With the arrival of autumn, various changes take place in the city. The city becomes more beautiful, the temperature starts to drop, the evenings become more comfortable, and people begin layering their clothes. Additionally, Halloween is approaching and everything seems to revolve around pumpkins. Although the song may mention leaves in the backyard, there are several other significant aspects that accompany this seasonal transition. Therefore, it is essential to remain vigilant and take proactive measures.

In the winter, a well-maintained home not only helps to keep cool air and energy bills at bay, but it also prevents a variety of typical home insurance claims.

If you have recently moved into a house and are unfamiliar with the challenges of autumn, or even if you are experienced but have struggled because of neglect, we have compiled a convenient checklist of all the tasks required to get ready for winter!

1. Repair or Replace Your Roof

It should be understood that winter is not the appropriate season for roof work, thus examining your shingles during the fall is a crucial task for home maintenance. Besides the risks of slipping caused by ice and snow, it is necessary for asphalt shingles to be installed when the temperature ranges between 40 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Failing to do so will cause the shingles to become fragile and cold weather can hinder the adhesive’s ability to adhere to the roof. If you observe any areas on the roof that are missing or peeling, it is advisable to enlist the help of a professional for repairs and create a plan to dispose of the old shingles.

2. Get an Eye on Those Gutters

In order to truly experience autumn, leaves must be present in your backyard. Leaves can be found everywhere, and one of their preferred locations to accumulate is in the gutters of your house. It is important to consistently inspect the gutters during the season and once the leaves cease to fall, perform a thorough maintenance.

It is important to note that as the number of leaves in your gutters increases, the probability of them becoming blocked and causing issues during storms or heavy snowfall also increases. Additionally, it is highly recommended to check that your gutters are directed away from the foundation of your house, as this will greatly benefit the drainage of rainwater and melting snow.

3. Check your Walls and Windows for Gaps

Paying attention to every detail of your home, including the less frequently used areas, can be challenging. Now is an opportune moment to inspect your walls for any gaps or cracks. It is crucial to carefully examine as changes in temperature can distort the wood and have a direct impact on the functionality of windows and doors. Remember not to overlook the basement during this process.

To ensure coverage under your Homeowner Insurance policy, make sure everything is fitted and sealed properly to prevent water from entering through any gaps and causing damage. In the event of rain, if water seeps in due to a gap and causes damage, your provider may deny coverage if they believe regular maintenance could have prevented it.

It is important to consider that during winter, the creatures outdoors may be seeking shelter and food. It is necessary to take precautions to prevent finding unwelcome occupants in your pantry or basement.

4. Clean your Heating System

Why take the risk when you know you’ll need your heating system at full capacity in winter? By keeping the system clean and functional, you not only avoid unforeseen events in your daily life, but also ensure a warmer environment, more efficient energy usage, and most importantly, eliminate the possibility of accidents. It’s worth noting that the failure to maintain your heating system properly may result in a fire, which can lead to denial of insurance coverage.

To maintain the same meaning of the text while rephrasing it step by step: First, it is crucial to regularly check and vacuum the air filters to remove dust and debris. Additionally, it is recommended to replace the filters frequently. The suggested timeframe for changing filters is generally every 90 days, although this may vary depending on the type of filter used and the environmental conditions in your home. For instance, if anyone in your household has respiratory issues like asthma, it is advisable to change the filters every 6 weeks. Similarly, if you have pets, it is better to replace them every 60 days. Factors such as usage frequency, the size of your home, and the air quality in your area should be considered.

Have you installed everything fresh and clean? Seize the chance to contact a professional and have them inspect the system’s functioning to ensure it is prepared for the cold.

5. Avoid Falls and Trips

Make sure to check the sidewalk for cracks and if you come across any, make sure to seal them. It is important to note that small cracks have the potential to enlarge during the winter season as water gets inside and freezes.

To enhance the safety of navigating within your home, ensure that all stairs and handrails are in good condition, verify the stability of railings, and ensure the driveway is well-maintained to ease mobility. Walking from the driveway to the front door can pose a significant challenge when the ground is covered in ice and snow.

By avoiding this type of accident, you not only protect your family but also prevent potential liability proceedings in the event that a future visitor experiences an accident.

6. Prepare your External Plumbing

We have previously discussed how your home insurance typically covers damage resulting from broken pipes and roof leaks. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that your personal property coverage may still provide coverage for damaged items. However, it is wise not to risk it and ensure proper coverage for any potential damages.

Here are a few measures you can take to prevent any unexpected situations:

  • Drain your hoses.
  • Close the external taps.
  • Insulate outer tubes to prevent freezing and bursting.
  • Check for insulation in internal pipes, especially in unheated areas.

7. Stock Up

Create a checklist of items that may come into use during fall and are definitely necessary for the winter. Some instances include salt and a shovel for dealing with snow, as well as fuel for operating a snowblower or firewood in case of owning a fireplace.

By taking incremental steps, seize the chance to gradually obtain these items, while also arranging storage areas and ensuring the availability of essential provisions. Engaging in purchasing prior to the rise in demand can be cost-effective and facilitate the acquisition of preferred brands.

8. Fire Safety

One helpful tip for the whole year is to test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, replacing batteries if needed. It is important to do this as 21% of home fire deaths occur in homes with non-functional smoke alarms. Additionally, be sure to check the expiration date of your fire extinguisher and replace it if necessary.

9. Inspect and Seal Your Deck

J.B. Sassano, president of Mr. Handyman, suggests that performing safety checks on your deck is another essential task for fall home improvement. To determine if your deck needs resealing, Sassano advises walking around it and sprinkling water on various spots. If the water absorbs into the boards, it indicates the need for resealing. Conversely, if water forms puddles or beads up on the deck, it means the deck is effectively repelling water and will remain safe during the winter season.

Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to safeguard your wood deck during colder weather.

  • Check for loose nails and screws. Tighten or replace fasteners as needed.
  • Power wash the deck on a day no colder than 40 degrees.
  • Inspect for cracks or areas that are splintering. Fill cracks with an epoxy wood filler.
  • Add a water-repelling stain to protect from melting ice and snow.

Here’s a helpful tip for fall cleaning:

As you go through the steps, apart from inspecting your deck, autumn presents an ideal opportunity to tidy up your patio furniture. Prior to stowing away or protecting your deck decorations for the winter season, ensure to hose down the furniture and clean or spot treat any cushions, pillows, rugs, and umbrellas.

10. Clean Up Your Driveway and Sidewalk

Ensure your driveway, sidewalk, and walkways are prepared for harsher weather by undertaking the following autumn maintenance tasks: Snow, ice, and salt have the potential to damage concrete and asphalt surfaces.

  • Pull weeds: If grass or weeds have popped up in the cracks of your driveway or sidewalk, pull them out before fixing and sealing the gaps.
  • Repair cracks: When it snows, water can collect in existing cracks and make them worse. Use concrete caulk to patch up hairline cracks and concrete sealer to fix larger gaps.
  • Seal expansion joints: Seal concrete expansion joints with polyurethane caulk to prevent water from seeping in and freezing in the colder months.
  • Clean and seal the surface: Before temperatures drop below 40 degrees, pressure wash your driveway and seal it with a concrete or asphalt sealer to prevent damage from snow and salt.

If there are large or connected cracks, major signs of wear, drainage issues, or if your driveway is over 20 years old, it might be necessary to consider replacing it.

11. Inspect Your Fireplace

Make sure to include clearing out the chimney on your home maintenance checklist for this fall if you have a fireplace. According to Marshall Peters, director of the Certified Chimney Professionals, now is the perfect time to inspect and clean your chimney if it has not been done in the past year, before the heating season.

According to Peters, fireplaces generate combustible deposits that can burn at temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This level of heat is sufficient to damage the chimney liner and potentially ignite your house. To ensure safety, locate a nearby chimney professional who can inspect and clean your fireplace this year.

What is the recommended frequency for cleaning a chimney?

The majority of families will need to clean their fireplace every two to three years. It is important to inspect and clean chimney vents annually, regardless of the fuel used, such as gas, oil, coal, pellets, corn, wood, or others. The type of fuel will determine the specific issues that can arise in the chimney, and the appropriate maintenance required. Due to this, the National Fire Protection Association mandates annual inspections for all chimneys that utilize solid fuels.

12. Test Your HVAC Systems

Avoid being unprepared in the cold weather by including an HVAC check in your fall home checklist. Bob Burkholder, owner and president of Burkholder’s Heating and Air Conditioning, has shared some maintenance tips for you.

Here are some step-by-step tips for fall HVAC maintenance.

  • Check air filters: Replace your air conditioning filter before shutting it down, and stay on top of furnace filter changes throughout the heating months to keep your system working properly.
  • Clean up your outdoor unit: If you have an outdoor unit, double-check for any damage. Remove all debris from around the unit to ensure proper air flow and prevent dirt or leaves from getting on the coils or inside the unit.
  • Schedule a tune-up: he number one thing a homeowner should do to make sure their HVAC system is ready for winter is to schedule a tune-up with a licensed heating and air conditioning contractor. During a tune-up, most HVAC contractors inspect, clean and test all safety controls so you know the equipment is operating correctly and safely.

Are you wondering if your HVAC system is outdated? Find out when to replace your heating systems and take proactive measures against potential problems before winter arrives. Older furnaces may have up to 50% less power compared to newer models, hence, when searching for a replacement, prioritize energy-efficient systems that bear the Energy-Star label.

If you are feeling cold, instead of increasing the heat, try increasing the humidity.

13. Cut and Aerate Your Lawn

To ensure a quick recovery in springtime, clean up your yard now. Your fall yard maintenance tasks should include:

  • One final mow: Cut the grass one last time for the year, bringing it down to about two inches.
  • Aerating: Aerating the lawn helps micronutrients get into the soil and feed the lawn before the colder months.
  • Putting down a pre-emergent: Using a good pre-emergent will prevent weeds from germinating and “stealing” nutrition from the soil over the winter.
  • Applying fertilizer: Lay down a layer of fall fertilizer two to three weeks prior to the first frost.

When tidying up the yard, it is important to watch out for slopes, impacted soil, and runoff erosion in order to avoid yard drainage problems during colder months.

14. Review your Home Insurance Policy

It is important to note that while your standard home insurance may cover various winter-related incidents, there are certain things that may require separate insurance coverage. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your insurance policy adequately addresses all your needs before any unforeseen events occur. This can be achieved by referencing maps that detail flood zones, fire hazards, and other potential risks that your home might be susceptible to.

15. Make Maintenance a Habit

Taking a systematic approach, carry out fall house maintenance to ensure protection during winter, even if your location does not experience extremely harsh winters. Owning a house requires substantial effort as compared to residing in an apartment. Nonetheless, the effort put into maintenance proves worthwhile during long summer days spent outdoors, wouldn’t you agree?

To maintain your home in good working order, it is vital to dedicate time to basic maintenance. This task does not necessarily have to be done only in autumn; it can be more manageable if spread out over time.

After Getting Through Your Fall Checklist, Plan Ahead for Future Seasons

Once you have completed your fall home improvements, you can enjoy a comforting cup of hot apple cider beside the clean fireplace, feeling completely confident in your home. However, as time passes quickly, it is essential to be ready for any fluctuations in climate by referring to our additional seasonal maintenance articles.

Jonathan
Author: Jonathan