To keep your home in great shape throughout the fall season we’ve put together a list of the 9 most helpful fall home maintenance tips every homeowner should follow!
1. Check for leaks
Watch for changes in your water meter that can indicate you may have a leak. Examine each of the toilets in your home. Add a few drops of dark food coloring inside the toilet tank, wait about 30 minutes without flushing the toilet. After the 30 minutes have passed, look to see fi the dye has made its way into the bowl. If it has, then it may be a worn-out flapper valve that you can easily replace from a hardware store.
Check your shower heads, drains, sinks, and faucets and reseal or replace these before more serious issues occur if you notice water around these areas or cracked grout.
2. Clean out your gutters
Clean out your gutters and clear them of any leaves and debris that piled up during the summer storm season. If you need some guidance on how to properly clean out your gutters, make sure to check out our step-by-step gutter maintenance guide.
3. Inspect your roof
Your roof is your home’s first level of defense against major weather threats, so keeping it in quality shape is very important. Inspect your roof for missing and loose shingles. If you discover any issues, call a professional to help make necessary repairs immediately to prevent additional damage.
4. Replace smoke detector batteries
Replace the batteries in all of your smoke detectors and then test one throughout your home to make sure they are working properly. Remember that it’s not enough to merely press the “Test Button.” We recently debunked that popular smoke detector myth.
5. Check and replace filters
Keep your HVAC system running at a proper performance level by changing furnace and air conditioning filters. Frequently replacing these filters will also have a significant impact on your home’s air quality.
6. Check and clean the dryer vent
You probably clean out your lint trap after every dryer cycle, but did you know that lint could get stuck inside the dryer vent? Check your dryer vent and use a wet-dry vacuum hose to suck out any trapped lint. Call a professional if you need assistance! This should be done every 1-2 years.
7. Maintain your swimming pool
Make sure to clean your pool thoroughly. Clean out debris traps every few days to prevent leaves and dirt from building up and clogging your pool’s filtration system. If you rarely use your pool at this time of the year, consider covering your pool. Remove any pool toys from the water and detach the ladders and handrails before covering.
8. Exterior repairs
Take a walk around your property to inspect your roof, siding, and foundation. Look for any damages and repair as needed. Look for any small gaps where critters could enter your home. The smallest crack can welcome a ton of un-wanted guests into your home. Call an exterminator if you notice pests or nests.
9. Care for your yard
If you have trees or shrubs on your property you should trim them and clean up your yard. Rake up your yard and cut your grass for a fresh look. Fertilize your lawn to prevent any winter damage to your grass. By trimming trees you can help keep them healthy! Learn more about trimming trees here.
Tackling these tasks is essential for every homeowner to keep their home and family safe this fall going into the winter months. Get started today – your home and family will thank you!