As summer has come to a close and fall has taken over, it’s the perfect time to prep your Boston home for what’s ahead: cold, snow, ice, and high winds. Ignoring fall maintenance can result in expensive repairs later, not to mention hassle and stress. But with a few maintenance tips this fall, you can protect your investment, stay comfortable, and even save on heating bills.
Here are some fall cleaning tips every homeowner should be doing right now, especially if you’re thinking of hiring a Boston contractor soon to handle an upcoming renovation.
Inspect and Clean Gutters
Falling leaves and debris will clog gutters and downspouts quickly, so take the time this fall to clean them out. While cleaning, inspect your gutters and downspouts for blockages or any damage. When water can’t flow freely through your gutters, it will back up under your roof, damage your siding, and even flood your basement.
After clearing out the debris, flush the downspouts and make adjustments to the slope if needed.
Get a Roof Inspection
New England winters can be harsh. Before you have to contend with snow, ice, or heavy storms, hire a roofer in Boston to inspect your home for:
- Damaged flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights
- Missing or loose shingles
- Signs of wear and tear or aging materials
- Potential weak spots where ice dams could form
Make small repairs now so you don’t have to worry about them escalating into bigger problems as the winter wears on.
Tune Up Your Heating System
Before it gets too cold outside, schedule a heating system inspection and tuneup. Your technician will be able to change filters, make any repairs, check the thermostat, and assess the overall condition of the unit. This inspection will ensure your HVAC system is ready to tackle the demands of winter in Boston.
Seal Drafts and Improve Insulation
Drafts around windows, doors, and poorly sealed openings leak energy and increase your heating costs. Check for and seal cracks, gaps, or worn‑out weather stripping with caulk. If you have an older home with single-pane windows, consider installing storm windows or upgrading to replacement windows. Take a look at your attic insulation or have an energy assessment done to see if there are ways you can improve your insulation. This will help to avoid heat loss and prevent ice dam risk.
Check Exterior Features
Here’s what you can do for your exteriors:
- Walkways, driveways and steps: Fill small cracks, level uneven pavers, and reseal surfaces so damage doesn’t occur with freeze/thaw cycles.
- Exterior paint and trim: Scrape off peeling paint, and re‑paint or seal exposed wood trim to prevent moisture and salt from degrading your siding and decks.
- Outdoor faucets and irrigation: Disconnect hoses, drain lines, and shut off winter supply valves to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting this winter.
- Chimney and fireplace: Clean chimney flues, and check for masonry issues or draft problems.
Check Safety Devices and Detectors
Fall is a good time to check that your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Replace batteries if needed. Make sure your fire extinguishers are charged, pins are intact, and the nozzles are clear.
Clean Up the Yard
Trim back weak or overgrown tree limbs near your house so they don’t break off in heavy snow and ice, and puncture your house. Remove dead trees, rake up leaves, and aerate and fertilize the lawn so it can make it through winter.
Insulate Pipes
Pipes in unheated areas, such as crawl spaces, basements, garages, and near exterior walls, can freeze when temps dip low. Insulate them or apply heat tape, check for leaks, and make sure sump pumps are working properly. Drain hot water heaters to remove sediment buildup so they can run efficiently.
Get Ahead of Winter This Fall
Boston winters often arrive without warning. Take this opportunity to clean up your property and home with the above simple tips. And if you need any roofing work, siding repairs, deck repainting, or anything else, call our Boston contractors.
Contact AD Construction
The team at AD Construction can get your property winter-ready this fall. Just contact us today to schedule a free estimate and consultation.
