Must-Do Home Maintenance Tips for the Fall

Must-Do Home Maintenance Tips for the Fall

Any time seasons change, it’s a good idea to evaluate your home and perform necessary maintenance. And because of the mild weather, fall is one of the best times to look over your home’s exterior and systems to ensure everything is looking and working as it should.

As a homeowner, you know that it can seem like there’s always something to be done, and trying to stay on top of home maintenance can get overwhelming. If you’re not sure where to start, check out these tips:

Clean The Gutters

One of the first things you should check about your home is the gutters. All drainage areas should be unblocked to reduce the likelihood of roof leaks and other potential issues. While you’re at it, ensure the downspouts are clear of leaves, twigs, and other debris. If you want to simplify the process going forward, consider putting in gutter guards.

This is a job worth hiring a professional for. Gutter professionals not only have the expertise to safely and efficiently clean your gutters but also the necessary tools and equipment. Further, a professional can assess your gutters and notify you of any problems that would necessitate a repair or replacement.

Cleaning your gutters twice a year is generally recommended, but depending on your area, you may be able to get away with doing it once a year or you may need to clean them more often. Typically, gutter cleaning services cost between $106 and $167; but if it’s a big project, it can cost upwards of $350.

Inspect The Roof

Having your roof inspected annually is always a good idea. Roofs endure wear and tear over time and serious issues, such as a leak or other type of damage, can go undetected if you don’t get a licensed professional to examine the roof. A professional would be able to identify crackling, buckling, or curling shingles and advise you on whether you need to repair or replace your roof, ultimately saving you from costlier home maintenance bills in the future. Maintaining the integrity of your roof is critical in protecting your home and family against winter weather and other environmental forces.

Paint The Exterior

If you’ve been wanting to throw a fresh coat of paint on your home’s exterior, there’s no better time than the fall. Mild temperatures and low humidity not only make for a more comfortable time for painters, but it will help the paint adhere better to siding as well. Whether you go with the same color that is on your house now or a completely different hue, take advantage of the opportunity!

Tend To Exterior Pipes

Any water pipes that run along your exterior walls should be wrapped with heating tape in order to conserve energy and keep the pipes from freezing. Another way to keep exterior water pipes from freezing and bursting during winter is to turn off the valves to your hose bibs. Simply let the water run until the pipes are empty and ensure that there’s no water in the pipes that could freeze in low temperatures.

Ger Your HVAC Checked

Your HVAC should be inspected every spring and fall to prepare for upcoming extreme temperatures. Have an HVAC technician evaluate your furnace or heating system so that they can make any repairs necessary. You also want to ensure you’re taking any necessary steps to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your home. And make sure you clean and replace the filters in your system as needed.

Nothing will help make the fall cozier for you and your family than taking care of the necessary home maintenance tasks. Along with considering the tips above, keep researching other ways you can prepare your home for the months ahead and prevent more serious and costly damage down the road. In no time, you’ll be curled up on the couch, hot drink in hand, at peace knowing that your home is in good shape!

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Author: Jackie Waters of hyper-tidy.com