Tis the season for brisk days, blazing foliage, hot apple cider and cozying up to the fireplace. It’s also time to make sure your home is as ready to enjoy the fruits of fall as you are. Before you kick back and enjoy autumn’s splendor, take a few hours to ensure your timber home is in tip-top shape. Here’s what to look for:
1. Roof
Most roof issues occur before anyone at ground level notices, but if you pay attention, you can stop damage in its tracks. Look for:
- Shingles that are buckling, cracking, curling or blistering. (This indicates the end of the shingles’ life span).
- Loose roofing material or exposed flashing around chimneys and vents.
- Excessive amounts of asphalt granules in your gutters. (Granules provide added protection and will detach naturally over time. But if you see a build up of them in your gutters, the shingles are probably too worn to work.)
2. HVAC System
First and foremost, fall is the time to replace the filter in your furnace so it functions to its fullest during the cold winter to come. While you’re at it, clean your ducts to improve your system’s overall efficiency, as well as to reduce household dust and allergens. Finally, consider hiring a service professional to give your heating system a check-up, so you can fix any minor issues before they become major (and pricey) repairs.
3. Windows
Summer’s heat and humidity can wreak havoc on your home’s sealants, especially around windows and doors. Fortunately, if you stay on top of it, touching up sealants can be simple. Start by visually inspecting all your windows and doors, and repair any loose or damaged frames. Install weather stripping or caulking around them to prevent drafts and to lower heating bills.
4. Plumbing
Nobody wants to deal with burst pipes and flooding in the dead of winter. To prevent them from freezing, fall is the time to ensure that your pipes are well insulated. Also, when the first frost approaches, make sure to turn off your hose bibs and drain outside spigots so those water lines don’t freeze up.
5. Chimneys
According to the latest data from the Chimney Safety Institute of America and the U.S. Safety Consumer Protection Commission, an average of 22,300 fires are started by dirty chimneys each year, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in damage and loss of life. It’s vital to inspect each wood-burning fireplace chimney in your home, and, if you use your fireplace frequently, have it professionally cleaned so creosote buildup doesn’t catch fire. Test your flue for a tight seal to prevent unnecessary energy loss.
See also 4 Steps to Spring Maintenance
Dutch Oven
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