Fall Home Maintenance in Austin, Texas

With fall just around the corner, now is a great time to get ahead of maintenance to keep your home in tip-top shape.

The fall season in Texas is a good time to audit your home and determine what needs to be replaced, what is functioning properly, and where improvements may be made to save money.

Start Outside:

Check Your Roof

A yearly checkup is the bare minimum that should be done on your roof. Shingles that are twisted or split, mold, birds' nests, dirt, algae, debris, or grime are all things that should be taken care of. This is also a great time to check for any leaks that could be causing additional damage inside your home. Investing in the strength of your roof will pay off big time in the long run.

Check the gutters and rain ducts

Over time, water will fill gutters and pipes that are clogged. Make sure you give these places a thorough inspection. The surrounding walls will soak up water from any flooding, making them blotchy and fragile. In addition, any signs of leakage should be addressed immediately.

Yard

The fall is the perfect time to give your landscaping some TLC. Right now is when your grass will finally start to bounce back from the summer heat. Great winter color, easier cleanup in the spring, and stronger root systems are all side effects of fall fertilization. Consider employing a landscaping professional or an arborist to take care of the trees and bushes on your property. The experts have the tools and knowledge to see signs of trouble early on, and they also know how to prune trees so that no branches or limbs fall during storms.

Windows, Doors, and Siding

Check the areas around your windows and doors, as well as the external siding, for gaps. Make sure these are sealed to ensure you keep the air in, and water and bugs out. The caulk may need to be redone or removed and reapplied.

Make Your Way Inside:

Kitchen

They say the kitchen is the heart of every home, so what better place to start? Preventative upkeep in the kitchen is crucial. Remove any obvious messes, and inspect for food residue, frayed cables, and pests. Clean the utensils, then wipe off the ovens, shelves, and ventilation systems. Check that all of the appliances are in perfect working order.

HVAC inspection

Check the areas around the furniture to make sure the vents are not blocked. Reduced output and efficiency from an HVAC system can be attributed to filthy or clogged ducts, air filters, and vents; therefore, it is important to regularly replace and clean these components. Remove any obstructions you find from your HVAC system. If the warranty is still valid, arrange for a professional service appointment.

Check Your Safety Devices

• Check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher
• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detector and replace batteries

In Conclusion

It’s best to take care of maintenance items while they’re on the top of your mind, it’s easy to let the important things slip while being busy with everything else.

If you need any recommendations for contractors, we have an extensive list we would be happy to share.