October Home Maintenance Tips

October Home Maintenance Tips

As the colors of autumn signal the change in seasons it's time to start getting your home ready for the winter season.  October is the perfect month to tackle essential maintenance tasks that will not only keep your home in top shape but also enhance its value. In this article, we'll provide you with a comprehensive guide to October home maintenance tips.

1. Place foam covers over exterior faucets, drain, and store your garden hoses. Newer homes have self-siphoning hose bibs but installation of foam covers will help prevent any freezing in case of sever cold and high winds.

2. Inspect caulking around windows and doors. - As caulk ages it shrinks and forms cracks where moisture can enter causing rot and failure to the door, window, and surrounding framing.  Replace any caulking that is starting to crack.

3. Clean washing machine - Help maintain the freshness of your laundry and help extend the lifespan of your appliance.

4. Have your furnace and air conditioner winterized - Regular service of your HVAC system will prolong the life of the systems.  Issues with furnaces can be spotted and repaired before they stop working.

5. Clean gutters and inspect your roof - After the leaves have fallen clean out your gutters to prevent ice damming in winter.  Water intrusion into basements is a huge issue in the spring as the ground is frozen and water has no where to go.  Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clean and ready to direct the snow melt and spring rains away from your foundation.

6. Trim trees and bushes - Trim back any new growth that is touching your home

7. Stain and seal your deck - Prevent water intrusion and freeze damage 

8. Change the direction of your ceiling fans - Create an updraft in your room which will help distribute warm air evenly.

9. Schedule chimney cleaning and inspection - Make sure your fireplace is in working order and free of debris and buildup prior to your first fire.

10. Lock all windows and remove screens - Check that all windows are locked and sealed closed. If blinds are left closed all the time make sure to leave a gap at the top and/or bottom to allow air circulation and prevent moisture build up.

October is the ideal time to address these essential home maintenance tasks for Homes in Madison, WI.  By following these tips, you'll not only safeguard your home against the harsh winter but also enhance its energy efficiency.