As the leaves change, it’s time for homeowners to start getting ready for the colder months ahead. Fall home maintenance isn’t only about keeping cozy during winter but also protects your biggest investment and helps you save money on energy bills.
Our comprehensive fall maintenance checklist will guide you through the major tasks you must complete to prepare your home for the upcoming winter.
Sealing up Your Home
Creating a weather-tight home is key for comfort and efficiency throughout the winter. Sealing gaps and cracks can dramatically improve energy efficiency, safeguard against drafts, and increase warmth indoors.
Identifying Problem Areas
Inspect the perimeter of the home for leaks before sealing. Key areas to check include:
- Around door and window frames
- Gaps surrounding electrical outlets, phone lines, and outdoor faucets
- The area around the heating and cooling units
- Seals around room air conditioners
- Corners formed by siding
- Openings around drain pipes in bathrooms and kitchens
Use a flashlight and a mirror to inspect hard-to-see areas, or enlist a helper to hold a sheet of paper near door frames and windows to see if the paper moves with potential drafts.
Caulking Tips
Once you’ve identified problem areas, it’s time to seal them up. We recommend caulking around windows and doors. Here’s a detailed guide to caulking:
- Surface preparation: Remove dirt, loose paint, and old caulk from the surface. Use a putty knife or a scraper for stubborn residues to help the new caulk adhere properly.
- Choosing the right caulk: Select the caulk based on the crack size and surrounding material. Silicone-based caulks are generally more flexible and weather-resistant, making them a good choice for exteriors.
- Cutting the tube tip: Cut the caulk tube’s tip at a 45-degree angle so the opening matches the gap’s size. Securely insert the caulk tube into the caulking gun.
- Applying the caulk: Break the caulk tube’s inner seal using a long nail or a puncture tool. Apply a uniform bead of caulk to the gap, moving steadily to cover both sides and fill the crack.
- Smoothing the caulk: Before the bead sets, smooth it with a wetted finger or a caulk-smoothing tool to provide a neat finish and press the caulk deeply into the gaps for maximum effectiveness.
- Storage: Insert a tight-fitting nail in the end of the caulk tube to prevent drying out.
Applying Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is another effective method for sealing joints where two surfaces meet, such as around windows and doors. Benefits vary by weatherstripping type. For example:
- Tape: It generally lasts about a year and is best for windows or doors you don’t plan to open. It’s economical and easy to install but might need frequent replacement.
- Felt: It offers a lifespan of 1 to 2 years and is ideal for the tops or sides of window or door frames. Felt is less durable in high-moisture areas.
- Foam: Foam weatherstripping has a similar longevity to felt. It works well on window sashes or around warped doors due to its compressibility.
- Vinyl tubing: Vinyl is suitable for windows and doors and lasts around 5 years. It effectively withstands heavy use and temperature fluctuations.
When applying weatherstripping, clean and dry the surfaces for good adhesion. Measure accurately before cutting to avoid waste and gaps. Focus on creating a continuous seal that prevents air leakage.
Inspecting and Repairing the Roof
A thorough roof inspection helps prevent costly water damage during winter months. High winds, heavy snow, and ice can exacerbate existing roof problems.
Checking for Damage
Look for signs of minor damage, such as:
- Missing, broken, or cracked shingles
- Curling shingles
- Bare spots where the granular coating has worn off
If roof access is difficult or dangerous, use binoculars or a drone to scan for problems.
Making Repairs
If you’re comfortable with ladder work, you can do the following:
- Use roofing cement in caulking tubes to seal small cracks and holes. Apply it smoothly and allow it to cure based on the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Glue down curled shingles with roofing cement. Weigh them down with brick or block until the adhesive sets.
- Replace missing or extensively damaged shingles immediately to prevent water damage. Choosing shingle colors and shingle types that match is usually the safest choice.
Consult a professional roofing contractor to help with more extensive damage or if you’re unsure about DIY repairs.
Gutter Maintenance
Clean, functional gutters help prevent water damage to foundations and basements during winter thaws. Clogged gutters can overflow and damage your siding and yard.
Cleaning Gutters
Wear gloves and protective eyewear when cleaning your gutters. Remove all debris using a gutter scoop or a small garden trowel so water can drain properly. Gutter guards can significantly reduce buildup and maintenance frequency.
Repairing Gutters
Inspect and tighten any loose gutter segments and brackets. Check for rust or corrosion and replace sections as needed. Verify that all downspouts are securely attached and direct water away from the foundation. Adding extensions or French drains can improve water redirection and protect against related settling issues.
Landscaping Preparation
Proper fall landscaping maintenance can prevent damage to your home and improve your yard’s appearance come spring.
Trimming Trees and Bushes
Trimming back trees and hedges will:
- Improve the appearance of shrubbery, encouraging fuller growth when spring arrives
- Prevent potential safety hazards from falling branches, especially those that may impact homes, cars, or pathways when storms come
- Reduce spring cleanup by minimizing debris
Focus first on removing dead or diseased limbs to prevent rot. Next, shape the plants as desired using hand tools such as pruners, hedge trimmers, and lopping shears. This not only strengthens tree health but helps mitigate pest infestations.
Fertilizing the Lawn
Fall is an ideal time to fertilize your lawn, giving the grass nutrients for vigorous winter root growth. A soil test can help you understand your yard’s nutrient needs and effectively tailor fertilizer selection.
We typically recommend a fertilizer rich in nitrogen and phosphorus for most grass types and regions. Benefits of fall fertilization include:
- Improved disease resistance, creating a greener, healthier lawn
- Enhanced root strength and better durability against freezing temperatures
- Faster green-up in early spring thanks to healthy, deep roots
Use a spreader for precise application and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid over-concentration, which can create “burn” lawn patches.
Winterizing Outdoor Equipment
Properly storing outdoor equipment like your lawn mower guarantees it’ll be ready for use when spring arrives. Winterizing your tools extends their life and saves money on replacements.
Preparing Your Lawn Mower for Storage
To winterize a lawn mower:
- Remove all fuel or add a fuel conditioner to prevent gum formation, which can lead to hard starts in spring.
- Detach spark plugs and apply a small amount of oil in the cylinder to lubricate internal parts.
- Run the engine briefly to distribute the oil.
- Clean the mower thoroughly, removing grass clippings and residue with a gentle brush.
- Store it in a dry area away from appliances that can create sparks.
Storing Garden Tools
Clean and oil garden tools thoroughly to prevent rust and corrosion. Wipe down each tool, checking for signs of wear and tear. Handle sharpening or buying replacement parts during winter downtime. Store tools away from potential moisture in a cool, dry location and hang them off the ground.
HVAC System Maintenance
A well-maintained HVAC system is a must during winter. Regular checks and tune-ups help your heating system run effectively without excess strain or energy use.
Furnace Check-Ups
Perform the following tasks before the cold sets in:
- Replace or clean furnace filters per manufacturer guidelines, allowing for efficient airflow and reducing strain on the system.
- Schedule a professional inspection if it’s been over a year since the last one. Professionals can spot problems before they worsen, saving you money and helping you sleep better at night.
- Test the thermostat. A delay or lack of response might mean it’s time to replace the battery. If that doesn’t work, it may need professional attention.
Preparing Air Conditioning Units
Cover the outdoor units of central air systems to safeguard them from winter debris. Provide the ventilation with the airflow it needs to mitigate mold or mildew buildup. If you can’t remove window units, wrap them securely with an insulating cover barrier to prevent drafts.
Indoor Maintenance
Indoor fall maintenance can improve comfort and safety throughout the winter.
Checking Safety Devices
Testing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms is a non-negotiable part of fall maintenance. Replace batteries routinely and consider upgrading to units with extended-life features or connectivity options. This is especially worthwhile when your home is closed up for winter. More frequent use of heating and appliances increases carbon monoxide and fire hazard risk.
Inspecting the Fireplace
Your fireplace should be in excellent condition before it sees extended use in the winter. Have the chimney inspected and cleaned—buildup can block flues, reduce air quality, and create a fire hazard. Test the damper to be certain it opens smoothly and seals completely when closed. Keep the area around your fireplace clear of flammable items.