11 September 2024
Cold weather is just around the corner. That means it is time for your annual autumn home check.
Roof
While the weather is still good, step back and get the best view of your roof possible. You may need to tread on neighbors’ lawns or walk out into the street, so use caution. At least every three or four years, you should have a professional do a thorough inspection, including loose or missing shingles, flashings, and gutters and downspouts.
Gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year to remove any debris. Leaves, twigs, bird nests, and other materials can not only cause undue weight on the guttering but prevent the good flow of water. Especially in the winter when precipitation will freeze, this could back up and cause an ice dam that will seep into the interior of your home as well as damage the roof. This also creates a nice entry for insects, rodents, or other pests who are looking for a warm spot to raise their young.
Doors and windows
Check for any leaks. You can DIY it by using self-adhesive weatherstripping or replace the seal at the bottom of exterior doors.
Furnace
Routine maintenance and inspection of your HVAC system may prevent a breakdown during the winter months. If you have a programmable thermostat, this is the time to adjust it for the seasonal change, including on and off times.
Check and replace filters. Not just the furnace, but refrigerator water filters, dishwasher, humidifiers and air filters, clothes dryers (and be sure the ducts are clear), cook tops, and microwaves.
Smoke Detectors
It was once recommended that you check the batteries and test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with the daylight saving time changes. However, since those are no longer six months apart, you may want to schedule some time frame that you can remember or put it on your calendar at the start of each year. Some sources recommend testing each month. Any detectors that are more than 10 years old should be replaced.
Water Heaters
If you drain your water heater once a year, you can remove the sediment that could cause clogs and rusting.
Landscaping
Lay a good layer of mulch around your plants to protect the roots and allow for more even temperatures.
Dethatch and core aerate your lawn. That means running a device that looks kind of like a big rake to pull up any excess thatch or matted, dead grass. Then vacuum it up. At that point you can use an aerator to punch holes in the yard. That will give your grass some breathing room. Overseed if necessary. Fertilize and water it in. Fertilizing your turf will give it a head start in the spring.
When you remove leaves from the yard, mulch them and use the mulch to cover your flower beds. This will give them an extra layer of protection.
Watch the weather. If it is a dry year, you may need to water your trees even during the cold months, especially if you just planted them this past year.
Remember to disconnect your hoses before the weather gets cold and if you used them to irrigate your trees, be sure they are unhooked again. Also be sure to release the tap to prevent frozen pipes.
Be sure all your lawn equipment and tools are clean before you put them away for the next several months. Be sure to wipe off all dirt or mud and wash and dry them. Some sources recommend draining your mower of gas and removing the spark plugs before storage.
Move any snow removal supplies or equipment to where they are easily accessible.
Fireplaces and Wood
If you have a wood burning fireplace, schedule a professional chimney sweep to inspect the interior and exterior and be sure it is cleared of accumulated soot. If you have a gas fireplace, the chimney and flue, gas lines, and vents should all be checked.
Firewood should be stacked under a cover until you are ready to burn it. That way it will be dry and aged for a toasty evening. Store it at least 30 feet from your home since insects, rodents, and other critters like to make it their home for the winter.
Furniture
Clean up your deck and patio furniture. Clean and remove all the spots from the pillows or cushions. Treat any rust stains. Be sure everything is thoroughly dry before you cover and/or store it away.
Finally, clean up any debris like weeds that are in the cracks of your driveway or sidewalk. These can be actual stumbling blocks when you can’t see them because of snow fall. No one wants to trip. Power wash and then be sure all cracks are sealed.
Sit back and wait for the snow to fall.
