Fall Home Maintenance Checklist for New Hampshire Homeowners

As the colorful leaves of fall arrive and temperatures begin to dip, it's the ideal time to prepare your New Hampshire home for the upcoming winter months. Regular fall maintenance not only protects your property from costly damage but also improves your home's energy efficiency and ensures comfort all season long.

At Cobb Hill Construction, we've compiled this essential fall home maintenance checklist to help homeowners get their homes winter-ready.

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Exterior Maintenance

Inspect Your Roof

Check your roof for damaged, missing, or curling shingles, cracks, or any signs of wear. Addressing these issues now can prevent leaks and further damage caused by heavy snow and ice during winter.

Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Remove all leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts to ensure proper water drainage away from the foundation. Clogged gutters can cause ice dams, leading to roof and water damage.

Seal Gaps and Cracks

Caulk any cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and siding to prevent drafts and heat loss. Sealing openings also keeps out pests seeking shelter as temperatures drop.

Trim Trees and Shrubs

Trim back branches that are close to or overhanging your home to prevent damage from wind or snow accumulation.

Winterize Outdoor Faucets and Hoses

Disconnect garden hoses, drain water from outdoor faucets, and cover them to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.

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Interior Maintenance

Service Heating Systems

Replace furnace filters and schedule a professional heating system inspection to ensure your system runs efficiently and safely throughout winter.

Inspect Chimney and Fireplace

If you use a fireplace or wood stove, have the chimney cleaned to remove creosote buildup and reduce fire hazards.

Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Replace batteries and test all detectors to guarantee proper function during the high-use winter months.

Protect Exposed Pipes

Insulate pipes in unheated areas such as basements, attics, and garages to prevent freezing and costly pipe bursts.

Clean Dryer Vents

Remove lint buildup from dryer vents to improve dryer efficiency and reduce fire risk.

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Additional Tips

Inspect Attic and Insulation

Ensure your attic is properly insulated and ventilated to prevent ice dams and heat loss.

Check Foundation and Siding

Look for foundation cracks or siding issues and seal or repair them to keep out moisture and pests.

Prepare Emergency Supplies

Update your home emergency kit with essentials in case of severe winter weather or power outages.

By completing this thorough fall home maintenance checklist, Cobb Hill Construction homeowners can protect their investment and enjoy a warm, worry-free winter. For reliable repairs, upgrades, or expert advice, trust the craftsmanship and experience of Cobb Hill Construction.