Fall Maintenance Checklist

We are looking forward to firepits and crunchy leaves. Here's a helpful list of fall maintenance items to help protect your home and investment as we change seasons.

1. Trip Trees and Shrubs - Caring for foliage around your house can reduce the chance of water and pest entering your home. Cutting back plants also protects your siding and roof from unnecessary wear.

2. Rake Leaves - Too many leaves left on your lawn can reduce spring growth and lead to a patchy yard.

3. Clean Out Gutters and Downspouts - In our temperate winters having well functioning gutters and downspouts can prevent water intrusion in basements and crawl spaces during thaws and heavy rains.

4. Exterior Repairs - Take a walk around your home and look for any cracks, holes, or openings in your roof, siding, eves, or foundation. Make sure these repairs are scheduled to prevent water penetration or pests looking for a warm place to live.

5. Inspect Walkways, Handrails and Steps - With snow or ice on the ground the last thing you want to have to navigate is a crack in your concrete or unreliable handrail.

6. Stock Up - Before demand increases (and prices are lower) stock up on winter supplies like ice melt, fire wood, and top off any gas or oil tanks. Check supplies for winter emergencies like batteries, blankets, flashlights, soup cans, etc.

7. Winterize Plumbing - Remove garden hoses and winterize hose bibs to protect your plumbing from bursting on cold winter days.

8. Remove Window Units - Improve home energy efficiency by storing any window units and making sure your weather stripping around doors and windows is doing its job.

9. Schedule Chimney Cleaning - It may be a good idea to have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional before you begin using it over the colder months. A Chimney fire is the last thing you want on a cozy winter night.

10. Take a Hike - Fall is a great time to enjoy the world outside and our area has great options for everyone. Whether it's a stroll around Pilot Mountain, hike at Hanging Rock, or cruising along the Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina is a great place to enjoy fall weather.