As we transition from the summer heat into cooler fall weather, there are a few home maintenance tasks every homeowner should add to their fall home maintenance checklist. Maintaining your home regularly not only keeps it in great shape but also ensures you’re avoiding costly repairs down the line. And if you’re like me, you’ve probably noticed some changes lately—like your front door no longer sticking!
Was your front door sticking all summer, and you couldn’t figure out why? Mine sure was! Just this past week, I noticed a drop in mosquito activity, and suddenly, my door stopped sticking. If you’re wondering why, here’s the scoop:
During the summer, especially in Texas, the intense heat and humidity cause wood to swell. That’s likely why your doors (and maybe even windows) weren’t opening as smoothly. Now that temperatures are cooling, the wood has shrunk back to its normal size, making your door function normally again. But this is just one small example of how changing seasons affect your home.
That got me thinking—what else around the house should we be checking on as we enter the fall season?
Essential Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
To keep your home in top shape, here’s a comprehensive list of things to check as the weather cools down in Katy and Cypress:
1. Inspect and Clean Gutters
Fall means leaves—and while they’re beautiful, they can easily clog up your gutters. Make sure to clear them to prevent water damage during fall rains.
2. Check Your Roof for Damage
High winds and storms over the summer may have caused wear and tear on your roof. Inspect it for missing shingles or any signs of damage to avoid leaks.
After Hurricane Beryl, many homeowners may have experienced wind damage that doesn’t necessarily require a full roof replacement. Whether it’s spotting a small leak early on or replacing a few missing shingles, attending to these issues promptly can save you from much bigger headaches down the line.
3. Seal Windows and Doors
Drafts can sneak in through the smallest gaps. Now is the perfect time to check for cracks around your windows and doors and re-seal them. Not only will this save energy, but it will also help keep your home warm as temperatures drop.
4. Test and Service Your Heater
Before it gets too cold, turn on your heater to make sure it’s working properly. If it’s been a while since it was serviced, now is the time to schedule a check-up.
5. Check Your Water Heater
After working overtime during the hot summer, your water heater might need some TLC. Flushing it to remove sediment will ensure it’s running efficiently.
6. Inspect Outdoor Areas and Drainage
Look out for overgrown vegetation or any drainage issues around your home. Trim back plants, clear any debris, and make sure water is directed away from your foundation.
7. Service Your Chimney (If Applicable)
If your home has a fireplace, it’s important to have your chimney cleaned and inspected before you start using it for the colder months. Creosote buildup can be a fire hazard.
As you complete fall home maintenance, consider how these efforts will set the stage for Halloween. Once you’ve secured those loose roof shingles and made your home safe, you’ll be ready to decorate for the festivities! Don’t miss out on all the fun local events happening in Katy this October. Check out my post on Halloween in Katy for details on family-friendly activities and spooky celebrations.
Bonus Tip: Prep for Fall Entertaining
Fall is one of the best times to host family and friends outdoors, so why not spruce up your patio or deck? Clean your outdoor furniture, add cozy blankets or fire pits, and create an inviting space for gatherings. As the weather cools, a warm outdoor space is perfect for hosting.
Let’s be honest: it’s football season, and we know our husbands might not get to these home maintenance tasks anytime soon! So, ladies, let me help you out. Here’s how I get it all done. I’m not exactly a handyman myself, so I rely on my general contractor to handle many of these tasks. He’s fantastic at inspecting and fixing common fall issues. If you’re not sure where to start, just reach out! I’d be happy to connect you with my trusted handyman. Contact me directly, and I’ll pass along his info. He makes the whole process so much easier—trust me!