Find a Checklist For Fall Maintenance..Pat O'Reilly Irving Real Estate Agent

Fall Maintenance Checklist

Below is a checklist providing specific areas that should be maintained

in preparation for the winter season.

Grounds

  Check window wells, dry wells and storm drains for debris or blockage.

  Repair any driveway cracks and/or heaved or settled walkways.

  Trim all trees and shrubs that are too close to the house.

  Check for rainwater drainage away from the foundation, ideally during a rainstorm.

  Clean and put summer furnishings away.

  Drain and store garden hoses.

Exterior Surfaces

  Check weather tightness of all exterior surfaces and components.

  Check for deterioration of painted or finished areas. If too late for full paint job, prime

    and touch-up bare wood surfaces.

  Caulk and seal all joints in siding, around windows and doors.

  Check and seal any foundation cracks.

  Improve weather-stripping at exterior doors and windows as needed.

  Look for any signs of insect or pest activity around the foundation and at wood

    components close to the ground.

Heating and Cooling Systems

  Clean all elements of cooling system.

  Remove or winterize window unit air conditioners.

  Follow manufacturer instructions for the maintenance of the heating system.

  Change or clean heating system filters on warm air systems. These should be checked

    regularly throughout the year.

  Check heating and cooling systems for any evidence of water leaks.

  If present, clean and test the humidifier.

  Have the heating system serviced annually by a qualified heating serviceperson before

    the heating season to keep it functioning efficiently and properly.

Roof

  Use binoculars to survey the roof or hire a roofing professional.

  Check for loose, damaged or missing roofing.

  Check eave areas for signs of moisture build-up or damage.

  Check the condition of chimneys.

  Check flashings for signs of lifting or damage and repair as needed.

 Check and clean all gutters, eaves, troughs and downspouts.

Attic

  Check ventilation openings for nests or other blockage.

  Check the position and condition of insulation for uniform coverage.

  Look for any signs of excessive moisture or heat buildup.

Interior Rooms

  Check all areas for signs of roof or plumbing leakage.

  Have any fireplaces or wood stoves and flues checked and professionally cleaned.

  Reset automatic timers for the change in daylight hours.

  Check all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries if over a year old.

  Test Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters (GFCI’s) using built-in test buttons.

Plumbing

  Drain exterior water lines and open taps (in cold areas).

  Insulate water lines that are subject to freezing.

  Check the condition and temperature setting of the water heater.  Follow the

    manufacturer’s recommendations for the temperature setting.

  Check the plumbing system and fixtures for any evidence of water leaks or blocked

    drains.

  Confirm proper operations of any sump pumps and free flow of the drain line.

This checklist is only a guideline for maintenance.