Fall Home Maintenance Tips: 7 Things to Do Before Winter

As summer comes to an end and cooler temperatures arrive, fall is the perfect time to give your home some attention before winter sets in. Northeast Ohio winters can bring freezing temperatures, snow, and ice, making seasonal preparation an important part of protecting your home.

Taking care of a few maintenance items now can help prevent larger problems later and keep your home comfortable throughout the colder months.

1. Clean and Inspect Your Gutters Fall leaves can quickly fill gutters and downspouts, preventing water from draining properly. Before winter arrives, clear away leaves and debris and check that your downspouts are directing water away from your home's foundation. While you're cleaning, look for loose sections, cracks, or areas where water may be leaking.
2. Prepare Your Furnace for Cold Weather Your heating system will soon become one of the most important systems in your home. Before temperatures drop, replace the furnace filter and consider scheduling a professional inspection or tune-up. It's better to discover a heating problem in October than on the first freezing night of the season.
3. Check Your Roof and Attic Your roof will have to withstand snow, ice, and winter weather, so fall is a good time to look for potential problems. Check for damaged or missing shingles, signs of leaks, and areas around vents or flashing that may need attention. Don't forget about the attic. Proper insulation and ventilation can help your home stay more comfortable and may help prevent problems caused by moisture and temperature changes.
4. Protect Your Pipes From Freezing Temperatures When temperatures fall below freezing, exposed pipes can be vulnerable to freezing and bursting. Disconnect garden hoses and make sure exterior faucets are properly shut off or winterized. If you have plumbing in an unheated garage, crawl space, or other cold area, make sure those pipes are properly insulated.
5. Seal Up Drafty Areas Walk around your home and check windows and doors for drafts. Worn weatherstripping and deteriorated caulk can allow cold air into your home and warm air to escape. Sealing these areas is a relatively simple way to make your home more comfortable as the weather gets colder.
6. Take Care of Your Trees and Yard Fall is a good time to look around your property for branches that could become a problem during winter storms. Remove dead or damaged branches and trim back anything that could potentially fall onto your home, vehicles, or walkways. Continue removing leaves from your lawn as well. A thick layer of wet leaves left on the grass can create problems for your lawn going into winter.
7. Get Your Home Ready for Snow and Ice Before the first major snowfall, make sure your snow shovel, ice melt, and other winter supplies are easy to access. Check exterior lighting around walkways, driveways, and entrances so your property remains well lit during shorter winter days. It's also worth taking a few minutes to inspect your driveway and walkways for cracks or uneven areas that could become more difficult to navigate once they're covered with snow or ice.
   
   

A Little Fall Maintenance Can Go a Long Way!

Preparing your home for winter doesn't have to mean tackling everything at once. Taking care of these items throughout the fall can help you catch small issues before they become bigger, more expensive problems.

A few hours of maintenance now can give you greater peace of mind when the temperatures drop and winter weather arrives.

Fall is one of the best times to take a closer look at your home and make sure it's ready for the season ahead. From your roof and gutters to your heating system and outdoor spaces, a little preparation can help protect your home throughout the winter.

Whether you're already a homeowner or thinking about buying a home in Northeast Ohio, the Triv Team is here to help you make informed real estate decisions. Contact us today to learn more about buying, selling, and living in Northeast Ohio.