Top Tips For Fall Home Maintenance

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With fall just around the corner, now is the perfect time for your clients to get their property in shape and help avoid problems in the months ahead. Here are the essentials to tackle before cold weather sets in.

• Caulk and seal around exterior door and window frames. Look for gaps where pipes or wiring enter the home and caulk those as well. Not only does heat escape from these openings, but water can enter and cause mold problems and even structural damage. Tight sealing will also keep out insects, mice and other unwanted critters.
  
  
• Check the roof for missing or damaged shingles. Water, wind, ice and snow can cause serious damage to a vulnerable roof, leading to a greater chance of further problems inside the home. Always have a qualified professional inspect and repair the roof, but using binoculars is a good way to do a preliminary survey from the ground.
  
  
• Clear gutters of leaves, sticks, and other debris. If the gutters can accommodate them, leaf guards can be real time-savers and prevent clogging. Check the joints between sections of gutter, as well as between the gutter and downspouts, and make any necessary adjustments or repairs.
  
  
• In cold-weather climates, drain garden hoses and store them indoors to protect them from the elements. Shut off outdoor faucets and make sure exterior pipes are drained of water. Faucets and pipes can easily freeze and burst, causing leaks and increasing the potential for serious water damage.
  
  
• Have the furnace inspected to ensure that it’s safe and in good working order. Most utility companies will provide basic, no-cost furnace inspections to their customers, but schedule early as there can often be a long waiting list as the weather cools down. Replace disposable furnace air filters or clean the permanent type according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Using a clean filter helps the furnace run more efficiently, saving money and energy.
  
  
• A wood-burning fireplace can be a real pleasure on a chilly fall evening. For safety, have the firebox and chimney professionally inspected and cleaned before use this season. Creosote, a byproduct of wood burning, can build up to dangerous levels and cause a chimney fire that can spread to the rest of the house.
  
  
• Gas fireplaces should be inspected for proper venting and operation. Check glass doors for cracks and do not use the fireplace if the glass is damaged.

With these easy steps and precautions, your clients will enjoy the comforts of home all season long and know that they’re protecting their investment, too.

With you and your clients in mind, Pillar To Post Home Inspectors remains committed to providing the highest quality home inspection while adhering to the strict safety and cleanliness guidelines provided by the CDC and local governments. While our processes may have changed, our commitment to ensuring confident homeownership has not. Our job is not complete until you no longer have questions concerning the home you have asked Pillar To Post to inspect.