Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

With the summer months quickly flying by, you may already be looking forward to autumn. Fall brings with it cooler nights and vibrant foliage, perfect for weekend hikes and outdoor activities. It's a time for enjoying seasonal dishes like hearty stews, savoring the crisp air during evening strolls, and getting comfortable in warm, cozy layers.

For many, fall is a beloved season. It’s also the perfect time to weatherproof your home in preparation for the winter ahead. Tackling a few maintenance checklists now, while the weather is still mild, can save you from scrambling when the first frost arrives.

Here are 11 things to do to prepare your home for fall:

1. Inspect your home's exterior.

2. Refresh exterior paint.

3. Repair cracks in the driveway and sidewalk.

4. Check roof shingles.

5. Replace screens with storm windows and doors.

6. Clean out your gutters.

7. Clear lawn and prepare landscape.

8. Remove fuel and drain water.

9. Check for interior air leaks.

10. Inspect and service your heating systems.

11. Test your home safety system.

Read on to learn more.

Scan your home exterior.

Start on the outside of the home. Do an overall scan, checking for cracks in the foundation. Caulk any areas of the home where the masonry meets siding, where pipes and wires enter the home, and around windows and door frames. This is an inexpensive fix that can help not only seal your home from cold air seeping in, but it can also help keep water out of cracks, which could cause mold, or if frozen, could expand and cause damage.

Refresh exterior paint.

As you continue to inspect your home, watch for peeling paint, which is a sign that your paint is deteriorating. This is more than just a cosmetic flaw. If it is not corrected, it can lead to costly repairs in the future. Addressing peeling paint promptly helps protect your home from the elements and preserves its structural integrity.

Repair cracks in the driveway and sidewalk.

Examine your driveway and sidewalks for any cracks, as these will only worsen during freezing weather. Cleaning out any existing cracks, repairing them with filler, and applying a commercial sealer will help prevent further damage. 

Check roof shingles.

Continue your inspection by examining the roof of your home, and hire a certified roofing specialist to ensure there are no missing or loose shingles. A professional inspection can identify potential issues that might not be visible from the ground, such as underlying water damage or weakened areas.

Replace screens with storm windows and doors.

Once the temperatures drop far enough that you will no longer be opening your windows, you should remove your screens. Make any necessary repairs to the screens and spray them with a protective coating before storing them in a dry area. Once screens are removed, install storm windows and doors. While we are talking about doors, consider weather-stripping your garage door to prevent drafts.

Clean out your gutters.

Once the leaves have fallen, make sure to clean out your gutters and downspouts, flushing them with water to clear any remaining debris. Take this opportunity to make any necessary repairs, such as tightening brackets, to ensure they function properly.

Clear lawn and prepare landscape.

Clear any leaves and debris from your lawn and reseed any dead areas to promote healthy growth. Consider planting spring-flowering bulbs and protect your plants from animals by covering them with netting and chicken wire. Additionally, fertilize your lawn with a high-phosphorous mix to prepare it for vibrant growth in the spring. 

Remove fuel and drain water.

Remove any fuel from gas-powered equipment like lawnmowers and prepare them for storage. Drain any residual water from your garden hoses, store them for winter, and shut off outdoor water valves in preparation for cold weather. In addition, prepare for future ice and snow removal as well.

Check for interior air leaks.

Don't forget about interior maintenance as well. Check for air leaks around your doors and windows by moving your hand along the frames. Seal any drafty spots with weather stripping or caulk to improve energy efficiency and comfort.

Inspect and service your heating systems.

It’s essential to have your heating system inspected and serviced. This is the time to inspect your fireplace and replace dirty furnace filters. Additionally, remember to change the direction of your ceiling fan to pull air upwards, helping redistribute warm air from the ceiling throughout the room.

Test your home safety system.

Now is the perfect time to conduct a home safety check. Test and replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Inspect or install fire extinguishers, review fire escape plans, and eliminate any potential fire hazards in your home.

Make the most of your fall season

With a little preparation, you’ll be ready to enjoy all that fall has to offer. Whether you’re cozying up by the fire, savoring the crispy autumn air, or spending quality time with loved ones, a well-prepared home will provide peace of mind and allow you to fully appreciate all that fall has to offer. With some simple preparation, we can be ready for all that fall has to offer, from football to frosty nights.

View our comprehensive checklist of maintenance tips and videos