Prepping your home to withstand the winter weather is a crucial part of fall. Taking some time to prep now can save you from having issues later on. Before the season ends, check off each of the items on this list of fall home maintenance tasks.

1. Clean your gutters – The gutters help divert thousands of gallons of water from your house’s exterior and foundation walls, so be sure to keep them clear of leaves and debris.
2. Seal windows and doors – Gaps or cracks around windows and doors can let in cold air and cost you 20% more on your heating bill. Before the cold weather sets in, check the caulk and weatherstripping and repair and replace any of the areas where you can feel air coming in or escaping.
3. Inspect your roof – A leaky roof can be hard to fix and costly to do so. Before the winter ice and snow set in, inspect your roof from top to bottom. Check for missing, curled, or cracked shingles and look for damage to metal flashing in valleys and around vents and chimneys.
4. Protect pipes – Pipes and faucets can freeze and burst in the winter if you don’t take the necessary precautions. Before temperatures drop below freezing, close any shut-off valves serving outside faucets, then open the outside faucet to drain the line. If you don’t have shut-off valves and your faucets are not “freeze-proof,” consider buying faucet covers and make sure outdoor pipes are covered for protection.
5. Change your furnace filter and get it inspected – Furnace filters trap in dust, and when the filters get clogged, it makes it hard to heat the home. Clean the filters or replace the filters once a month to keep them free of debris and your home at a comfortable temperature. Before the heating season begins, it’s also a good idea to have your furnace checked by a professional. If you notice things like noisy belts, poor performance, and erratic behavior, put getting your furnace inspected high on your to-do list this fall.
6. Prep your fireplace – Check your fireplace annually for anything that needs to be repaired or anything that could be a safety hazard. Have your chimney inspected for creosote buildup, damages, or flue blockages.
7. Ready your lawn for winter – Hoping to keep your lawn looking healthy come the springtime? There are some maintenance tasks you’ll need to take care of now to make that happen! Rake the leaves, aerate the lawn, and fertilize the grass, trees, and shrubs to ensure your lawn and garden beds don’t suffocate.
8. Repair walkways – Walkways, drives, and steps can turn dangerous when they’re icy, especially if they’re damaged. Check for cracks more than 1/8-inch wide, uneven sections, and loose railings on steps and take care of the repairs before the temperatures drop and cause problems to become big headaches.

If you need more homeownership tips or fall home maintenance tasks, contact the David Morris Group. We’re happy to be your Reno resource, and if you’re hoping to buy or sell a home in the coming months, we’d be honored to help. Give us a call at (775) 828-3292.