A Fall Home Maintenance Checklist for South Jersey

Fall is the window to catch small issues before winter weather turns them into bigger, more expensive ones. Here's what's worth checking around a South Jersey home before the cold sets in.

Clean Gutters After the Leaves Come Down

Clogged gutters send water down the siding and toward the foundation instead of away from the house, and in a hard freeze that trapped water can contribute to ice dams along the roofline. Plan on cleaning them once most of the leaves have dropped, and check that downspouts are directing water at least a few feet away from the foundation.

Have the Roof Checked for Loose or Damaged Shingles

A roof that made it through summer fine can still have shingles loosened by wind or granule loss that's easy to miss from the ground. A quick inspection before winter can catch a small repair now instead of a leak during a January storm.

Seal Gaps Around Windows, Doors, and Utility Penetrations

Check the caulk and weatherstripping around windows and exterior doors, and look for gaps where pipes, wiring, or vents pass through exterior walls. These small gaps are a common source of drafts and heating bills that creep up without an obvious cause.

Have the Heating System Serviced Before You Need It

Whether you have a furnace, boiler, or heat pump, a fall tune-up catches issues while a technician has time to schedule the repair, instead of during the first cold snap when everyone else is calling too. It's also a reasonable time to replace furnace filters and check that vents aren't blocked by furniture or storage.

Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses and Spigots

Leaving a hose attached to an outdoor spigot over winter can trap water in the line and lead to a frozen, cracked pipe. Disconnect hoses, drain them, and if your spigots aren't frost-free, consider insulated covers for extra protection during a hard freeze.

Check Exterior Grading and Drainage Before the Ground Freezes

Walk the perimeter of the house and look for areas where soil slopes toward the foundation instead of away from it. Fall is a good time to add soil or regrade a low spot, since standing water near the foundation is more likely to freeze, expand, and cause problems once winter arrives.

Inspect the Chimney and Fireplace Before the First Fire

If you use a wood-burning or gas fireplace, have the chimney and flue checked for creosote buildup, blockages, or damage before lighting the first fire of the season. This is a straightforward safety check that's easy to put off until it's actually cold enough to want a fire.

A little attention in the fall goes a long way toward avoiding emergency repairs once winter hits. If your fall walkthrough turns up something bigger than a quick fix, request a consultation and we'll help you get ahead of it.

Related: General Contracting