| Homeowners

In order to ensure your home remains in tip top shape, your home needs a little TLC at various times throughout the year. There are certain tasks that you will want to tackle in the summer months versus the winter months. Take a peek at our list of Fall Home Maintenance items to conquer during the next few months.

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

HVAC Serviced – After months of keeping up with blistering summer temperatures, it is time to check on your HVAC system’s ability to heat your home.  Turn your system to the heat mode and check each vent by feeling for warm air.  This is also a good time to vacuum and clean each vent and filter cover to remove any dust or build-up along with changing your air filter.  If two or more years have passed since your last service by a licensed heating contractor, now is a good time to schedule a service call. Heating and cooling units that are properly serviced are more efficient, last longer and have fewer repairs over the life of the unit.

Roof Checkup – With the spring rainy season behind us, it is now time to have a roof checkup. Tree branches touching the roof line and heavy rains cause granule loss over time or nails heads that are no longer sporting caulking allow weather to penetrate inside the attic. Most roofing companies will swing by to inspect the roof at no cost. Beware and steer clear of companies that will want to charge you for an inspection. It is advised to also have the roofing professional gain access to the attic to also inspect the roof decking underneath the roof . This additional layer of inspection will indicate any recent or prior signs of roofing issues.

Window & Door Checks – Check the caulking around windows and weather stripping around exterior and garage doors is something to tackle to ensure air conditioned air isn’t escaping from your home. Over the course of years varying hot and cold temperatures, caulking and weather stripping begins to break down. This is also a great time to stand back and look at each window just after the sun rises. If you see any color discoloration (think prisms) or fogginess, it may be time to consult a window professional to take an additional peek as windows that have broken seals allow the outside air to escape in and inside air escape outside. Once you have checked the windows and the exterior caulking has been dry for a few days, remove your solar screens and wash the windows.

Check Detectors – Once a year at the minimum or twice a year if you have small children or someone elderly living in your home, you should have the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors checked to ensure they are fully operational. It is wise to replace the batteries in each detector at the time of inspection. The last thing any homeowner wants is to have a 2 a.m. wake up call due to a chirping detector in need of a fresh battery.

Deck Maintenance – Analyze your deck for any signs of rotting. Hammer any nails that are trying to wiggle themselves free. Investigate if it is time to re-seal the deck. Spray water on the deck, if the water beads your deck is in good shape but if the water soaks right in it’s time for a fresh coat of sealer. Before resealing a deck, but sure to sand down any rough portions to prevent a even coat and to be sure those who trek across the deck barefoot do not get a splinter in a toe.

Clean Gutters – Take advantage of dry weather to clear debris from your gutters. Once cleaned insert a water hose into the gutter aiming the hose for the down pipe/spout to ensure all debris has been removed. After being cleaned, investigate the possibilities of installing gutter covers to help with future maintenance. If you do not have gutters, this might be a good time to check into having them installed but be sure that downspouts flow away from the foundation. Too much water near the foundation is never good.

Exterminate for Critters – Summer is the time of the year when tiny critters try to escape the harsh outdoor temperature for your cooler A/C’d climate. If you do not use a regular pest control company visit your local hardware/gardening store to pick up a solution that will combat ants, spiders and scorpions.

Exterior Painting – If your home is due for a fresh coat of paint, now is the time to tackle it. Blistering or cracking paint can lead to wood rot. Typically a fresh coat of exterior paint is due about every 10 to 12 years or earlier in a rainy climate. Prior to having the house painted, it is suggested to have the home pressure washed – including the brick, stone or siding.