Protect Your Home: Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

September 2024

Home maintenance in the rainy Pacific Northwest is crucial to protect your property from the wet and sometimes harsh conditions. Here’s a fall checklist of home maintenance projects that can help prevent expensive damage to your home this winter:

 

✅ Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Remove leaves, debris, and moss from gutters and downspouts. Ensure they are clear to allow proper drainage and prevent water damage to your home’s foundation.

 

✅ Inspect and Clean Roof

Examine the roof for loose or damaged shingles. Clean moss and debris off the roof’s surface and check for any signs of leaks or water damage.

 

✅ Check Seals and Caulking

Inspect window and door seals, as well as exterior caulking. Replace any damaged or deteriorating seals to prevent drafts and leaks.

 

✅ Trim Trees and Shrubs

Trim overhanging branches and foliage away from your house to prevent damage during heavy winds and storms.

 

✅ Weatherstrip Doors and Windows

Seal gaps around doors and windows with weatherstripping to improve energy efficiency and keep moisture out.

 

✅   Inspect the Foundation

Check for cracks or gaps in your home’s foundation and seal them to prevent water infiltration.

 

✅ Clean and Seal Decks/Patios

Pressure wash and reseal wooden decks and patios to protect them from the constant rain and prevent rot.

 

✅ Service Heating System

Have your heating system professionally serviced to ensure it’s in good working order for the colder months.

 

✅ Clean Chimney and Fireplace

If you have a fireplace or wood stove, have the chimney cleaned and inspected for safety. Clean out the fireplace or stove and stock up on firewood.

 

✅ Check Sump Pump

Test your sump pump to make sure it’s working correctly to prevent basement flooding.

 

✅ Inspect Drains and Drainage Systems

Check storm drains, French drains, and any other drainage systems on your property to ensure they are clear and functioning correctly.

 

✅ Moss Control

Apply moss control treatment to your roof, pathways, and driveway to prevent moss buildup, which can become slippery and cause damage.

 

✅ Check and Clean Outdoor Lighting

Replace bulbs in outdoor lighting fixtures and ensure walkways and entry areas are well-lit for safety during dark, rainy evenings.

 

✅ Inspect and Clean Outdoor Furniture

Clean and store outdoor furniture or cover it to protect it from the rain and winter weather.

 

✅ Test Smoke and CO Detectors

Test and replace the batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are in working order.

 

✅ Prepare an Emergency Kit

Assemble an emergency kit with essentials like flashlights, batteries, candles, blankets, and non-perishable food items in case of power outages or severe storms.

 

✅ Seal Cracks and Gaps

Inspect the interior for gaps or cracks around windows, doors, and in the basement. Seal them to improve energy efficiency and prevent drafts.

 

✅ Clean Dryer Vents

Remove lint buildup from dryer vents to reduce the risk of fire and ensure your dryer functions efficiently.

 

✅ Inspect Exterior Paint

Check the exterior paint for peeling or cracks. Touch up or repaint areas as needed to protect against moisture damage.

 

✅ Plan a Fall Garden

If you have a garden, plan and plant fall-appropriate crops and flowers to enjoy throughout the season.

 

Regular maintenance is essential to protect your home from the rainy climate of the Pacific Northwest. Prioritize these tasks to ensure your home remains safe, comfortable, and in good condition throughout the fall and winter months.

 

drew@windermere.com