Every season has its own unique characteristics and weather that could damage your home. Fall maintenance is essential because the season can bring frost, rain, storms, hail, wind and snow. If you fail to prepare, you may find yourself needing repairs in the middle of winter, which could be costly and inconvenient. 

Homeowners insurance may help cover repairs for those damages; however, completing a home maintenance checklist each season can help prevent some of those damages from occurring.  

How to Prepare Your Home for the Autumn Season 

Use the following tips to prepare your home for the autumn season: 

• Keep gutters and downspouts clean. This can help prevent flooding and freezing around your foundation.

• Check the roof for signs of wear. This can help prevent leaks and water damage inside your home.

• Inspect your furnace and replace filters. This is important to help prevent house fires.

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Do this monthly to ensure they can alert you of dangerous situations.

• Swap window screens for storm windows. This can help prevent storm damage.

• Seal air leaks in doors and windows. This can help lower heating costs.

• Inspect and clean your fireplace chimney. Do this annually to prevent smoke or fire damage.

• Bring outdoor furniture inside. This can help protect it from damage and prevent it from causing damage to your home in the event of a storm.

• Fix any cracks in your driveway. Water that freezes in cracks can expand and make the cracks bigger, weakening the structural integrity.

• Install outdoor lighting and security systems. There are fewer daylight hours in the fall, leading to increased break-ins and vandalism. By upgrading your home’s exterior lighting and security, you may be able to deter criminals.

• Fix any holes in the structures on your property. As the weather cools, rodents will be looking for a warm place to hide, making it essential to seal any potential entry points.

• Cover or take down pools, and store summer toys. This can protect them from costly weather damage.

Homeowners Insurance in Gahanna, OH 

You may also want to review your homeowners insurance policy as the weather changes to ensure that your policy has adequate protections. Contact Slyman Insurance Group if you need a homeowners insurance policy or want to evaluate whether your coverage is adequate. We can help ensure you have the right coverage for your property throughout every season. 

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.