Your Daily Real
Estate Blog
From
Supreme Manor
Real Estate Services
Fall
Preventative Home Maintenance Checklist
Before the weather gets extremely
cold, it's important to prepare for the winter months to prevent costly damage.
Below are some fall preventative home maintenance steps that every homeowner
should follow.
Gutters and Downspouts
l 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.
l Be sure water is not coming down behind gutters and that all
support brackets are securely in place.
l Ensure that water drains properly and doesn't pool. Pooling
can cause damage to foundations, driveways, and walkways.
Windows and Doors
l Change summer screens to cool weather storm windows and
doors.
l Inspect and repair any loose or damaged window or door
frames.
l Install weather stripping or caulking around windows and
doors to prevent drafts and to lower heating bills.
l There are temporary draft strips that can be placed at the
base of doors to block drafts.
Heating Systems
l Replace the filter in your furnace monthly.
l Consider having a heating professional check your heating
system to ensure optimal performance and discover minor problems before they
turn into costly major repairs.
l 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.
Plumbing
l To prevent pipes freezing and bursting, ensure that the
pipes are well insulated.
l Know how to locate and turn off the water shut-off valve in
case pipes do freeze.
Chimney and Fireplace
l 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.
l Test your fireplace flue for a tight seal when closed.
Attic ventilation
l Be sure attic insulation doesn't cover vents in the eaves to
prevent winter ice dams on the roof.
l Be sure ridge vents and vents at eaves are free of plants
and debris.
l Check bird and rodent screens for attic vents to prevent any
unwanted guests.
Landscape and Yard work
l Although grass appears to stop growing in the fall, the roots
are actually growing deeper to prepare for winter. Now is the best time to fertilize
and reseed your lawn.
l Prune your trees and shrubs after the leaves turn to
encourage healthy growth.
l Trim any tree limbs that are dangerously close to power
lines or the roof of your house. Heavy snow and ice can cause damage in the
winter.
I hope this information is useful.
Should you need assistance with any of your real estate needs,
please contact Supreme Manor Real Estate Services 773-881-9224. Feel free to visit us on our website or any
of our social media sites.
Have a Supreme Day!
Sheila M. Wilkinson-Sanders
Managing Broker/Owner - CPA, GRI, CNC
Supreme Manor Real Estate Services
1840 West 95th Street
Chicago, IL 60643
(773) 785-0127 Direct
(773) 797-9640 (fax)
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