Monthly Fall Maintenance Checklist for Your Home!

Photo Credit: elenathewise at fotolia

This is a Guest Post by Paul Kazlov. I only share information with my readers that I find interesting, helpful or fun! Enjoy!

The start of the fall is a great time to do maintenance on your home. There may have been damage caused by strong summer storms that you’re unaware of. And you want to be sure your house is sealed up tight before the winter weather arrives. Plus, the cool autumn temperatures are great for working outside.

Follow this fall maintenance checklist to ensure you cover all your bases:

• Look for Peeling Paint – Peeling paint is not only unsightly, it also means the paint is no longer protecting the siding underneath. Now is the time to repaint or upgrade to a more durable siding material.
• Clean the Gutters – Gutters that are clogged with leaves allow destructive ice dams to form in your gutter once temperatures drop. Clear the gutters of all debris,and check out what kind of condition they are in. Clean gutters that are worn out will still cause you problems.
• Caulk the Windows – Even minor gaps between your exterior walls and windows can allow lots of heated air to escape and lots of frigid air to flow in. Caulk up these gaps before winter to cut your heating bills and eliminate cold spots in your home.
• Inspect the Roof – The wind, rain, and humidity of the summer months is hard on a roof. If it has become damaged it will not protect your home from the snow, ice, and arctic gusts of winter. Inspect the roof early in the fall, and invest in any necessary repairs/replacements before the problems get worse.
• Check the Furnace – You want your furnace to kick on just as soon as the temperatures start to drop. Have an HVAC expert inspect your furnace in advance to confirm that it’s ready for a full season of work.
• Seal the Driveway – When water freezes it expands, which can turn a small crack in your driveway into a miniature canyon. Before that becomes a concern, check the area for any cracks, and patch them up with driveway filler and a commercial sealer.
• Reverse Your Ceiling Fans – This simple but necessary step has a big impact on the comfort of your home. Make sure your fans spin clockwise so that they draw hot air upwards and redistribute it throughout your living spaces.
• Prep Your AC – If you have window units, remove them as soon as the hot temperatures are gone for good. If you have a central AC unit outside, cover it with a specialized cover to prevent rust or damage during the winter.
• Clean Yard Care Equipment – Before you put your lawn mower and edger away for good, drain the gas out and give them a good cleaning. Then make sure your snow blower or shovel are ready for winter.
• Ready Your Deck – Since you are unlikely to use your deck during the winter, cover or store all your furniture, and empty the soil out of any pots. Then survey the area for any damage that needs attention.

The time and money you spend addressing basic maintenance during the fall will save you a lot next spring. If there is any job you don’t have the equipment, skills, or desire to handle on your own, seek out a contractor who can help you get your home ready for winter and beyond.

Bio: Paul Kazlov is a “green” home remodeling enthusiast and an industry pioneer for innovation in home renovation. Paul writes for the Global Home Improvement blog and strives to educate people about “green” products such as metal roofing and solar. Follow him on Twitter @PaulKazlov.