Winters in Massachusetts can get colder than people realize, even with their iced coffees in hand. The average low in January is 22 degrees, and as we know, it gets a lot colder than that.
Well, fall is your last chance to start preparing your home for the harsh elements, and time is of the essence. Let’s talk about some great fall home maintenance tips to prepare your home for the fall.
Dangers of the Fall
Let’s be clear. The fall foliage isn’t what you need to worry about, especially since that’s wrapping up as we speak. It’s what comes next that you need to worry about.
While most of us are used to winters in Massachusetts, it’s important to know that there are real dangers that come with these cold winters, especially to your property. If you’ve lived in MA for a while, you can see this just by looking at the roads in the spring (or the rest of the year).
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Well, that damage is caused by water. Water damage is bad enough in the south, but when you have water that collects into an object and it freezes over, it expands with far more force than you may realize. That’s how you get potholes, how brick walls deteriorate, and how parts of your home can get destroyed.
Remember that as we near November, the first freezing nights are coming, likely within the next week or two. Getting your home ready for freezing temperatures now could save you a fortune down the road.
It’s also best to understand the risks of not having homeowners insurance during winter, which could save you a fortune if something goes wrong.
Best Fall Home Improvement Tips
Okay, now is the time to take a weekend and start getting things done. If you don’t get it done by mid-November, you will likely miss the first snowfall. The sooner you spend a Saturday, the sooner you will have peace of mind going into winter.
While ice is a primary concern, it’s not the only thing that can cause damage to your home in the winter. Luckily, you can take some small steps now that will keep your home safe for the season and beyond. Let’s talk maintenance tips.
Clean Your Gutters
New England weather is far less than predictable, and when the fall rains come in or the snow melts in early spring, you must have your gutters cleaned.
There are plenty of reasons to add this to your fall checklist. When water has nowhere to go, it can rot away your roof, damage siding, cause leaks, and more. Clogged gutters also attract pests as they seek shelter in colder months.
Fall is the time of year when gutters get the most clogged, so this task must be completed before snow arrives. This simple task can save you thousands in repairs.
Inspect Your Roof
Inspecting your roof is crucial as winter approaches. Massachusetts winters bring heavy snow; if your roof has existing damage, it could lead to disaster.
Consider scheduling a professional inspection if your roof is over ten years old. Investing in a roof rake will help you remove heavy snow during the winter, protecting your roof from collapsing.
The average cost of replacing a roof is $8,500, and it can be even higher in Massachusetts. Be proactive to avoid costly repairs.
Check Your Heating System
Before temperatures plummet, ensure your heaters are working optimally. Test your heating system and change the filters on your furnace. If anything seems off, call a professional for an inspection. A simple cleaning may save you from a costly breakdown.
If needed, consider upgrading to heat pumps. Massachusetts offers rebates on energy-efficient products, which can also lower your utility bills.
Seal Air Leaks
Air leaks around doors and windows account for about 20% of heat loss in the average home. Now is the time to check your windows and doors for drafts.
Seal these leaks with caulk or weatherstripping to save on heating costs. If needed, apply a clear plastic layer over windows to act as insulation and keep warm air inside. This method allows sunlight to enter while improving energy efficiency.
Protect Outdoor Faucets and Irrigation Systems
In colder climates like Massachusetts, freezing temperatures can cause outdoor faucets and irrigation systems to burst. Drain garden hoses before freezing weather sets in and disconnect them from faucets. Store hoses indoors to prevent damage.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to drain water and protect pipes from freezing in irrigation systems. You can also use foam faucet covers to protect outdoor spigots.
Touch Up Exterior Paint
Fall offers the perfect time to check and maintain your home’s exterior paint. Before the snow arrives, inspect any areas of your siding or trim that could benefit from a fresh coat of paint or sealant.
This small effort will now protect surfaces from harsh winter weather, especially porch stairs and wood floors, which are often exposed to snow. Painting in the fall is also optimal because the temperatures are still suitable for exterior work.
Repair Walkways
Cracked walkways can become hazardous in icy conditions, but fall is the perfect time to fix these issues. Inspect your paths, steps, and driveways for cracks or uneven sections.
Minor repairs now will prevent further damage caused by freezing and thawing cycles during the winter. Clear loose debris from paths to prevent accidents when the ground becomes slippery.
Wrap Your Pipes
Frozen pipes are costly to repair, but with an investment of $10 to $50, you can avoid this problem altogether. Pipes in unheated areas like basements or those near exterior walls are at risk of freezing during cold spells.
Wrap these pipes in insulation foam (or use pool noodles in a pinch). This simple prevention can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
Sweep the Chimney
If you use a fireplace, schedule a chimney sweep before winter begins. Over time, soot, dust, and other materials build up inside your chimney, which could result in a dangerous chimney fire if not cleaned properly.
Sweeping the chimney ensures your fireplace works efficiently and prevents smoke from backing into your home.
Maintain Gas Heaters and Humidifiers
Proper maintenance of gas heaters is both cost-saving and safe. Check gas heaters for dust or dirt in air-shutter openings and vents. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for annual maintenance or call a professional for a thorough check.
Humidifiers are also essential for keeping the air in your home comfortable during dry winter months. Clean the plates or pads to remove mineral deposits to ensure your central humidifier is functioning well.
Rake and Prep Your Lawn
Remember to take care of your lawn before winter. Raking regularly will prevent dead leaves from suffocating your grass, helping it grow stronger in the spring.
Additionally, cut down any dead branches to prevent them from falling during winter storms and damaging your home or vehicles.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
If you’ve already changed the batteries this year, replace them before winter. Heating systems, fireplaces, and even candles can increase fire risks during the colder months.
Ensure your home is protected by functioning smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. If you don’t have a carbon monoxide detector, install one immediately.
Fall Home Maintenance Frequently Asked Questions
Fall maintenance prepares your home for the colder months, ensuring safety and energy efficiency and preventing costly damage that winter conditions might cause.
Focus on your home’s roofing, gutters, heating system, windows, doors, plumbing, and foundation. Also, consider tasks like weather-stripping, chimney cleaning, and lawn care.
Clean gutters at least once in the fall, ideally after most leaves have fallen. Clean gutters prevent water buildup, ice dams, and potential roof and foundation damage.
Yes, an annual professional inspection ensures your heating system runs efficiently and safely, potentially catching issues before they become major problems.
Check for drafts, seal gaps, replace weather stripping if necessary, and consider using storm windows or plastic insulating kits for added insulation.
While there’s no strict order, it’s practical to start with exterior tasks before the weather turns too cold. Then, move to interior tasks like checking your heating system and sealing drafts.
Insulate exposed pipes, drain outdoor faucets, and keep your home’s temperature consistent. In freezing spells, let faucets drip slightly to prevent water from freezing.
Add insulation if needed, seal gaps and drafts, replace furnace filters, use programmable thermostats, and ensure windows and doors are properly sealed.
Always use a sturdy ladder when checking roofs or gutters. Turn off any power when working around electrical systems. Consult a professional if you’re unsure about a task, especially with the heating system or electricals.
Begin in early fall. This gives you ample time to identify potential issues, hire professionals if needed, and ensure your home is ready before the harshest winter conditions set in.
Get The Right Insurance
One of the best things you can do to save yourself from major expenses is to have an insurance plan that covers your needs for the weather around you. It’s best to have a Massachusetts-based insurance policy that understands the dangers that winter poses to your home.
Look into the right homeowner’s insurance policy for your needs today to see how much you could save if something goes wrong.
Enjoy This Winter!
Not all of us love winters in New England, but they are a central part of the region that certainly can be enjoyed, given the right circumstances. Well, not that you know the right home improvement and maintenance tips to get your home ready; you’re already on your way there. Start your winter with peace of mind, stay updated with our latest news for your home, and feel free to contact us with any questions!
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