Autumn brings crisp air, vibrant foliage, and football of course! But as the seasons change, so do the risks to your property. Falling leaves, dropping temperatures, and increased rainfall can lead to significant and costly damage if you're unprepared. Taking a proactive approach to Fall maintenance is the best way to protect your investment and ensure your home remains safe and sound through the cooler months.

However, there are steps you can take for lowering seasonal property risks. In this article, we will cover everything from routine inspections to preventative measures that can save you from expensive repairs down the line. Let's get your property ready for Fall.

Clear Your Gutters and Downspouts

One of the most critical Fall maintenance tasks is cleaning your gutters. As leaves, twigs, and other debris accumulate, they can clog your gutter system and cause serious problems. When water can't flow freely, it backs up and can damage your roof, siding, and even your foundation.

Why It's a Priority

Clogged gutters are a primary cause of water damage in the Fall and Winter. Water that overflows can seep into your roof decking and fascia boards, leading to rot. It can also pool around your foundation, creating pressure that may lead to cracks and basement leaks. In colder climates, trapped water freezes, forming ice dams that can pry off shingles and gutters.

How to Prepare

• Schedule a Cleaning: Plan to clean your gutters after most of the leaves have Fallen from the surrounding trees. You may need to do this more than once if you have many trees on your property.

• Inspect for Damage: While you're cleaning, check for any loose, bent, or leaking sections. Ensure the downspouts are securely attached and directing water at least six feet away from your foundation.

• Consider Gutter Guards: If you’re tired of annual cleanings, gutter guards can be a worthwhile investment. These systems prevent debris from entering your gutters while still allowing water to flow through.

Inspect Your Heating System

Before the first cold snap hits, you need to be sure your heating system is ready to go. Turning it on for the first time in months only to discover it’s not working is a situation every property owner wants to avoid. A faulty heating system is not just an inconvenience; it can also be a safety hazard.

Why It's a Priority

A poorly maintained furnace can lead to carbon monoxide leaks, which are odorless, colorless, and potentially fatal. Additionally, an inefficient system will struggle to heat your home, driving up your energy bills. Preventative maintenance helps catch small issues, like a frayed belt or a dirty filter, before they turn into a complete system failure.

How to Prepare

• Schedule a Professional Tune-Up: Have an HVAC technician inspect your furnace or heat pump annually. They will clean the components, check for leaks, test the thermostat, and ensure everything is operating safely and efficiently.

• Change the Air Filter: A dirty filter restricts airflow, forcing your system to work harder. Replace your filter before you start using the heat regularly and check it monthly throughout the season.

• Test Your System: Don't wait for a frigid night. Turn your heat on for a short period on a cooler day to confirm it’s working correctly. You might notice a slight burning smell the first time, which is usually just dust burning off the heating elements.

Trim Trees and Manage Landscaping

The beautiful trees that provide shade in the summer can become a major liability in the Fall. High winds and heavy rain or snow can bring down weak, dead, or overgrown branches, potentially causing severe damage to your home, vehicles, or power lines.

Why It's a Priority

Falling branches are a common source of property damage claims. A large limb can easily crush a roof, break windows, or damage siding. Proactively managing your trees is far less expensive than dealing with the aftermath of a fallen branch.

How to Prepare

• Inspect Your Trees: Look for branches that are dead, broken, or hanging over your roof or power lines. Pay special attention to trees that appear to be leaning or have visible signs of disease.

• Hire a Professional Arborist: For large trees or branches near your home, it's safest to hire a certified arborist. They have the equipment and expertise to trim trees safely without causing harm to the tree or your property.

• Clear Away Dead Plants: Remove dead plants and prune overgrown shrubs away from your home’s foundation to reduce hiding spots for pests seeking shelter from the cold.
• Remove Overhanging Limbs: If there are limbs over your home – have them removed by a professional. Even healthy trees can cause major damage from falling limbs, and insurance companies are currently being more specific in their underwriting for these risk scenarios.

Protect Your Property This Fall

Autumn maintenance isn’t just another list of chores; it’s a crucial strategy for safeguarding your property. By dedicating a weekend to these tasks, you can prevent common seasonal risks and avoid the stress and expense of emergency repairs. A little effort now ensures you can relax and enjoy the season, knowing your home is more secure.