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Pumpkin carving, leaf-peeping and apple picking are all great fall activities, but they aren't the only things that should be on your fall to-do list. When the temperature begins to drop, this means it's time to start preparing your home for winter.
The Stern Team firmly believes in the old adage: prevention is better than cure. A bit of proactive maintenance can save you from significant home and system failures. With that in mind, here's The Stern Team's list of tasks homeowners should complete before autumn is over.
Inspect your roof
Since your roof is the first line of defense against harsh weather conditions, this is a good place to start. Thoroughly inspect it for any signs of wear or damage. Loose, missing or damaged shingles could spell disaster for your home if melting winter snow leaks through. If you've got a metal roof, you'll also want to check for discoloration or rust.
The Family Handyman also notes some silent signs your roof could be damaged. Some of those include:
- Loose step flashing
- Rusted gutters
- Mold where the roof and outside wall meet
- Rusted chimney flashing
- Stains around the bathroom fan
Another good way to check for holes and cracks is to examine your attic for any signs of light coming through.
Clean out rain gutter and downspouts
They may be beautiful, but autumn leaves can quickly clog up your gutters and downspouts. If that happens, water can overflow, seep into your roof or pool around your foundation, which can lead to even more damage.
Cleaning them ensures that rainwater and melting snow can flow freely. To be proactive about the problem, consider installing gutter guards to prevent leaves from clogging the gutters in the first place.
Replace your furnace filter
Your furnace works overtime during the winter. A clean filter ensures it runs efficiently, which will save you money and reduce energy use, according to a CNET article. A dry filter can restrict airflow and cause your furnace to work harder, potentially leading to breakdowns. Plus, changing your filter regularly helps improve your home's air quality by reducing the amount of dust and allergens circulating around.
Taylor Freitas writing for CNET also recommends changing out that filter about every three months. If you have a pet or allergies, you might consider cutting that time in half.
Check your fire extinguishers
Those fall candles may smell pretty, but they can quickly turn deadly if left unattended. The National Fire Protection Association reports that fire departments responded to an estimated 7,400 home structure fires where candles were to blame between 2015 to 2019.
"These fires caused an annual average of 90 deaths, 670 injuries and $291 million in direct property damage," the NFPA states.
And that's not all — fireplaces and space heaters also pose a potential hazard. That's why it's important to check that your fire extinguishers are in good working order.
American Family Insurance says that the pressure gauge should be pointing to the green charged zone. Overcharged extinguishers could pose an explosion risk; undercharged extinguishers won't emit enough fire retardant.
Inspect the canister for any signs of damage or corrosion. Also, make sure everyone in the house knows where the extinguishers are located and how to use them.
Have your chimney inspected and cleaned
Speaking of fireplaces, you'll want to have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional before you light that first cozy fire of the season. Over time, chimneys can accumulate creosote, a highly flammable substance that can cause chimney fires. Lawrence Bonk writing for Angi.com recommends a good cleaning once a year.
An inspection can also reveal any structural issues that need addressing.
Winterize your sprinkler system
This is an easy step to forget — and a hard lesson to learn. Water left in sprinkler systems can freeze, expand and cause pipes to burst. Have your system professionally drained and winterized to avoid costly repairs in the spring. If you prefer to do it yourself, Home Depot has a how-to guide you can access on their website.
Aerate and fertilize your lawn
Fall is the perfect time to aerate your lawn so that water, oxygen and nutrients can reach the roots more easily. Aerating involves perforating the soil with small holes, which you can do with a machine or a manual aerator. Follow up with some fertilizer to replenish nutrients and give your lawn a healthy start next spring. If you need help, HGTV has some good tips on how to do this.
Trim branches
Overhanging branches can break under the weight of snow and ice. To avoid potential damage, trim any branches that are close to your home or your electrical wires.
Prevention is key
Remember — preventative maintenance is key to saving you from costly repairs later on. If you have any questions or need help with any of the tasks above, don't hesitate to give The Stern Team a call at 801-877-0846. They have a host of vendors who can help you get your home ready for winter!
The Stern Team also partners with SilverBack Home Warranty, which is one of the best in the business should a major appliance fail. They provide peace of mind with their comprehensive warranty plans, covering everything from heating and air conditioning systems to kitchen appliances.
