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Your Autumn Home Maintenance Checklist

Fall is getting closer as the temperature has begun to feel a little cooler. While the leaves are beginning to change colors, people are beginning to enjoy carving pumpkins and drinking warm apple cider. Before fully diving into fall activities, make sure that you have prepared your home for the incoming cold winter months.

Sealing Your Windows and Doors

Making sure that your windows and doors have been properly sealed should be one of the top priorities on your list. This is because if you have leaky windows or doors, it will allow the chilly breeze inside while you are trying to stay warm. Typically this is a DIY project that requires rolling self-adhesive weatherstripping down the side of a window or door. It may be helpful to install a door sweep to help prevent drafts between the bottom of the door and the threshold.

Check Your Roof

Checking your roof periodically should already be a part of your yearly maintenance checkup on your home but even more so during the fall. A professional inspection may uncover signs of potential problems, such as damaged or missing shingles, loose seams, or shingle pieces that are accumulating in downspouts. This gives you a chance to have any found issues repaired before winter sets in.

Clean Gutters

Leaves, twigs, and other debris can also weigh gutters down. This can pull the gutters away from the house and potentially damage siding and trim. Clogged gutters can also lead to ice damage during the winter months and invite insects. Maintaining your gutters and downspouts removes clogs from flowing away from your house, which may help prevent potential water damage.

Inspect and Clean the Fireplace Chimney

Before you light up the fireplace to get warm for the night, have a professional chimney sweep clean and inspect your fireplace and chimney. Even if you have a gas fireplace, the fireplace and chimney should still be inspected for any blockages that could cause a fire. In addition, having a professional check the gas lines and vents for leaks should be done. If any are found, you will have plenty of time to get them repaired.

While preparing for the cold months to settle in, think about your current insurance coverages for your home. Fall is the perfect time to review your current home insurance policies and potential options with your agent.