As the leaves change colors and the air becomes crisper in Wyoming, it’s a clear sign that fall has arrived. While many may be thinking about cozy evenings by the fire and enjoying the beauty of the season, homeowners need to remember that fall is also the perfect time to prepare their homes for the upcoming winter. Seasonal home maintenance not only protects your investment but also ensures a safe and comfortable living environment. In this article, we’ll provide you with essential fall home maintenance tips for your Sheridan, Wyoming property.

1. Clean Your Gutters: As the leaves fall, they tend to accumulate in your gutters, potentially causing blockages. Clearing your gutters of debris is crucial to prevent water damage during winter rains and snowmelt. Also, make sure your downspout extensions are on and diverting water at least 4′ away from your home. This can be a dangerous task as over 50,000 people are sent to the emergency room each year for falls while cleaning their gutters. You should consider hiring a contractor or handyman to perform this task and keep yourself safe.

2. Check Your Roof: Inspect your roof for loose or damaged shingles and have any necessary repairs done. Ensure there are no leaks, as winter precipitation can exacerbate existing issues. This is another task best served by a qualified contractor, or even better, a qualified inspector.  I have spent over a decade in the roofing industry and I am an Internachi certified roof inspector. I can come give you a non-biased, non-sales related, unbiased opinion of the condition of your roof and if it needs repairs, upgrades, or replacement.

3. Seal Gaps and Cracks: Seal gaps and cracks in doors, windows, and any other openings in your home to prevent drafts and heat loss. This helps to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and save on heating costs. Also sealing cracks in your driveway and walkways can help prevent further damage and deterioration from water and ice this winter.

4. Service Your Heating System: Before the temperatures drop, schedule a professional inspection and maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained furnace or heating system runs more efficiently and is less likely to break down during the cold season. If you skip this important maintenance item Murphy’s Law is likely to rear its ugly head on a freezing cold weekend this winter costing you big time for an after hours emergency service call.  Change that air filter too!

5. Fireplace and Chimney Maintenance: If you have a fireplace, ensure that it’s clean and the chimney is clear of debris. A professional inspection may be needed to identify and address potential issues.

6. Inspect Insulation: Check the insulation in your attic. Adequate insulation is essential for retaining heat and preventing ice dams on your roof. If you have had ice dams in the past you are almost assuredly lacking proper insulation and possibly proper ventilation in your attic. Get this looked at ASAP to prevent damage to your home this winter as well as same some money.  Upgrading your attic insulation is one of the best returns on the money you can get in home improvements. The heating and cooling savings are noticeable instantly.

7. Test Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors: Your safety is paramount. Test your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, and replace batteries if needed. If your smoke detectors are yellowing that means its time to replace them.  For more information on locations and best practices check out this link: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Staying-safe/Safety-equipment/Smoke-alarms/Installing-and-maintaining-smoke-alarms

8. Lawn and Garden Care: Prepare your yard for winter by aerating, fertilizing, and protecting plants. Trim trees and shrubs away from the house to prevent damage during heavy snowfalls. Cut your grass one last time a little shorter than normal for winter.

9. Drain and Store Outdoor Hoses: Disconnect garden hoses, drain them, and store them indoors to prevent freezing and damage. This is a huge one that can cause massive damage if skipped. Leaving a hose hooked up can freeze and break your exterior spigot or the plumbing behind it. This can lead to flooding of your home, don’t skip this step!

10. Schedule a Home Inspection: Consider hiring a professional home inspection service, such as Double H Inspections, to thoroughly evaluate your property. A home inspection ensures that no hidden issues are lurking, potentially saving you from costly repairs in the future. Most people don’t do a thorough evaluation of their property, let alone annually.  If you are one of these people then it’s a good idea to get a home inspection just to find out the condition of all aspects of your home and get a list of repairs and upgrades you may need to make.  To help more people get this done I am offering 25% off any general home inspection for non-real estate transaction purposes to anyone who mentions this newsletter when booking.

By following these fall home maintenance tips, you’ll not only protect your investment but also ensure a comfortable and safe living environment during the coming winter months. If you’re planning to schedule a home inspection, contact Double H Inspections today. We will provide a comprehensive evaluation of your Wyoming home, offering you peace of mind as you enter the colder season. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more information or to schedule an appointment. You can schedule your inspection right here:  https://doublehinspections.com/schedule-your-home-inspection/