Top Home Maintenance Tasks to Tackle This Season

As the leaves start to change color, it’s time to prepare your home for the upcoming cold weather. Make sure you complete each of these important home maintenance tasks this season to ensure your home is winter-ready.

Clean your gutters

Your gutters direct water away from your home to protect your foundation and prevent leaks. It’s important to clean them each fall to ensure they work properly. If you don't, leaves and debris can create clogs that keep the water from flowing. If you’re looking for a professional gutter cleaning service in your area, visit Marketplace by TheHomemag.

Clean and inspect your chimney

If you have a fireplace, having the chimney professionally cleaned and inspected should be at the top of your fall maintenance checklist. Fireplaces create highly combustible deposits inside the chimney. These deposits can burn at over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, ruining the chimney liner and possibly causing a house fire. Make sure to complete this job before the heating season begins.

Clean and repair sidewalks and the driveway

Your sidewalks and driveway need to be ready for the upcoming harsh weather. Start by pulling any weeds that are creeping up in the cracks. Next, have these cracks repaired. Snow and water can seep into them and freeze, causing major damage by spring. Once these areas are repaired, clean them by using a pressure washer. Finish by sealing the surface with an asphalt or concrete sealer.

Schedule your heating system maintenance

Fall is the time to schedule your annual heating system maintenance. A licensed heating contractor can come to your home and clean and inspect your heater. If they find any issues, they can make the necessary repairs. They can also change your air filters. Having this service done now will ensure that your heating system will operate safely and efficiently when you need it the most.

Test the smoke detectors

Fall is the perfect time to check all of your home’s carbon monoxide and smoke detectors to make sure they are functioning properly. This is simple to do. Most have a button you push to ensure the alarm goes off. While you’re at it, change the batteries.

Have your roof inspected

As the weather gets colder, your roof endures everything from heavy rains to snow and ice. Fall is a good time to have it inspected and repair any problems that show up. You can look at your roof to see if you spot any missing or curling shingles, but hiring a professional to do a full inspection is your best line of defense.

Completing these tasks this fall will allow you to sit back and relax as the temperature drops. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more fall home maintenance tips.