Fall Home Maintenance: A Short Checklist to Protect Your Home

As the weather shifts, a little preventive maintenance can save you from expensive repairs and higher utility bills. These tasks do not take long, and they help protect your home’s value whether you plan to stay for decades or sell in a few years.

Clear and Protect Your Gutters

Gutters have one job: moving water away from your roof, walls and foundation. When leaves, pine needles and debris pile up, water backs up and spills over the edges. Over time, that can lead to stained siding, rotted fascia boards, roof leaks, foundation problems and even water inside the house.

To keep things flowing:

• Clean gutters after most of the leaves have dropped, and again later in the season if you have lots of trees.
• Flush downspouts with a hose to make sure they are clear.
• Check that downspouts direct water several feet away from the foundation.
• Look for sagging sections or loose brackets.

If cleaning gutters is a chore you dread, consider gutter guards. They come in plastic and metal versions and can cut down on how often you need to clean. And if you are not comfortable on a ladder, hiring a pro is a smart, safe choice.

Seal Drafts Around Windows and Doors

Small gaps add up. Air leaks around windows and doors make rooms feel chilly and force your heating system to work harder. Some easy fixes:

1. On a breezy day, hold a lit candle or incense stick near window and door edges. Flickering smoke points to a leak.
2. Fill small gaps around frames with fresh caulk.
3. Replace worn or flattened weatherstripping on doors.
4. Add a door sweep to exterior doors that let in light along the bottom.

These materials are inexpensive at any hardware store, and the improvement in comfort can be noticeable right away.

Get Your Fireplace Checked

If you have a wood-burning fireplace or a wood stove, schedule an inspection and cleaning before you light the first fire of the season. A certified chimney professional can check for creosote buildup, which is a fire risk, along with cracks, damaged liners, loose bricks and blockages like nests. Gas fireplaces benefit from a yearly check too.

While you are thinking about safety, test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries as needed.

Why It Pays Off

Regular upkeep keeps small problems from turning into big ones, helps manage energy costs and shows future buyers the home has been cared for. Keep a simple log of what you did and when, along with receipts. It is useful for warranties and for your eventual sale.

If your checklist turns up a bigger project, like a new roof or windows, your home equity may help. Learn more about our HELOC option or contact FLO Mortgage to talk with a loan officer about your options.

This article is for general education and is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting guidelines and program availability. FLO Mortgage, Company NMLS #1835856. Equal Housing Opportunity.