Homeowners

The 7 Top Home Maintenance Tasks Homeowners Need to Do This Fall

Fall is for more than pumpkin patches, festive feasts, and lovely leaves. It’s also a time to ensure you’re on top of your home maintenance.

Getting a few crucial tasks done each autumn ensures that your home is ready for harsher winter weather, inside and out. It also gives you a chance to fix smaller issues before they turn into bigger (and more expensive) maintenance headaches.

“In the fall, you want to complete maintenance projects that will prepare your home for the colder months,” said Scott Kegerreis, owner of Kura Home Services.

Make sure these seven tasks are on your to-do list this fall.

1. Clean your gutters

One of the most important things to do is clean out your gutters before the temperatures dip below freezing.

“After peak leaf fall, clogged gutters can trap moisture and lead to ice dams when temperatures drop,” said Donna Spencer, owner and operator of Fish Window Cleaning. “Those ice blockages can cause serious roof and water damage. We recommend homeowners clean out their gutters now to avoid costly repairs later."

You can clean your own gutters with a sturdy ladder, some gloves, and a trash bag. Simply scoop out debris into the garbage.

Prefer not to get your hands dirty? Use a reputable gutter cleaning service instead.

2. Heating system tune-up

Don’t let your heater break down right when it’s needed the most.

Instead, set aside some time for an inspection and tune-up to catch any issues before your furnace starts working overtime in the colder weather.

An inspection may save you money in the long run, too, as you’ll have the chance to address little repairs before they snowball into big ones. 

3. Check on outdoor lights

It’s easy to notice when an indoor lightbulb goes out. But make sure your outdoor lights are still burning bright, too.

“With more [holiday] guests arriving and daylight fading earlier, you want to make sure your sidewalks and entrances are well-lit and welcoming,” said Spencer.

Check that each light has a working lightbulb and change out bulbs as needed. While you’re at it, take some time to wipe away any cobwebs, dust, or grime that’s built up on those outdoor lights as well.

4. Look for leaks

Don’t forget to inspect your home for leaks this fall. Leaks can let in cold air and moisture, neither of which are welcome in the chillier months.

Check your roof for any loose shingles or gaps in vents that could let in the elements. Search for drafts near doors and add weather stripping, if needed.

Leaks can also be found around electrical panels or utility connections, along with the caulk and weather stripping that surrounds windows.

5. Clean windows and add film

Remember to clean windows each fall.

“October is the ideal time to clean your windows, inside and out,” said Spencer. “Once winter sets in, it’s harder to access exterior windows safely, and dirty glass blocks the precious natural light we all crave during shorter days.”

Another window to-do is adding window insulating film. This traps heat and reduces heat loss, reducing your energy bill in the process.

6. Check on walkways

Fall is a good time to make walkway repairs. Foliage that may have obscured any damage will have started to die back. And it hasn’t gotten cold enough yet for ice to make its way into any cracks and expand them, either.

Walkway repairs in the fall are a safety must, too. Damaged, uneven walkways are more likely to be a tripping and slipping hazard when covered in ice.

7. Inspect your fireplace

Before you light that first fire of the season, make sure your fireplace is safe to use.

Check the masonry around the fireplace to make sure it’s in good shape. It doesn’t hurt to check that the firebox doesn’t have any crumbling or cracking as well.

Take a look up the flue to ensure that it's not obstructed and check that the damper still opens and closes correctly.

Kegerreis recommends cleaning your fireplace and chimney, too. If you notice any issues in your inspection or cleaning, don’t use the fireplace. Call a professional to get it repaired first.