Your Essential Fall Home Maintenance Checklist for St. Louis Homeowners
As the leaves begin to turn and a crispness enters the air, St. Louis homeowners know that fall isn't just about pumpkin spice lattes and Cardinals baseball (though we love those too!). It's also the perfect time to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. A little proactive maintenance now can save you a lot of headaches and expenses later.
Here's your top 10 fall home maintenance checklist, specifically tailored for the unique challenges and weather patterns we experience here in the Gateway City:
1. Clean and Inspect Gutters and Downspouts: This is crucial in St. Louis, especially with our potential for heavy rains and ice. Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, water damage to your roof and foundation, and even basement flooding. Clear out leaves, twigs, and debris. While you're up there, check for any leaks or damage.
2. Furnace Inspection and Tune-Up: Before you crank up the heat, have a professional inspect your furnace. They'll clean it, check for any potential issues, and ensure it's running efficiently. This can prevent breakdowns when you need heat the most and save you money on energy bills. Don't forget to replace your furnace filter!
3. Test Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors: With windows closed and furnaces running, carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious risk. Test all your detectors and replace batteries as needed. It's a quick task that could save lives.
4. Seal Drafts and Air Leaks: Our St. Louis winters can be brutally cold. Check around windows and doors for drafts. Use caulk, weatherstripping, or even inexpensive window film kits to seal any gaps. This will keep warm air in and cold air out, significantly improving your home's energy efficiency.
5. Disconnect Hoses and Drain Exterior Faucets: Leaving hoses connected can lead to frozen pipes and burst faucets, which is a major plumbing headache. Disconnect all garden hoses and, if you have exterior shut-off valves, turn off the water supply and drain the lines.
6. Inspect Your Roof: Grab a pair of binoculars or, if safe, carefully get on a ladder to inspect your roof. Look for missing, cracked, or loose shingles. Check for any signs of damage around vents, chimneys, and skylights. Our unpredictable St. Louis storms can be tough on roofs.
7. Trim Trees and Shrubs: Heavy snow and ice can cause branches to break and fall, potentially damaging your home, car, or power lines. Trim back any branches that are too close to your house, especially those overhanging the roof.
8. Prepare Your Lawn and Garden: Rake fallen leaves regularly to prevent them from smothering your lawn. Consider aerating your lawn and applying a winter fertilizer to promote healthy growth in the spring. Cut back perennials and clear out vegetable gardens.
9. Check Your Fireplace and Chimney: If you have a wood-burning fireplace, have your chimney professionally inspected and cleaned to prevent chimney fires. Ensure your damper is working correctly. If you have a gas fireplace, ensure it's in good working order.
10. Clean and Store Outdoor Furniture: Before the really cold weather hits, clean your patio furniture, barbecue grill, and other outdoor items. Store them in a garage, shed, or cover them properly to protect them from the elements and extend their lifespan.
Taking the time to tackle these fall home maintenance tasks now will not only protect your investment but also ensure a cozy, comfortable, and worry-free winter in your St. Louis home. Happy fall, Y'all!