Homes need regular periodic maintenance to keep them at the best.  Here are a series of steps you can perform every fall season to help keep your home in tip top condition.

 

Clear gutters of all leaves, pine needles and other debris.  Clogged gutters back up in heavy rains and can lead to dry rot damage in your eaves and behind the stucco.  Check gutters and downspouts for any signs of leaks or rust and be sure that they are securely attached. 

 

 

On flat roofs, look for exposed black tar showing through the gravel layer, and for cracks around chimney, vent pipes, etc.  With shingle roofs, look for curling shingles, deterioration of shingles along the ridges or valleys, and for large amounts of the pebbly mineral surface of the shingle building up in your gutters and shedding from the roof.  Check the sealing around chimneys and vent pipes. 

 

 

 

Tree branches should not over-hang or brush against your roof.  Bushes and other plants that are in direct contact with your house are a fire hazard and also a freeway for wood destroying pests.  For fire safety, be sure to clear away all dead grasses and vegetation.  If you have any doubts about the health and stability of large trees on your property have them checked by an arborist. 

 

 

Downspouts should carry water away from your foundation.  If they don't, connect them to black plastic piping or the expandable/contractible plastic downspout extenders for the rainy season.  As much as possible, be sure that the ground slopes away from your foundation so water will be directed away. 

 

Patch sidewalk and driveway cracks

 

This will prevent water from running through the cracks and contributing to settlement problems and will improve your drainage.  Most cracks can be patched with mortar.  For very small ones use a silicon compound. 

 

 

It is really crucial to seal cracks in stairs, decks and porches that are constructed over wood framing.  Water can seep through the cracks, soak the wood framing underneath and lead to thousands of dollars of damage in dry rot.  Seal cracks on the horizontal surfaces and the junction with walls or other vertical surfaces with mortar or a silicon compound.  With wood decks you should clean out the spaces between the boards so that water can flow freely between them.  Trapped materials in those spaces will hold water against the wood and accelerate dry rot problems. 

 

 

Stucco cracks which could allow water to seep into the wood framing underneath should be properly patched with stucco patch.  Seal cracks around windows and doors with a silicon compound.  Any cracked or peeling paint on the exterior should be sanded, primed and repainted so it is water proof before the rains come. 

 

 

Before you start using your heater you should vacuum the registers and cold air return and wall furnaces.  Be sure there are no combustible materials close to heat registers.  Visually inspect your heating ducts for cracks or tears. If you have asbestos covered ducts, be sure the surfaces are intact, with no tears or gouges.  If there are tears, seal them with an oil based paint or sealer.  Clean or replace furnace air filters as necessary. 

 

 

Current code requires a smoke detector in every bedroom, and one in every hall leading to a bedroom, and at least one on every level of the house. Be sure to test yours regularly and replace batteries as needed.  You should also have a kitchen rated fire extinguisher in your kitchen and a general purpose fire extinguisher in your garage.  In a multi story house it is a good idea to have one upstairs as well. 

 

 

Chimneys should be cleaned once a year if you use your fireplace frequently, and every two or three years if you use it infrequently. At the same time, have the sweep check for cracks and  loose bricks or mortar.

 

 

Replace any damaged cords.  If you are operating several household appliances or electronic equipment from extension cords or multi-prong outlet adapters, it is time to plan on an electrical upgrade and rewiring. 

 

 

Examine the cables for any signs of wear or damage.  Test the automatic reverse mechanism to be sure it reverses when it hits an obstacle.  Don't use your car for the test!

 

 

Check all of your sink drains and other drains that are visible outside and under your home for any signs of leaks. Repair or replace leaking faucets and shower heads.  Make sure there is no standing water on the your property that could serve as a breeding ground for mosquitos.

 

 

Repair or replace any deteriorated or missing grout on tile counters and other tile surfaces.  Check tub and shower enclosures for loose tiles.  Repair or replace deteriorated or missing caulk around sinks and the edges of tubs or stall showers.