7 Fall Home Maintenance Tips
Every season brings a whole new set of things to do when you own a Lake of the Ozarks home, and fall is no different. From making sure the leaves are all raked up to making sure your home is well insulated, it can be hard to know what to do next. At eXp Realty, we want to make sure that you are well prepared in any season as a homeowner, and that you can easily transition between each one. Here are 7 fall home maintenance tips you need to remember as the weather starts to change, and your home needs a few things done.
1. Gutters and Downspouts
Clean gutters and downspouts frequently throughout fall to prevent build up of leaves and other debris. Neglected gutters can lead to wood rot problems and pest infestations, not to mention ruined gutters. Be sure water is not coming down behind gutters and that all support brackets are securely in place. Ensure that water drains properly and doesn’t pool. Pooling can cause damage to foundations, driveways, and walkways.
2. Inspect Your Roof
Look for warning signs: Shingles that are buckled, cracked, or missing; rust spots on flashing. Any loose, damaged, or missing shingles should be replaced immediately. Many roofing companies offer free roof inspections - take them up on that offer and have a professional do a thorough inspection to make sure there aren't any potential issues that could lead to damage.
3. Windows and Doors
Change summer screens to cool weather storm windows and doors. Inspect and repair any loose or damaged window or door frames. Install weather stripping or caulking around windows and doors to prevent drafts and to lower heating bills.
4. Heating Systems
Replace the filter in your furnace. Consider having a heating professional check your heating system to ensure optimal performance and discover minor problems before they turn into costly major repairs. Clean your ducts to better your heating system’s efficiency as well as to reduce household dust and to provide relief to those with respiratory problems.
5. Chimney and Fireplace
Call a professional in to inspect and clean your chimney. Fireplaces that are regularly used during the season should have an annual cleaning to prevent dangerous chimney fires. Test your fireplace flue for a tight seal when closed.
6. Remove Garden Hoses From Faucets
Remove garden hoses from outdoor faucets. Leaving hoses attached can cause water to back up in the faucets and in the plumbing pipes just inside your exterior walls. If freezing temps hit, that water could freeze, expand, and crack the faucet or pipes. Turn off any shutoff valves on water supply lines that lead to exterior faucets. Drain garden hoses and store them in a shed or garage.
7. Drain your Irrigation System
Even buried irrigation lines can freeze, leading to busted pipes and broken sprinkler heads. Turn off the water to the system at the main valve. Shut off the automatic controller. Open drain valves to remove water from the system. Remove any above-ground sprinkler heads and shake the water out of them, then replace. If you don’t have drain valves, then hire an irrigation pro to blow out the systems pipes with compressed air.
Owning your own home can be extremely gratifying, but it can also involve a bit of work as well. At eXp Realty, from the moment you start to look for your dream home, to the day you sell it because you need something bigger - we're here for you. Let our team of the best real estate agents at the Lake of the Ozarks assist you in finding your home, and then keeping it maintained through the years to make sure it's sell ready when you are! Visit our website at www.GotLakeRealEstate.com to learn more about the properties we have available and how we can help you get settled into a Lake of the Ozark home.
1. Gutters and Downspouts
Clean gutters and downspouts frequently throughout fall to prevent build up of leaves and other debris. Neglected gutters can lead to wood rot problems and pest infestations, not to mention ruined gutters. Be sure water is not coming down behind gutters and that all support brackets are securely in place. Ensure that water drains properly and doesn’t pool. Pooling can cause damage to foundations, driveways, and walkways.
2. Inspect Your Roof
Look for warning signs: Shingles that are buckled, cracked, or missing; rust spots on flashing. Any loose, damaged, or missing shingles should be replaced immediately. Many roofing companies offer free roof inspections - take them up on that offer and have a professional do a thorough inspection to make sure there aren't any potential issues that could lead to damage.
3. Windows and Doors
Change summer screens to cool weather storm windows and doors. Inspect and repair any loose or damaged window or door frames. Install weather stripping or caulking around windows and doors to prevent drafts and to lower heating bills.
4. Heating Systems
Replace the filter in your furnace. Consider having a heating professional check your heating system to ensure optimal performance and discover minor problems before they turn into costly major repairs. Clean your ducts to better your heating system’s efficiency as well as to reduce household dust and to provide relief to those with respiratory problems.
5. Chimney and Fireplace
Call a professional in to inspect and clean your chimney. Fireplaces that are regularly used during the season should have an annual cleaning to prevent dangerous chimney fires. Test your fireplace flue for a tight seal when closed.
6. Remove Garden Hoses From Faucets
Remove garden hoses from outdoor faucets. Leaving hoses attached can cause water to back up in the faucets and in the plumbing pipes just inside your exterior walls. If freezing temps hit, that water could freeze, expand, and crack the faucet or pipes. Turn off any shutoff valves on water supply lines that lead to exterior faucets. Drain garden hoses and store them in a shed or garage.7. Drain your Irrigation System
Even buried irrigation lines can freeze, leading to busted pipes and broken sprinkler heads. Turn off the water to the system at the main valve. Shut off the automatic controller. Open drain valves to remove water from the system. Remove any above-ground sprinkler heads and shake the water out of them, then replace. If you don’t have drain valves, then hire an irrigation pro to blow out the systems pipes with compressed air.
Owning your own home can be extremely gratifying, but it can also involve a bit of work as well. At eXp Realty, from the moment you start to look for your dream home, to the day you sell it because you need something bigger - we're here for you. Let our team of the best real estate agents at the Lake of the Ozarks assist you in finding your home, and then keeping it maintained through the years to make sure it's sell ready when you are! Visit our website at www.GotLakeRealEstate.com to learn more about the properties we have available and how we can help you get settled into a Lake of the Ozark home.
2011 REALTOR Salesperson of the Year
Missouri Association of Realtors
752 Bagnell Dam Blvd., Suite A
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
Office | 573.365.1555
Fax | 573.365.1766
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