding and gutters – Walk around your home and inspect your roof, siding and gutters. Shingles or siding that are damaged should be replaced to prevent water from entering your home and creating an even bigger problem. Gutters should be cleaned thoroughly. For your safety, this should be done from a ladder, not sitting on top of the roof and leaning over. You might consider installing gutter covers at this time to prevent debris from entering the gutters in the future. If your home’s exterior, doors or window frames have peeling paint, scrape it, prime it and repaint now. Now is a good time to clean your windows and siding as well.
Windows and doors – Inspect windows for cracks and replace damaged weather stripping or caulk around windows and doors. Check for drafts. If you feel air coming through, especially on windy days, it might be time to start saving for new windows. While it’s a big upfront investment, energy efficient windows will save you money on your energy bills.
Outdoor water faucets – Never leave a garden hose connected to a faucet in the late fall and winter when temperatures drop near or below freezing. This could lead to a pipe bursting. Some older homes have faucets that need to be drained each fall. This is done by closing the shut-off valve inside the house and opening the faucet to drain the water. Turn off the faucet and repeat the process for each exterior faucet. Drain and store hoses. If you have an in-ground sprinkler system, it, too, must be drained. On some older homes, it’s a good idea to wrap insulation around outdoor faucets and pipes in unheated garages.
Appliances and fireplaces – Grass clippings and leaves can accumulate around central air conditioning units. Clean out the debris and rinse off the screens of the unit with water. If your furnace is old or exhibiting erratic behavior, it should be professionally inspected. If you have a wood burning fireplace, it should be professionally cleaned every three years, or sooner if it is heavily used. Older fireplaces should also be inspected for cracks and damaged flues. Check for frayed cords and wires on appliances, and clean lint from the dryer vent.
Cement and asphalt – If your driveway and sidewalk are showing their age, fill the cracks to prevent further damage. Consider sealcoating your driveway to extend its life.
Decks and patios – Clean and stain or seal your deck in the fall, and clean patios and repair damaged bricks or pavers.
Lawn – Leaves should be raked, and the lawn mowed before winter. Fall is the best time to aerate the lawn. Apply grass seed to bare spots or overseed the entire lawn before the first snowfall for a lush lawn in the spring.
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