Five Tips for Fall Home Maintenance

Cleaning up leaves and preparing for winter is on the top of many homeowners’ to-do lists this weekend. Here are five great tips to get your home ready for the season change.

1. Roof Inspection. This should be on every homeowners’ must do list. Inspect your shingles for missing shingles, curling, cracking or hail damage. These could be crucial warning signs that your roof shingles are damaged. Repairing or replacing your roof now can prevent thousands of dollars of interior damage this winter. All too often, we get panic calls from new clients experiencing water damage in early spring. If you don’t feel comfortable getting on your roof, call a licensed professional to inspect your roof for damage. Many companies such as Roof Time, Inc. offer complimentary roof inspections.

2. Chimney Check. It’s important to have your wood burning fireplace inspected. Make sure it’s cleaned and repaired to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning or a fire.

3. Gutter Detail. Inspect and make sure all the drainage areas are clear of leaves, sticks and other items that may have fallen into them during the summer. If you do not have gutters on your home, now may be the time to start thinking about doing so. Installing gutters before the winter months can help prevent frost damage to your home’s foundation and keep ice from forming on your sidewalks and patios.

4. Caulk and Repair. Inspect your home for holes, gaps or damaged siding or wood. Use caulk to fill any gaps and replace damaged wood or siding. Critters are looking for a nice warm place to spend the winter. Keep them out of your home!

5. Insulation Inspection. Now is the most important time of the year to peek up in your attic to make sure you have enough insulation. Checking your attic once a year at the minimum is extremely important to make sure you there are is no moisture buildup which can create mold and for any unwelcomed critters. By inspecting your attic’s insulation, you could save on your home’s energy costs as well.