As a homeowner, problems with your house can pop up out of nowhere. This is especially true if you live in a harsh climate like Canada. That’s why it’s important to keep a close eye on it by giving it regular inspections and maintenance to keep it in good shape. A thorough inspection of your home in the fall can help you avoid water damage, structural problems, plumbing issues, or pests in the winter. Here are the five most important fall maintenance tips for your home and windows that you should do every year to keep your home warm, dry, and comfortable.
Pay Close Attention to Your Foundation
Foundation problems can make your home less stable and less safe. This can also cause damage from water that is hard to fix in the winter. This season, check the concrete base, the mortar between the bricks, the grading, the plumbing, the crawl space, the surrounding tree roots, the windows, and the flooring in your home to make sure that a small problem doesn’t get worse and turn into a big one.
Get Up on Your Roof
Having your roof checked is one of the most important things to do in the fall. By doing regular maintenance, you can make sure the roof lasts as long as possible and protect your home from damage. To do a thorough inspection, you’ll need to climb up on your roof.
Thoroughly Inspect the HVAC System
In the middle of winter, the last thing you want to deal with is a furnace that doesn’t work. So, don’t forget to have your heating system checked out well before it gets cold. Clean out the filters, look for broken parts, check the heat exchanger, and look at the blower assembly, flue pipe, pilot light, and ductwork.
Check Over All of the Windows in Your Home for Leaks
In the winter, a broken window can cause high heating bills, so it’s important to check them for signs of damage. To do this, carefully check the windows and doors for drafts, loose frames, broken weatherstripping, and cracked panes. If you see any problems, you should call a professional to come see how bad they are. If the problem is small, they might be able to fix it.
Complete a Full Door Inspection
Doors to the outside are another common place where air can get out. Check the door seals and weatherstripping to make sure that no air is getting in. If one of the materials doesn’t work well or is cracked, you can caulk it or replace it. If you have a bottom draft stopper, make sure it is touching the ground and blocking enough air.