In our lovely state, winter can bring a variety of weather. From a warm windy fall, into the sudden temperature drops of the new year, there's only one thing you can be sure of; That cycle of thawing and freezing can wreak havoc on your home! By maintaining your home, you can help prevent costly damage. Use our Fall Maintenance Checklist to get ready for winter this year!

1. Inspect the perimeter of the house, including the roof, siding and foundation, looking for areas in need of repair
2. Walk around the outside of your house and seal any places where wild animals might take winter refuge
3. Trim back tree branches and brush that might damage your house during a storm
4. Remove dead trees near your house that pose a risk to your house during high wind storms
5. If you’ve got a pool make sure the pool fence is in good repair and consider installing a safety cover
6. Check that all outdoor stairs are in good shape and have sturdy railings
7. Check all existing caulking and weather stripping around doors and windows, re-apply as necessary
8. Check the glass in doors and windows, looking for cracked or broken areas
9. Clean out your gutters and down spouts, repairing any leaks
10. Turn off outdoor faucets to protect them from bursting and store drained hoses indoors
11. Inspect your attic insulation for signs of leaks or moisture damage
12. Inspect your basement, looking for signs of moisture and mold growth
13. Schedule any needed HVAC and chimney maintenance and cleaning visits
14. Check your plumbing, testing pressure valves on hot water heaters
15. Insulate any exposed pipes in unheated spaces such as basements, garages, and attics to prevent bursting
16. Check water hoses on washer, ice maker, and dishwasher for leaks
17. Clean lint from the clothes dryer exhaust duct and surrounding area to prevent fires
18. Move any flammable materials away from furnace, hot water heater, and other heat sources
19. If you don't already have one, think about installing a carbon monoxide detector
20. Test the batteries in your smoke detectors
21. Make your whole family knows the location of your working fire extinguishers