5 Fall Tasks to Prevent Costly Winter Repairs in Your Home

By Nick Waldner

Nick started and leads the #1 KW Team in all of Maryland and DC, selling over 400 homes a year! With 20+ years in the industry, he is the leading expert in Maryland!

Every fall season, we get calls from past clients (all Maryland homeowners) who noticed a roof leak or a frozen pipe a little too late. By then, they’re often facing major, costly projects. That’s why we always say that fall is prevention season. It’s your last, best chance to get ahead of the harsh winter weather and prevent expensive emergency repairs.

So, what specific maintenance should a Maryland homeowner do? I’m sharing five key areas of your home you’ll want to take proactive steps on this fall so that you’re protecting both your home and your wallet this coming winter.

1. Clean gutters and check drainage. This is a top priority. Clogged gutters are a primary source of water intrusion, especially in homes with walk-out basements. When gutters are blocked, water can overflow, pool around your foundation, and eventually find its way inside as an unwanted guest. Ensure your gutters are clear of leaves and debris, and consider installing gutter guards to prevent future clogs.

2. Schedule a furnace tune-up. Doing so ensures your system is safe, efficient, and ready to go at the first press of the thermostat button. You’ve relied on your AC all summer; now it’s time to give your heating system some attention. We recommend getting your system serviced twice a year by a professional HVAC technician (once in the spring and once in the fall) for optimal performance.

3. Seal drafts and check insulation to reduce your heating bills this winter significantly. If you’re feeling a chill coming from your windows, now is the time to walk around your home and inspect the caulking and weatherstripping around every window and door.

As a bonus, take a quick peek in your attic to ensure you have adequate insulation. Proper attic insulation is a powerhouse for saving money, keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter without straining your HVAC system.

4. Trim your trees and inspect your roof. After a spring and summer of growth, trees and shrubs may be getting too close to your home. It’s important to trim back any vegetation that is touching your roof or siding. Next, take a look at your roof.

If you can safely do so, look for missing or damaged shingles. For a thorough inspection, it’s often best to hire a professional who can safely identify any potential issues before the snow and ice arrive.

5. Check outdoor faucets to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. You’ll likely get a dozen emails from realtors reminding you of this, and for good reason. It’s a simple step that prevents a major headache. Before the first hard freeze, it’s crucial to winterize your outdoor faucets. Go inside and turn off the water supply valves for your front and rear hoses. Then, go outside and turn the faucets on to drain any remaining water. Doing so can prevent extensive, costly water damage.

A little effort this fall can prevent major damage and stress this winter. Tackle these five tasks over the course of a weekend, and you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a home that’s well-prepared for winter hazards.

And if you’re looking to sell your home soon, I’d love to help you out. Just call me at (410) 726-7364 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Looking forward to hearing from you!