Fall is right around the corner, and, as the weather changes, it’s important to prepare your home and identify potential problems before they arise. Consider performing the following annual fall maintenance tasks to ensure your home is safe and ready for the months ahead:
- Have your heating system cleaned and inspected by a qualified technician. Clean and replace the furnace filter if needed.
- Insulate water pipes in areas exposed to cold temperatures.
- Check for damaged or loose shingles to ensure your roof can withstand the wear and tear of winter and that it won’t collapse under the weight of wet leaves, ice and snow.
- Drain garden hoses before putting them away for the winter. Water left in hoses can freeze, causing irreversible damage.
- Check and repair caulking around doors and windows that show signs of deterioration to prevent heat from escaping.
- Have the chimney inspected for deterioration that could make it unsafe for use.
- Inspect your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, ensuring you have one on each floor of your home. Test them monthly, and change the battery annually or as needed.
- Trim any tree limbs that are dangerously close to power lines or the roof of your house. Heavy snow and ice can cause tree limbs to snap, which could damage your home.
Maintaining your gutters is important, as it can help you avoid costly repairs in the future. In fact, if gutters are obstructed and rainwater doesn’t flow properly, damage from rainwater or freezing can add up quickly.
In order to keep your gutters in good condition, consider the following tips:
- Soft wash your roof using a high volume, low pressure system first. Otherwise, more debris will clog your gutters following the next rainfall.
- Utilize a garden hose to clear hard-to-reach areas.
- Purchase a gutter scoop to remove heavy debris.
- Remember to clear the downspouts. After all the gutters are cleaned out, spray water down the downspout at full pressure.
When performing gutter maintenance, exercise extreme caution. Wearing sturdy gloves and being mindful of power lines can help keep you safe.
If you have any questions on your homeowners policy while you are going through your maintenance checks, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your agent at
John Scott Insurance Agency!