Fall is your last–yet arguably best–window to get those home maintenance checklists you’ve been putting off done. Winter makes outdoor maintenance difficult, while scorching hot temperatures can easily discourage you from doing the work. Autumn provides the best timing, with cooler, drier weather that’s much more comfortable for tackling fall home maintenance.
What you need now is a well-planned fall maintenance checklist to make sure you’re set for winter ahead, and that’s exactly what we’ve put together for you here.
1. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
Remove Leaves and Debris
Just like the name implies, fall surely brings fallen leaves and twigs, which bring a charming look across your yard but quickly become a problem when they accumulate in gutters and downspouts. Clearing them out now should be a priority to keep water flowing properly and prevent clogs that can lead to potential water damage.
Inspect for Damage
After you’ve cleared away all the leaves and other debris, it’s time to inspect your gutters and downspouts for signs of damage. Note any cracks, holes, sagging sections, loose connections, or areas that may have pulled away from the roof so you can make sure your drainage works properly throughout fall and winter.
Helpful Ace Supplies
For completing a fall maintenance checklist and handling damage DIY style, Ace Hardware can help provide you with the right supplies. From basic cleaning tools to materials to secure loose sections, such as gutter sealants and gutter connectors, we’ll help you get your home ready for colder months ahead.
2. Inspect Your Roof Before Winter
Do not skip this hugely important fall home maintenance step to catch small problems before they turn into bigger and potentially more expensive issues. Look for any cracked, missing, curled, or damaged shingles and flashing around vents, chimneys, and other roof openings. While you’re out there, trim any overhanging tree branches that could potentially break during strong winds or snow and risk damaging your roof, or worse, endangering your family.
3. Seal Drafts Around Windows and Doors
Check for Air Leaks
Notice any gaps around door frames, window frames, and other potential openings that could let cold air into your home. Finding these leaks before winter can help determine your next step in keeping you and your family warm when temperatures drop and improving energy efficiency when you need it most.
Replace Worn Weatherstripping
If you notice cracked, worn, or damaged weatherstripping near the moving edges of the doors or windows as the culprit behind potential air leaks, replace it right away. This simple fix of placing fresh weatherstripping will instantly seal gaps between windows or doors and their frames and keep cold drafts out and warm air inside.
Apply Fresh Caulk Where Needed
Once you’re done with the moving areas, pay attention to stationary areas, such as the gap between a window frame and the wall, since they’re easy to miss. For this specific area, caulk is your go-to solution. By applying a fresh bead along these gaps and cracks, you can seal them before the cold weather arrives.
Ace Products to Help
No need to worry about where to find the supplies you need for these fall home maintenance tasks. Johnson’s Ace has a variety of weatherstripping, caulking tools, and other home maintenance essentials readily available, so you can pick up what you need whenever you have the chance to tackle those small fixes yourself.
4. Service Your Heating System
Start by replacing your HVAC filters to maintain airflow, followed by cleaning and clearing areas around your heating equipment. If your thermostat batteries are dead, replace them so everything is ready for a test run. Finally, turn on your furnace to test whether or not your system is ready to go for freezing temperatures.
5. Winterize Outdoor Faucets and Hoses
Disconnect Garden Hoses 
Your next fall maintenance checklist includes plugging out your garden hoses. Though it sounds simple and insignificant, leaving hoses connected during freezing weather can trap water in the hose or outdoor faucet, increasing the risk of frozen pipes and costly damage. So, make sure this step doesn’t slip your mind.
Drain Outdoor Water Lines
Again, although it may seem simple, you’d be surprised how serious the consequences can be if you forget to do so. After disconnecting the hose, drain any remaining water from faucets and water lines. This step is crucial to prevent freezing inside the pipes, which can cause them to crack, expand, or worse, burst in winter.
Install Faucet Covers
Once you’re done with the hose, we advise you to get yourself a faucet cover for an extra layer of protection against freezing temperatures, plus an extra layer of protection for your peace of mind. This cover insulates the exposed faucet and prevents cold air from reaching your pipes. We promise you, this little purchase will be worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fall Home Maintenance
When should I start fall home maintenance?
Most homeowners should start tackling fall home maintenance in early to mid-fall before temperatures start to freeze and the first snowfall arrives.
Why is cleaning gutters important in the fall?
Leaves that bring your charming look around the yard can easily clog your gutters and cause water to overflow, potentially damaging your roof, siding, foundation, or landscaping.
What supplies do I need for fall home maintenance?
Common supplies include ladders, gloves, weatherstripping, caulk, furnace filters, smoke detector batteries, leaf rakes, gutter tools, faucet covers, ice melt, and snow shovels.
End Note
A fall maintenance checklist now can go a long way toward keeping your home protected and comfortable throughout the winter. If you’re ready to check off your fall maintenance checklist, visit Johnson’s Ace for the tools, supplies, and home maintenance essentials you need to get the job done.
Stop by Johnson’s Ace today and get your home winter-ready!
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