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As the leaves change color and fall to the ground, it’s time to check your fall maintenance checklist for homeowners. The beautiful homes in one of our Leadership Properties NWA deserve the best. Prepare your home for falling leaves, cooler weather, and, eventually, winter storms. Tackling a few fall home maintenance tasks can help ward off issues later in the season, so you can enjoy everything you love about autumn worry-free. 

Most of the tasks listed below are well within the average homeowner’s ability. But even if you’d rather hire a professional to handle them, it can be well worth the expense. 

Fall Maintenance Checklist 

Follow this fall maintenance checklist and learn essential tips for cleaning gutters, roofs, fireplaces, and more. You’ll save money in the long run by preventing costly (and potentially dangerous) damage to your home.

Cleaning Your Gutters and Downspouts 

Your gutters are important in directing water away from your home’s foundation and protecting your roof from pooling water or ice dams. That’s why it’s crucial to keep them clean and clear all autumn long. 

Begin by removing leaves, twigs, or other debris accumulated in your gutters using a garden trowel or gloved hands. Once empty, rinse them with a hose to remove any lingering dirt. 

Finally, check your downspouts to ensure they’re free of debris and flowing freely; if not, unclog them with a plumber’s snake or wire brush. 

Inspecting and Cleaning Your Roof 

Your roof protects your entire home from the elements, so it’s important to inspect it regularly for signs of wear and tear—especially before winter arrives. If you have a shingled roof, look for any cracked or missing shingles and replace them as needed. 

For metal roofs, check for rust spots or loose fasteners and tighten or replace them as necessary. And for both types of roofs, clear away any moss or lichen growth that could cause moisture buildup and eventual leaks. 

If you don’t feel comfortable inspecting your roof on your own, hire a professional to do it for you. They’ll also be able to clean your gutters while they’re up there!

Cleaning Your Gas Fireplace 

Clean the interior of your gas fireplace as needed. Using a wand attachment, gently vacuum dust and debris from the fireplace interior. 

If you have lava rocks that are small enough to be inhaled by the vacuum cleaner, cover the wand opening with cheesecloth or an old stocking and secure it tightly with a rubber band. This creates a filter that allows dust and dirt to pass through, but not the lava rocks.

Clean Logs 

Gas log sets require little cleaning or maintenance. If soot begins to build up and discolor your vented gas logs, follow your owner’s manual instructions to remove logs, bring them outside, and gently brush the soot from the logs with a paintbrush or other soft-bristled brush. 

Do not wash or damp-wipe logs, which can fade or damage the finish. 

NEVER spray with cleaners. 

Only a Qualified Service Technician should move or clean vent-free gas logs. Even brushing vent-free logs can cause safety risks.

Prepping Your Furnace for Winter 

If you have a forced-air furnace (most homes do), now is the time to schedule its annual professional inspection and cleaning—before you need to turn it on for the first time this season! 

A technician will inspect all aspects of your furnace (including burners, pilot light assembly, and blower motor) to ensure it’s operating safely and efficiently. They will also clean away any dust buildup that could hamper performance or cause fires. 

This simple task could save you hundreds of dollars in repairs down the road—not to mention peace of mind knowing that your furnace won’t conk out on a cold winter night! 

By following this fall maintenance checklist now, you can help prevent costly damage to your home later in the season—and enjoy all that autumn has to offer worry-free!