What if that minor home maintenance item that you neglect this fall results in major repairs for you next January? Fall Home Maintenance is not only about raking leaves and readying your home for colder weather, but it’s also a chance to identify potential problems before the freezing cold, winter storms, and normal wear and tear make it more difficult to solve.
In South Jersey, where the fall season is characterized by falling leaves, change of temperature and, at times, rain showers, a little planning ahead will make a big difference. If you are a homeowner in Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Marlton or another place in New Jersey, here is an effective checklist for you.
Why Fall Home Maintenance Is Important in South Jersey
Property owners living in South Jersey are exposed to seasonal elements which place additional pressure on their property. Fallen leaves, changes in temperature and frozen conditions are just some factors which can be detrimental to one’s house.
Property owners who live in developed areas of Camden, Burlington and Gloucester counties may also face issues such as old trees, old roofing material or heating system issues.
Conducting maintenance on your home during fall will allow you to take care of any issues before winter conditions come into play.
It is not about perfection but being prepared for what lies ahead.
1. Clean Gutters and Inspect Downspouts
It is easy to ignore gutters until water overflows during a heavy rainstorm.
During the fall season, leaves, branches, and other materials might accumulate in the gutters. When water cannot drain away from the house as needed, it could result in moisture issues around the roof, the siding, or the foundation.
What homeowners need to do:
– Clean any leaves and debris from easily accessible gutters.
– Inspect the downspouts for any obvious clogs.
– Drain water away from the foundation.
– Look out for any damaged or sagging gutters.
The presence of mature trees on a property may require a homeowner to clean gutters more than once during the season.
In cases where a property consists of multiple floors or hard-to-reach gutters, it might be best to hire a professional.
2. Check Your Roof Prior to the Arrival of Winter
The roof of your house is the best defense mechanism you have when it comes to keeping water, wind, and snow out.
Any minor issue like broken shingles or failing flashing can mean that water is entering your home. The problem might be harder to fix if you wait until after the winter weather hits.
First, make sure that you perform a visual inspection from the ground. This will include looking for any missing shingles, signs of damage, and areas that don’t seem level.
Also, look for signs of leaks inside your home by checking the ceilings in the attic and the upper floor walls.
3. Schedule a Heating System Inspection
Your heating system shouldn’t be tested on one of your first cold nights when you find out there’s something wrong with it.
Before it gets too cold, schedule an inspection of your heating system by a professional.
They will examine the functioning of the system, determine what kind of maintenance is needed, and assess its key safety features.
In addition, you should inspect the filters of your HVAC system and change them if necessary.
This can help increase the efficiency of your heating system.In case you have problems with overheating of some rooms in your house or strange sounds coming from your heating system, tell the technician about it.
4. Seal Air Leaks at Windows and Doorways
Have you ever felt the draft from a closed window?
Gaps around doors and windows can create an air leak where conditioned air escapes from indoors and unconditioned air enters.
In autumn, it is a good idea to take a look at the weatherstripping around exterior doors and check for any gaps or deteriorated condition in window frames.
Based on the situation, replacement of weatherstripping or application of proper caulk in relevant joints might prove useful in avoiding draft.
Checking the door sweeps and ensuring that windows close tightly should also be included in the task list.
These easy fixes will help you stay warm during winter in New Jersey.
If there are issues like unequal heating of rooms or abnormal noise coming from the HVAC system, let the contractor know about them.
5. Insulate Exterior Water Faucets and Pipes
Water pipes used in exterior locations are especially susceptible during freezing weather.
Leaving a garden hose connected to an exterior water tap can cause water to accumulate in sections that could become frozen. This could exert pressure on plumbing components which would become damaged.
Prior to the onset of the first freeze:
- – Disconnect all garden hoses.
- – Store hoses away from freezing conditions.
- – Turn off and drain outdoor pipes where feasible.
- – Follow manufacturers’ instructions regarding frost-proof faucets.
- – Prepare irrigation systems in accordance with their design.
Homeowners with unprotected pipes located in unheated spaces such as garages and crawlspaces need to decide if further protection is needed.
For unknown plumbing systems, a licensed plumber will be able to recommend suitable preparations.
6. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
In addition to making necessary repairs and maintenance in the fall, there is a good reason to make certain that you are safe at home during cold weather months.
Since heating systems are put to work again, make sure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are operational.
Change Your Clocks, Test Your Alarms!
Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for functionality according to their manuals and the replacement period.
In case you have a fireplace or a wood-burning stove at your house, schedule an inspection and cleaning of your chimney.
7. Prepare Your Property and Landscape
Fallen leaves may be one of the most attractive features of fall in South Jersey, but too much of a good thing becomes a burden when cleaning up.
Clean fallen leaves off your sidewalks, staircases, and drainage areas. Ensure storm drains remain clear without accessing the road or opening any drainage structures.
Examine your trees for any damaged branches or loose branches, especially those that are close to your house. Consult an arborist if you have any hazardous branches or are working around power lines.
Also, use this opportunity to store outdoor furniture and fence inspections.
8. Check Your Basement and Foundation
Rainy weather in autumn may uncover drainage and moisture problems that homeowners might miss in other seasons.
Look for wet spots, a musty smell, any cracks, or signs of water leaks in the basement or crawlspace.
Take a look at how the ground is graded around the foundation and where the downspouts are releasing water.
Make sure to check on the sump pump if you have one. Don’t hesitate to call a professional if you don’t know how to check it.
It will help you prevent more damages later on.
9. Inspect the Walkways, Stairs, and Outdoor Lighting
Cracked driveways or walkways, damaged stairs, and handrails that might be weak could pose more risks in wet, icy, or leaf-filled situations.
Go on a walk in your property and look for:
– Cracks in driveways or walkways.
– Loose or damaged stair elements.
– Handrail stability.
– Outdoor lighting that is not working properly.
It becomes important for outdoor lighting to be functioning well due to shorter daylight hours during fall and winter.
10. Develop a Winter Emergency Preparedness Plan
Sometimes during winter, one may experience power outages, difficult road conditions, and other disturbances in their regular activities.
Create an emergency kit that will contain some basic supplies like torches, batteries, drinking water, and others depending on your needs.
Be familiar with where your house’s primary shut-off valve is located.
In case you have a portable generator at home, always follow the operating guide and never run it indoors but outdoors, keeping distance from any windows, doors, or vents.