Seasonal Home Maintenance Information
Fall/Winter
-Close all storm panels at storm windows and doors if installed; lock all window locks; this seals the panels of the windows together, to assure a tight seal. Make sure all movable top window panels are closed properly. Caulk and seal window pane glaze if cracked.
-Keep a fire extinguisher on hand close to fireplaces; have your flue checked professionally after every cord of wood use or every fall season.
-Professionally have your furnace checked; replace blower filter; replace humidifier water grids if equipped; check humidifiers professionally for proper operation. Replace thermostat batteries if equipped.
-Clean gutters and downspouts after all leaves have fallen from trees.
-Remove garden hoses from all exterior faucets; cover faucets if needed for cold winter months.
-Replace smoke detector batteries; install and check carbon monoxide detector if furnace is over 10 years of age; install this detector at main bedroom hall area.
-Cover crawl space vents; install window well and crawl space access dome covers if needed; this keeps leaves, water, animals, etc. out of the window wells.
-Cover and seal any exterior holes at siding, foundation, and doors if noted. Check garage doors for proper sealing at bottom and frames.
-Cover any exposed water lines noted at unheated garages and storage areas. Check for proper sealing at siding for incoming A/C, gas, and utility lines where rodents can enter.
-Check attic for proper insulation; check attic furnace vent piping; be sure piping is attached properly; insulate attic access panels; cover attic fans at top, or seal inside of attic fan louvers.
-Remove leaves and debris away from your home’s foundation; place firewood a safe distance away from the home.
-Winterize all sprinkler systems and coy fish ponds before Halloween every fall. Lawn watering is generally not needed after Oct. 10th here in Kansas City.
-Keep garage doors closed as often as possible. Insulate exposed water lines if noted in the garage.
Spring/Summer
-Check roof for missing or cupping shingles; check flashings for rust or damage; wood shingle roofs should be inspected annually for any cracks, curling, or surface imperfections.
-Trim all trees and vegetation away from home. A gap of 18 inches between the home and the vegetation is suggested. Trim tree limbs at least six feet away from any roof areas to deter roof wind damage.
-Add dirt at exterior foundation where low ground areas are noted for positive ground slope and water drainage away from the home’s foundation.
-Check all windows for proper operation. Check for proper exterior window trim caulking. Make sure storm window bottom sill drain holes are open to drain moisture away from inside sill areas.
-Caulk all exterior siding holes, joints, and over-driven nails; paint siding bottom edges; check soffits and eaves for any holes or damage.
-Check for cleaning of all gutters and downspouts; extend and re-set splash blocks if needed.
-Change the HVAC blower filter; verify proper water drainage from above furnace at A/C a-coil water outlet to floor drain; clean or replace drain hose if needed. Clean outside A/C condenser coil at all sides; trim vegetation from unit if noted.
-Check dryer outside vent for lint build-up; clean if necessary.
-Check garage door hardware for any loose fittings; secure if needed; lubricate all rollers, pulleys and springs; adjust garage door opener chain. Most garage door repair companies can do this for you for a small fee.
-Open crawl space vents if equipped; make sure screens are installed; repair screens if holes are noted.
-Operation of outside sprinkler systems in the spring should be early in the morning, around 4:00 A.M. Watering in hot summer months is suggested between 1:00 P.M. and 2:00 P.M. to help cool the grass. Many studies have been performed on lawn watering times, and have found these times to be the best to water your lawn. Lawn irrigation system inspections are suggested every spring. Most irrigation system companies perform these checks for a minimal fee. Some cities require an annual system back-flow valve certification.
