Home Maintenance Tasks To Complete Before Winter
The fall brings cooler weather, shorter days, and many fun holidays to celebrate. Before the weather gets too cold and dreary, take care of some essential home maintenance. Here is a list, from the professionals, on what to take on. 
1. Inspect and Clean Gutters and Downspouts
During the fall the leaves change colors and then start to fall to the ground. This means that your gutters can easily become clogged with the falling leaves. Clogged gutters will cause water buildup and damage to your house’s foundation. You want to make sure to clean out all of the debris from your gutters and downspouts this fall.
2. Check the Roof
You do not have to take a ladder and climb up on your roof to inspect it. You can do a visual inspection and look for any loose or damaged shingles. Repairing the loose or damaged shingles will prevent your roof from leaking and water damage.
3. Seal Windows and Doors
The winter time is a time when it is both cold and windy. A home with cool drafts coming through cracks is not good for your comfort or your heating bill. This fall inspect the seals that are around all of your windows and doors. If the sealant looks worn and is coming off, replace and repair it.
4. Service Your Heating System
Having your heating system fail during the cold winter months is not acceptable. Before the cold kicks in, have a professional come and inspect your heating system. They will fix any issues and also perform maintenance such as replacing filters.
5. Chimney and Fireplace Maintenance
This is a serious issue because it can start fires. Make sure that your chimney and flute are clean and in working order. If your chimney is blocked, this is when a fire can happen.
6. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
The fall is a great time to test and replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It is very important for these to work when the power goes out to keep your family safe.
7. Drain and Store Outdoor Hoses and Insulate Pipes
If the temperature drops below freezing, any water left in your hose will freeze and cause damage. Take your hoses in for the winter to extend their lifespan. You will also want to insulate any pipes that are exposed to the outdoor elements. These could freeze and burst and can cause a lot of damage.
8. Lawn Prep and Storage For Outdoor Furniture
You will want to trim back trees and any bushes that are close to your home. Any branches close to your home can cause damage during storms. It is also a good idea to clean and store your outdoor furniture. Doing this will extend your outdoor furniture’s lifespan.
Remember doing these tasks each fall will make a great difference in the safety and maintenance of your home. You want to stay proactive and not just reactive when it comes to taking care of your home during the cold winter season.
