Fall Maintenance Tips

Transitioning from summer to fall is usually welcomed here in Central Texas, but it’s never easy to say goodbye to summer. Here it feels like we can stay in our swimsuits up until October and then at the snap of a finger we’re replacing those flip-flops and shorts with jackets and long pants. But just as you need to transition from one season to another, so does your house. And since your home can’t do it on its own, it’s relying on you. Early fall is one of your last chances to get ready for colder weather approaching when rain, snow, and ice can truly wreak havoc on a house. And after last year’s storm, we could all use a few tips on how to be better prepared for the extreme weather.

If you’re a new homeowner or if you’ve been in your home for a while now — or even live somewhere where winter weather is a rarity — our Fall Home Maintenance Checklist is full of tips to help every homeowner easily tackle those autumn chores.

1. Maintain the bushes and trees

If there are a lot of trees in your yard, you may want to hire a professional service to have them trimmed. Otherwise, if not properly pruned, falling limbs during winter storms can increase the risk of them dying. During the fall season, trees are becoming dormant, and keeping them properly trimmed can also decrease the chance of disease.

2. Rake the yard

Fallen leaves make the ground look colorful, but too many on the ground after the snow melts encourages spring mold and mildew growth. Make the job easier on yourself and get a lightweight, plastic rake and use gloves to protect your hands. There are also handheld leaf scoops to make the leaf bagging go by faster.

3. Clear the gutters and downspouts of debris

After the majority of leaves have fallen off the trees, clean out the gutters and downspouts of sticks, dirt, leaves, and other debris. Clogged gutters can lead to standing water on your roof or eaves and can cause significant damage to your home.

4. Shut off exterior hoses and faucets

Prevent your pipes from freezing by turning off the water to exterior hoses and faucets. Make sure that everything is drained to prevent them from freezing. Even if you haven’t used them in a while, hoses can retain residual water.

5. Schedule a chimney cleaning

Do some chimney upkeep. Before using your fireplace, call a professional to inspect and clean your chimney. They’ll be busy as winter approaches, so schedule them as early as possible. Keeping your chimney and furnace clean is extremely important for your safety. 

6.Replace Batteries in Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

A good rule of thumb is to change the batteries twice a year, and when the clocks change is a great reminder. Carbon monoxide is an invisible odorless gas that is a byproduct of burning oil or natural gas. It can be deadly if left unchecked and if people breathe it in. If your house doesn’t already have a detector, and you burn natural gas for heat, it’s vital on many levels. It could save a life.