Fall Home Maintenance

 As the leaves begin to fade, the temps cool and winter approaches, there are many tasks still to be done around the house as we prepare for cold weather.  We hope this checklist will prove helpful.  Fall & Winter Maintenance is a must in preserving & protecting your home.

• Clear Gutters & downspouts of leaves & debris to prevent possible roof damage &/or leaks. _______

• Check weather stripping & caulking around windows & doors; replace as needed _______

• Clean or replace furnace filter—Service Furnace _______

• Have your chimney cleaned by a reputable chimney sweep _______

• Check flashing around chimney, sealing as needed _______

• Trim trees back if touching your roof to prevent any damage _______

• Wash out garbage cans, disinfect, then rinse thoroughly _______

• Scrape, prime & repaint blistered, peeling paint See can for particulars on temperatures etc. _______

• Check brick work for cracked or loose mortar, repair as needed _______

• Clear debris from around house & outbuildings _______

• Remove leaves from basement/ crawl space window wells _______

• Check crawl space for dampness, remove any debris _______

• Clean & store outdoor furniture _______

• Make sure downspouts direct water away from foundation _______

• Winterize automatic irrigation system _______

• Wash windows and storm windows _______

• Replace damaged or missing shingles _______

• Check Basement for cracks or leaks _______

• Test Sump Pump _______

• Clean, oil lawn mower, have blades sharpened _______

• Keep Raking leaves _______

• Seed lawn in patchy spots _______

• Fertilize lawn, this encourages good root development _______

• Keep Leaves raked to prevent smothering new grass _______

• Plant early spring bulbs _______

• Deadhead spent flowers, clean flower beds, work in mulch & compost into soil to prepare for next spring _____

• Clean, oil & store garden tools _______

• Store Hoses, protect outdoor spigots as needed _______