Is your home fall-proof?

Prepare your home for fall

Fall is already here and if you're anything like me, you're a little behind on the home upkeep. Yikes! But don't worry. There's still plenty of time to make sure your home is fall-proof to withstand the weather. Here are some smart maintenance tips to make your home ready for fall.

Interior

This stunning two level family home in Maple Ridge is listed on our website and has a lovely fireplace that will keep the home cozy and warm all through fall and winter.

Check for drafts

go around to every door and window in the house and make sure no draft is coming through them. If you feel a draft, be sure to seal around the frame properly. One way to check for drafts is to light a candle and hold it near a window or door. If the flame flickers or goes out, then there is probably a draft. To seal your frame properly, make sure you dry the area with a clean cloth before applying some caulk around the outside of the window. For further protection, you could also add a heavier curtain around the drafty window to help block air intrusion.

Inspect your furnace

Sure, you're furnace probably doesn't need a yearly inspection, but trust me, it's better safe than sorry. A newer furnace probably only needs to be checked every other year, but a furnace that's older than 10 years could have complications and should be inspected annually. Hire an HVAC professional to test for leaks or heating inefficiencies. Trust me on this, you don't want it to reach the middle of winter to find out that there's something wrong with the furnace, that could lead to a cold few days.

Check your fireplace

Not every home has a fireplace, but if you do, make sure that it is in proper working order. Before using your fireplace, you probably want to make sure no creature has made a home in the fireplace or chimney while it was not in use. You should take a quick look at both the interior and exterior for any damages. Definitely make sure that your gas fireplace is in good condition before use and that there are no leaks. If you suspect a problem, call a professional to take a look. Don't forget to stock up on wood for wood burning fireplaces.

Test home safety devices

With all the heating devices, holiday decorations and lit fireplaces or candles, winter and fall are the seasons to be extra cautious. Accidents happen so it's important to be prepared in case of electrical failures, fires or gas leaks. Go around your home and check the batteries for all smoke detectors, carbon monoxide devices and any other safety features your home has to make sure they are all in proper working order so you can feel safe this fall.

Exterior

Beautiful home on Myrtle Way listed for the first time has a gorgeous yard that's been well maintained.

Check your roof

You can do a quick check of your roof from the ground. Use binoculars to see if you can spot any missing or damaged shingles. If you are uncertain, you could try climbing a ladder for a more thorough inspection. However, before you climb up to the roof, ask a friend, neighbor or family member to be a spotter to ensure your safety. Another good way to see if there's damage to your roof is to check the attic for any leaks or water damage.

 

Clean gutters

Cleaning the gutters is something you can do yourself or hire a service. What you want to do is remove leaves, nests or any other type of debris that has collected in your gutters. You should also inspect for leaks. A clocked gutter can cause leaky roofs or water damage to the interior and exterior of your home so it's important to regularly clean your gutters.

Check siding for cracks or holes

Maybe a bird or animal has picked a hole in the wall of your attic and made a home, or maybe the wear and tear of weather has left its mark on your home with peeling paint and rotted wood. You won't know if there's any damages unless you check. You never really know what could happen to your home so it's better to find out before it gets too cold to be able to make repairs. Damages to the home can be harder to repair during colder months, so get on top of the maintenance before it gets too cold.

Turn off faucets and store hoses

Something that can easily be forgotten in preparing your home for the fall is properly storing your hoses. Chances are, you won't be using them until the spring, and even if you do plan on using them during the fall, it's important to pack them away properly while not in use. The cold weather can damage hoses irreparably. The water inside can freeze which can lead to ruptures in the hose lining, an interior pipe burst, and even mildew growth. Trust me, it's better to avoid this. So turn off all spigots and nozzles, disconnect and drain your hose, remove attachments, coil the hose then find a warm, dry location on a hanger or shelf to store your hose. You won't regret going through this fall home maintenance checklist. Don't forget to fall-proof your home!