Your Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

The mornings and nights are getting crisper, signaling that fall is just around the corner. Now is the time to prepare your home for winter, taking care of any needed maintenance or repairs before the cold weather settles in. Use our fall home maintenance checklist to help ensure your home remains in peak condition all winter long.

 1. Check for foundation cracks.

Take a walk around your home’s perimeter, looking for foundation cracks. Most vertical, hairline cracks aren’t cause for alarm since they are typically the result of normal settling. Seal any vertical cracks between 1/4 and ½-inch wide with concrete-compatible caulking to keep out moisture, soil smells, and radon gas (common in New England).  If you find any cracks that run horizontally or are wider than ½-inch, have a foundation contractor or structural engineer come take a look.

PRO TIP: Track your foundation cracks over time by marking both ends and writing the date by each mark. Continue to monitor the cracks each month, making additional marks if they expand. This information will be helpful, should you ever need to consult a professional.

 2. Seal any openings.

To prevent heat from escaping and moisture and cold air from entering, caulk any openings around your doors or windows, or where pipes or wires enter your home.

3. Inspect your exterior walls. 

Look for peeling or blistering paint or rotting wood—all of which needs to be addressed to prevent further damage to your home. 

4. Clean your gutters and downspouts.

Clogged gutters are a leading cause of ice dams, which damage your roof. Once all the leaves have fallen, clear your gutters and downspouts. Fix any loose joints or brackets.

5. Repair or replace any cracked, split, or rotted steps or railings.

Damaged steps or railings can present a safety hazard, so it's important to take care of them. If it's been more than a few years since you’ve stained or treated your deck, add this to your home maintenance list to prevent rot or damage.

6. Install your storm doors and windows.

Remove, clean, and repair (if necessary) your screens and store them in a dry location where they won’t get damaged. 

 7. Inspect your roof.

If your home is showing any of the signs of a troubled roof or is getting up there in age, have a pro come take a look at it. It’s better to address any needed repairs now than to deal with a leaky roof in the midst of a snowstorm! 

 Help with Fall Home Maintenance and Repairs

If you lack the time, tools, or experience to handle your fall home maintenance and repairs, contact the pros at Cormack Construction. We serve the home building, remodeling, and repair needs of homeowners in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, White Mountains, and Western Maine.