With cooler weather here, now is the time to complete your Fall home maintenance list. Here are a few items to complete before winter.
Clean Your Gutters
Maintaining your foundation is one of the most important things to do as a homeowner. One way to do this is by cleaning your gutters periodically. Gutters help divert rainwater so the water doesn’t pool in areas around the foundation. Water pooling can be detrimental to your foundation.
Fall is the best time of the year to clean your gutters, as the cooler air starts to come in! And with making it through the Texas summer heat, the October cool breeze is a welcome change. So get outside and clean your gutters. Don’t forget to clean out the downspouts too!
Inspect Your Roof
And since its cooler outside, now is also a great time to inspect your roof. Look for damaged shingles and damaged metal flashing around vents and chimneys. Preventative maintenance can help divert potential water damage from leaks in the roof.
If your roof is steep, stand on your ladder and inspect with binoculars. Flatter roofs are easier to walk on but always be safe. Don’t take any chances, as falling from a roof can produce major bodily damage!
Clean Your Chimney
With cooler weather arriving, so do the thoughts of roasting marshmallows over the fire. So now is the perfect time to clean your chimney or have a professional inspect and clean your chimney. Check for creosote buildup, as too much can cause a fire. If you have more than 1/8 inch creosote buildup, call a chimney sweep. Also have your chimney sweeping service people inspect for any obstructions, cracks, and any signs of water damage.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Now is also the time to replace the batteries in all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. After replacing the batteries, go ahead and test the detector to make sure its working properly.
Do you have detectors located upstairs and downstairs? At a minimum, smoke detectors should be located inside each bedroom, outside each bedroom, in the living room, stairway(s), and every level of a home.
Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors should also be located on every level of your home, as well as inside and outside of every sleeping area. Place another one inside your home, close to the garage too. Carbon monoxide molecules can travel through drywall. So even if your home doesn’t have gas, its wise to install at least one CO detector by the garage.
Fire Extinguishers
While on the subject of smoke detectors, its also a good time to check your fire extinguishers. Check to make sure they’re still charged by looking at where the arrow is pointing. It should be in the green.
Make sure you also have a Class B fire extinguisher in your kitchen. Class B extinguishers help fight flammable liquids such as kitchen oil and grease.
Its wise to have every class of fire extinguishers available in your home. Fire extinguishers should be replaced at least every 6 years.
Yard Maintenance
Don’t think that since the temperature is dropping, you don’t need to water and take care of your lawn. Quite the opposite is true! To help your lawn recover from the summer heat and dryness, continue to water your yard.
Fall is also the season to aerate the soil and fertilize. Fertilizing in the Fall helps bring a growth spurt in the spring, after the dormant winter.
Keep an eye on the temperatures as we head into winter. In Central Texas, it sometimes doesn’t hit freezing. But if it does, be prepared to blow out your sprinkler system so your pipes don’t freeze. Remember to also drain your garden hoses and cover your faucets with styrofoam protectors.
These are just a few Fall home maintenance list items to complete. If you’re thinking of moving, give us a call so we may walk your home and provide tips on getting your home ready for the market. There are common repairs that most sellers need to do, but a walk through is specifically tailored to your home’s needs.
