Your Home's Fall Checklist

As the leaves start to turn colors it's important to make sure your house and your lawn are ready for the cooler temperatures of fall.From your gutters to your septic system there's a lot you can do to ensure your property is ready for the winter. The last thing you want are frozen pipes or a soggy drainfield in January, so here's a simple checklist to make sure everything is in order before things start to freeze.

1. Clean Your Gutters
Remove any leaves and "gunk" and flush your gutters with water to be sure they are draining correctly. Clogged gutters are one of the main causes of ice dams that can lead to water damage in your home. Be sure to inspect gutter joints and replace any old or damaged gutters with new ones. Many new ones come with built-in leaf guards to make next year's clean up even easier.

2. Caulk Around Windows and Doorframes
This is one of the least expensive maintenance jobs you can do for your home. Making sure your windows and doorframes and properly sealed will keep heat from escaping and water from seeping in which can lead to cracks and mold buildup. Also be sure to add weather stripping to your garage door if it doesn't already have it. This is just another way to better insulate your home for the winter.

3. Inspect Your Roof
Loose and missing shingles can lead to water damage from ice, snow and wind. Make sure your roof is in good condition and be sure to repair any damage so your roof can stand up to tough winter weather. Remember, it's better to repair something now than to deal with a leaky roof during a snowstorm!

4. Have Your Septic Tank Pumped
If you're not sure when you're due to be pumped, don't postpone until spring - get your tank pumped today. The last thing you want is a backed up septic system when your home is full of guests for the holidays!

5. Clean Your Chimney
Whether your rely on a coal or wood burning stove for heat, or you simply want to enjoy your gas logs this winter, be sure to have your chimney cleaned first. A thorough cleaning will take care of any build up and remove possible obstructions so you can be sure your fireplace is safe to use when it gets cold. Also check to be sure the damper is working and address any repairs before starting a fire.

6. Seal Your Driveway
Check the driveway for cracks and repair any damage with filler, then coat with a commercial sealer. Sealing your driveway now will protect and extend its life through the winter and beyond. Some local companies will offer a discount if you schedule with a neighbor!

7. Cover Your AC Unit
Keep your system in good condition and prevent rust by covering it up for the winter. If your system is older and you need a new cover you can find one at your local hardware store. Before covering it use a shop vac to vacuum the internal parts, removing dust and dirt. Taking care of your AC unit now will save you time when you turn it back on in the spring.

8. Clean and Ready Yard Equipment
Clean off lawn mowers, leaf blowers and chain saws and be sure to drain fuel from all gas-operated equipment before storing for the winter. Get your winter equipment ready and test run your snow blower to be sure it's in working condition before the first snowfall. You'll also want to make sure snow shovels and rakes are handy.

9. Prepare Your Deck, Patio and Pool for Winter
Be sure to check for any damage to your pool cover and make necessary repairs before it's too late. You'll also want to cover your patio furniture, grill, and empty planters before things begin to freeze. If you have cloth cushions on any patio chairs be sure to remove them and store them somewhere dry for the winter and cover up any open fire pits. Glass table tops should be stored as well or protected with some kind of cover.

10. Clean Up the Yard
Be sure to rake or blow the leaves in your yard before they are covered by snow. Leaves left on the lawn encourage disease by preventing sunlight and air from reaching the grass. Fall is the best time to fertilize your lawn so talk to a lawn care provider about what's best for your grass. If you take good care of it now you'll have the greenest grass in the neighborhood come spring time.