Fall Home Maintenance Checklist: 6 Tips for Homeowners
When the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, there’s one thing that comes to our mind at Baker Home Exteriors: home maintenance (though pumpkin spice is a close runner up). That’s because autumn is the perfect time to give your home a little extra attention before winter’s cold and wet weather set in.
To that end, our fall home maintenance checklist will help you protect your investment by saving money on repairs down the road, all while keeping your home comfortable and cozy in the cooler weather. Let’s get started!
Quick Answer
Before cold weather hits, you should:
- Clean and inspect gutters and downspouts
- Schedule a professional roof inspection
- Check and seal windows and doors
- Repair driveways and walkways
- Brighten up outdoor lighting
- Inspect and cap your chimney
By completing these quick tasks in the fall, you’ll help prevent costly winter damage while improving your home’s energy efficiency.
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1. Clean and Inspect Gutters and Downspouts
When trees shed their leaves, your gutters and downspouts are the first to feel it. Clogged gutters can trap water, causing it to overflow and damage your roof, fascia, or siding. They can also lead to ice dams in winter, something no homeowner wants to deal with.
To prevent that, hire a professional who will safely remove debris and ensure proper drainage before the next big rain. It’s also a great time to consider adding gutter guards for better long-term protection. Learn more about gutter guards below.
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RainDrop’s patented S-curve design channels rainwater smoothly into your gutters while keeping out leaves and debris. Check out our RainDrop services using this button:
2. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
Your roof takes a beating all year long, whether it be from sun, rain, wind, or even just falling leaves. So, as part of your fall checklist for home maintenance, have a roofing professional inspect your shingles and flashing. A trained expert can spot early signs of wear that most homeowners miss, helping you avoid unexpected leaks and extend the life of your roof.
It’s a good idea to schedule a professional roof inspection at least once a year to catch small issues before they turn into costly repairs. Ideally, though, you’ll have your roof checked twice, once in the spring and again in the fall. If you’re comfortable spotting common signs of wear, a DIY inspection can work for that second checkup, but a professional’s trained eye is often worth the peace of mind.
If doing a DIY inspection, look for curled, cracked, or missing shingles and any signs of leaks around chimneys or vents.
If you’re not sure where to start, schedule a roof inspection with a trusted professional before winter weather arrives.
Examples of cracked/curled shingles.
3. Check and Seal Windows and Doors
Feeling a little draft near your windows or doors? That’s your energy bill waving hello. As temperatures drop, window seals can shrink or crack, letting in cold air and moisture. This, in turn, increases the amount of work your heating system needs to do, causing your energy costs to spike.
Of course, this makes an easy addition to your fall home maintenance checklist. Walk through your home and look for issues around windows and doors. When checking for drafts, keep an eye out for:
- Condensation or fog between window panes
- Cracked or peeling caulk around window frames
- Gaps under or around door thresholds
- Weather stripping that’s become loose or worn
You can reseal small cracks with caulk or apply new weather stripping for an easy DIY fix, though you should get in contact with an expert if drafts persist. For older homes, upgrading to energy-efficient windows might be worth the investment for year-round savings.
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4. Repair Driveways and Walkways
Cracks in concrete or asphalt can get worse when water seeps in and freezes. Because of that, before the first frost, you should inspect your sidewalks and driveways for any damage. These are some of the issues you should look for, and what you should do if you spot them:
| Type of Damage | DIY Fix | When to Call a Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Small cracks (under ¼ inch) | Widen crack slightly and apply concrete sealant | N/A |
| Uneven slabs or large cracks | N/A | Professional resurfacing |
| Crumbling edges | Add a border and patch with concrete mix | If damage spreads beyond small areas |
Filling small cracks or holes now helps prevent tripping hazards in the short term and saves you from larger repairs in the long term. Plus, smooth walkways make snow and ice removal much easier during the winter months.
5. Brighten Up Your Outdoor Lighting
Shorter days mean darker evenings, and that’s the perfect reason to upgrade your outdoor lighting. Well-placed light fixtures not only boost curb appeal but also keep your family safe as you navigate icy steps or walkways after dark.
Consider installing motion-activated lights or pathway lighting. LED bulbs are energy-efficient and last for years, so we recommend these for any outdoor lighting fixtures.
6. Inspect and Cap Your Chimney
There’s nothing cozier than a crackling fire on a cold night. However, before you strike a match, make sure your chimney is ready. To that end, we recommend a professional cleaning, in which experts will remove:
- Soot, which can restrict airflow and reduce your fireplace’s efficiency.
- Debris, such as leaves or nesting materials that could block smoke from venting properly, making it harder to breathe inside your home.
- Creosote, a hazardous tar-like buildup that forms when smoke cools and condenses.
You should also add a chimney cap to your list of fall home care tips. This simple upgrade prevents rain, leaves, and curious critters from entering your flue (the passageway that leads smoke up and out of your home), keeping your fireplace safe and efficient all season long.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The best time to start your fall home maintenance checklist is before the first freeze or major storm. In most areas, that will be early- to- mid-October. This gives you time to schedule any repairs or cleanings without competing with holiday rushes or bad weather.
Most homeowners should clean their gutters at least once during fall, as well as once in the spring. However, for homes surrounded by trees, clear gutters at least twice during the autumn months, aiming for once after early leaf drop and again before winter. These higher-leaf density properties might also benefit from gutter guards.
A fall roof inspection helps identify small problems, such as damaged shingles or loose flashing, before snow and ice make them worse. It’s one of the easiest ways to prevent leaks and extend the life of your roof, eliminating the need for costly repairs down the line.
A thorough fall home maintenance checklist should include cleaning gutters, inspecting your roof, checking window seals, repairing walkways, upgrading outdoor lighting, and cleaning or capping your chimney.
Focus on insulation and water drainage. Seal windows, inspect the roof, and make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear so melting snow doesn’t cause water damage. You can also add extra exterior lighting to stay safe on dark winter evenings.
Final Thoughts
With winter right around the corner, a little preparation now can save you from expensive repairs later. That’s why we made this fall checklist for home maintenance!
Now, you have all the information you need to protect both your investment in your home and your peace of mind. Happy home-improving!
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Baker Home Exteriors is here to help you prepare for whatever winter brings. For over 110 years, our local Carolina team has specialized in exterior solutions that stand up to every season. We offer free fall home inspections to homeowners in North or South Carolina.
Let our family take care of yours. Contact us today to schedule your free inspection using the button below, or take a moment to check out our Google reviews. We look forward to working with you!
