As the air starts to get crisp, pumpkin spice everything hits shelves, and the kids start back to school, it should signal something important for homeowners: it’s time to get your home ready for the cold months ahead. It’s important that fall home maintenance happens before the weather gets too cold so your home remains safe, comfortable, and efficient through the winter.
Robuck Homes are built to last, and when you buy with us, we offer a 1-year limited warranty and a 10-year structural warranty. However, you still need to care for your home to ensure it is its best for a lifetime. Use the following tips from our Red Book to help you get started.
Protect your pipes
A key part of fall home maintenance is ensuring your pipes are ready for cold weather. To prevent pipes from freezing, disconnect garden hoses from outdoor spigots. Make sure you turn off the water to those exterior spigots. Make sure you drain the spigots to prevent water from freezing and expanding your pipes.
While North Carolina is typically mild, if the weather gets extremely cold, even for a short amount of time, take the time to open cabinet doors below your sinks. Then, let your faucets on exterior walls drip slightly to keep water moving. Finally, make sure all your rooms are adequately heated for an additional level of safety.
Check the outside of your home
Start from the ground up and inspect your home’s exterior to ensure there won’t be issues through the winter. Inspect your home’s exterior paint and caulking to see if there are cracks or wear that must be addressed. Remember that cold weather can drive pests indoors, too, so schedule pest control services while the time is right. Give your home’s exterior a power wash to remove dirt and mildew from the exterior. And don’t forget to inspect and tighten any nuts and bolts on your garage door tracks and pull-down stairs for added safety.
Finally, snow, ice, and water buildup can cause leaks and structural damage, which is why you need to make sure your roof is ready for winter. Clean gutters and downspouts to remove any debris from the summer and fall, which can cause water overflow. If you have any damage to shingles, be sure to repair them before winter storms hit.
Prep your lawn and landscaping for dormancy
Fall is a great time to nurture your yard for a lush and healthy spring lawn. As you work on your fall home maintenance, make sure you include seeding and fertilization as part of that plan. The work you do in the fall promotes healthy growth in the spring.
You’ll also need to prune your shrubs to maintain their shape and health. And make sure you remove fall debris, such as fallen leaves, which blocks water flow from your gutters and can create structural damage. Be sure to inspect the swales in your yard to ensure stormwater runoff is draining properly and to prevent water from pooling.
Schedule check-ups and check crawl spaces
Make sure you call your HVAC service team to check your heating system before you officially turn on your heat for the winter. Your team will inspect your system for signs of problems that may need small fixes. They will also replace your air filter and ensure your system is running efficiently before you’re relying on heat every day.
Don’t forget to get into the crawl space of your home to check for signs of damage. For example, standing water can lead to structural issues down the road. And you’ll want to make sure your HVAC supply lines are clear and that your insulation is intact and secure in those spaces. And if you have an irrigation system, call in a professional team to check the system and winterize it for the season.
Tackle routine details in your home
Another consideration for routine fall home maintenance is to tackle safety systems all at once. Fall is an excellent time to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and to double-check your dryer vents to make sure they are connected and free of obstructions. Make sure to check the main water cutoff value to ensure it is accessible and operable, too.
Next, make sure you clean and store the lawn tools and equipment you used all summer. Don’t forget to service your lawnmower. And make sure trimmers, weed eaters, and other tools are clean and properly stored. Finally, be ready for any snow or ice that may hit if the weather gets bad. Keep shovels and snow/ice removal items in a convenient place so you can clear walkways and driveways.
Final recommendations
By following these fall home maintenance tips, you will protect your home from winter weather while also keeping your home safe and comfortable. Regular upkeep is key to preserving your home’s value and functionality for years to come. And don’t forget to consult your Red Book to keep your home fully protected.
