Fall Home Maintenance: Preparing Your Home for the Season Ahead

As summer sadly comes to an end, fall is the perfect time to prepare your home for colder weather. A little seasonal maintenance can help prevent costly damage, improve energy efficiency, and keep your home safer throughout the winter.

Inspect Your Roof and Gutters

Check your roof for missing, damaged, or loose shingles. Even small problems can allow water to enter your home, especially during heavy rain or winter storms.

Clean leaves and debris from your gutters and downspouts. Make sure water flows away from your foundation and that downspouts are securely connected. Clogged gutters can contribute to roof leaks, ice dams, basement flooding, and foundation damage.

Check Your Heating System

Have your furnace or heating system inspected and serviced before you need it. Replace filters as recommended and make sure all vents and registers are clear.

If you use a fireplace or wood stove, have the chimney inspected and cleaned as needed (yearly is recommended). Creosote buildup can increase the risk of a chimney fire.

Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Replace batteries if needed, and replace detectors according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous during the heating season because it is colorless and odorless. Make sure detectors are installed near sleeping areas and on every level of your home.

Protect Your Pipes

Disconnect garden hoses and shut off outdoor water supplies before freezing temperatures arrive. Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas such as basements, garages, and crawl spaces.

Knowing where your main water shutoff is located can also help you respond quickly if a pipe bursts or another plumbing emergency occurs.

Seal Drafts and Check Windows

Inspect windows and doors for gaps or damaged weatherstripping. Sealing drafts can make your home more comfortable and may help reduce heating costs.

Check that windows close and lock properly. If you have storm windows, install them before colder weather arrives.

Prepare Your Yard

Trim branches that are close to your home, roof, power lines, or other structures. Heavy snow and ice can cause weak or overhanging branches to break and damage property.

Clear leaves and debris from around your foundation, outdoor equipment, and drainage areas. Store patio furniture, grills, and other seasonal items securely.

Review Your Insurance Coverage

Fall maintenance is also a good reminder to review your homeowners insurance. Make sure your coverage limits still reflect the cost to rebuild your home and replace your belongings.

If you have made improvements, purchased valuable items, or added structures such as a shed or generator, let your insurance agent know. You may also want to ask about coverage for water backup, service line damage, or other risks that may not be included in a standard policy.

Remember that insurance does not replace routine maintenance. Damage caused by neglect or lack of upkeep may not be covered, so taking care of small problems early is an important part of protecting your home.

Take Care of Small Problems Before Winter

A few hours of fall maintenance can help you avoid larger problems later. Inspect your home, address needed repairs, and contact your insurance agent if you have questions about your coverage.

If you are unsure whether your home and belongings are properly protected, we are happy to help review your policy.

(207) 363-7894 | www.tapleyagency.com | 300 York St . PO Box 808 . York, Maine 03909