It's that time of year again! Fall is finally here, and you know what that means? Time to start thinking about fall home projects. “June Gloom” is lifting, revealing clear, sunny skies, making this a great time to check off some of your home maintenance items, helping you keep your home in tip-top shape for years to come.
Below are a few fall home maintenance items for California homeowners — which one will you tackle first?
Home Maintenance Checklist for California Homeowners
WINDOWS & DOORS
Your windows and doors are much more than just portals to the outside, and they let in the view and keep out pests, intruders, and inclement weather.
Clean – Even if we don't realize it, some windows require little upkeep, and we forget to clean them. In any case, grab a soft cloth and a window cleaner without harsh chemicals to clean the glass. This is also an excellent opportunity to examine the frames. If you have wood frames, check for swelling, rotting, or warping. Look for any cracks or paint peeling off in case you need to address them. Cosmetic concerns can usually be managed on your own; however, major issues may necessitate window repair or replacement.
Weatherstrip – Proper weatherstripping will ensure that your home is comfortable and your home is energy efficient. It's time to check the form of your weatherstripping now. If you identify any weak areas, they should be reinforced.
Replace? – Your windows may be in good condition, and there may be no need to replace them. However, if you have any issues with your windows, it is frequently more cost-effective to replace them rather than repair them. Replacement may be the solution if your windows are cracked or the frames are warping or severely damaged. You must evaluate the benefits and drawbacks for yourself; however, increased home comfort and value make replacing the windows worthwhile in many situations.
If you have cracked or broken windows or doors that don’t work quite right, replacing them before the rainy season will give you peace of mind and save money.
RELATED: Clear and Secure: Tips & Tricks for Caring for Your New Windows
INDOORS
Check walls and ceiling for cracks – Do you see any gaps that need to be patched up? This is the time to get it taken care of. Small cracks are easily repaired but can become significant issues if left unattended.
Heating/AC System – Start by changing your filters if you do that yourself. This is an important task that must be done regularly to keep your HVAC system working correctly and keep the air in your home clean.
Schedule the yearly maintenance inspection – Make sure the inspector also checks the ductwork and ensures it is clean and safe.
Also, check your thermostat to determine everything is working correctly, including the temperature control for each room.
Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors – Make it a point to check them every six months. It’s simple, and it’s a key component to helping your family stay safe.
OUTDOORS
Roof – WIth the onset of the rainy season, it’s no fun to find out you have a leak during a storm. Have a professional inspect your roof for any potential leaks and get them taken care of proactively. In the end, it’ll save you money and so much stress to have any issues taken care of in advance.
Flower Beds – Eradicate weeds and apply mulch to protect plants from potential chilly weather.
Trees – Always a fall favorite, begin proper tree maintenance by checking for dead branches that could come down during high winds. It’s important to take care of this issue before it becomes an emergency!
Also, give your trees some TLC by removing debris and leaves from the lawn area around them. Fall is the perfect time to give them some extra hydration too.
Gutters and Downspouts – Fall is when gutters start to fail, primarily because they get clogged with leaves and debris. It’s simple to hire someone to clean your gutters and check the connections to keep things working well. You don’t want water overflowing onto your yard, driveway, and front porch.
Also, check the flow of the drains. Make sure the water is draining away from your house.
Front Door – Once you’ve cleaned up your yard, it might be a good idea to do an exterior paint touch-up on your front door. Ensure all cracks and crevices are filled in properly before applying another coat of fresh color for added protection.
Do the Same for your driveway and walkways – It’s not unusual to see some cracks or small breaks in these areas. A quick fix with a concrete patching compound will make it good as new, ready for winter weather.
Exterior Lights – Ensure exterior light fixtures are working correctly by testing them out at night after dark (obviously!). If bulbs need replacing, be sure to use LED if possible since they burn brighter than standard bulbs and have a lower wattage. It’s also good to replace them after about five years just for safety purposes.
Yes, maintenance will save you time and money, but the most significant benefit is peace of mind knowing your family will be warm and secure all winter long. If your windows and doors need to be inspected or replaced, give us a call at Newman Windows and Doors. Your safety and security are our top priority.
