7 Home Maintenance Tips for Fall

Fall and winter are fast approaching and it’s time to think about home maintenance.  It’s important to invest the time in performing the necessary maintenance to protect your most valuable investment — your home.

Although all home maintenance items are important, the following listed items are of particular importance as the seasons change.

1. SEAL YOUR CONCRETE DRIVEWAY AND WALKS EVERY FALL

Local municipalities are using increasingly powerful chemicals to de-ice the roads; including road salt, salt brine and chemically enhanced de-icers.  These chemicals are transferred to your driveway by snowplows and vehicle drippage causing serious damage to your concrete.

First, you need to pressure wash the concrete to remove dirt and any remaining sealer. Then, apply a quality concrete sealer that will be best for your specific application. Visit a trusted business like Cement Saws, Blades & Supply Co.  in Mentor. They are a one stop shop for all your concrete products and supplies.  The staff will help you choose the best products for your specific application as well as be more specific in detail as to when, how, and the frequency of which you should seal your concrete.  They can also give you a list of quality cement contractors that provide wash & seal services. Best results can be expected if the driveway is sealed before October.

Do not park vehicles in the same place on the driveway in the winter months. This increases the likelihood of damage in those areas.  Most importantly, NEVER use chemical de-icers or salt on your driveway or walks. Do not use ice picks, metal shovels, etc. to remove ice or snow from your concrete. Having your driveway snowplowed can seriously damage the concrete.  Make sure your snowplow contractor has the plow shoes set to the proper height so that the metal plow blade is not directly in contact with the concrete.

2. CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS

It is very important to clean your gutters each November.  Leaves left in the gutters will inhibit water flow creating ice damming and roof leaks.

3. REMOVE HOSES FROM HOSE BIBBS

Even though your exterior water spigots are frost-free, a garden hose left attached to the water spigot can result in a ruptured water line.

4. CHANGE YOUR FURNACE FILTER

Furnace filters should be replaced every year.

5. INSPECT CAULKING

Inspect interior (bathtubs, showers, sinks, etc.) and exterior (siding, gutters, doors, etc.) caulking and re-caulk cracked, damaged or peeling areas.

6. INSPECT YOUR SUMP PUMP (if applicable)

Remove the lid of your sump crock and inspect the pump.  Make sure it is operating and the sump crock is clean and free of debris.

7. REPLACE THE BATTERIES IN YOUR SMOKE DETECTORS

You should be checking your smoke detectors once a month.