Now that summer is over it's time for fall maintenance projects that prepare property for protection from the potentially damaging effects of winter weather. Getting these projects done in the fall not only prepares property from winter weather, but also sets up the exterior of the home for easier spring maintenance. As a homeowner there are plenty of fall projects that will prepare the home from the cold winter season by helping to reduce potential winter property damage.

Fall lawn care

Giving the lawn attention in the fall will help it survive the winter while also preparing it to thrive in the spring. Better Homes & Gardens says, "fertilizing and winterizing grass, trees, and shrubs will allow your greenery to enter its winter slumber comfortably and properly nourished." Aerating improves air circulation in the soil, reseeding will allow seeds to germinate before the ground freezes and fertilizing adds nutrients to keep the lawn fed over the winter. Home renovation and repair expert Bob Vila says, "reseeding the lawn gives gardeners in cold-winter areas a head start on spring."

Winterize gardens

Spreading mulch on perennial gardens provides plants with a layer of insulation that serves as protection against cold winter air. Family Handyman says, "this will help insulate them from frigid temperatures and also provides a bit of extra protection against hungry creatures." But before spreading the mulch consider planting bulbs that will bloom in the spring. Bob Vila advises, "as a general rule, northern gardeners should plant spring-blooming bulbs in late September through mid-October, while southern gardeners can wait until mid-October or early November." He also suggests trimming dead branches in the fall as well, "It's easier to identify dead limbs before your trees drop their leaves, so early fall is a good time to trim back dead branches." If mulching with leaves the trimmed branches can be used to weigh down the fresh mulch to keep winter winds from uncovering the gardens.

Winterize outdoor faucets and sprinklers

Garden hoses should be drained and stored away before winter. Bob Vila explains, "Because water expands as it freezes, it's important to disconnect and drain garden hoses before temperatures drop to prevent them from bursting or leaking."To prolong the life of the hose it can be stored in a shed or garage for protection until spring. Outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems should be winterized as well. Because the pipe leading from the house to the outdoor faucet attaches to and exits the exterior wall of the house, the pipe risks being frozen and bursting if left on. To prevent the pipe from freezing if accessible, turn off the faucet inside the house before winter.

Eliminate drafts

In order to eliminate drafts, first find any air gaps along windows or doors. Holding a lit candle close to windows and doors while observing the movement of the flame can expose air gaps that will allow chilly winter drafts to enter the house. Likewise, an energy audit by a home energy expert will help pinpoint areas where, if not addressed, cold air will leak into the house and warm air will escape. Better Homes & Gardens says, "Consider a home energy audit that includes a review of your home's caulking and weather stripping." Once potential draft sources are determined Bob Vila says, "caulk any cracks or chips around windows, and install weatherstripping to ward off drafts around doors." Not only will eliminating drafts keep the house warmer in the winter, it will help to reduce heating expenses.

Annual furnace servicing

Fall is a good time to have your furnace cleaned and assessed by a professional to make sure it's ready to be put to use when the temperatures drop. Bob Vila says, "Call a pro to come out and evaluate your heating system now." It's a good idea to be prepared for cold temperatures with a furnace that's been cleaned and tested before it's needed. Better Homes & Gardens advises, "Occasional maintenance from a trained professional can keep your furnace running effectively and efficiently and prevent potentially catastrophic damage to your home from burst or frozen pipes."Moreover, emergency service calls in the winter to fix a failed furnace can be expensive.

Inspect fireplace and chimney

Creosote is a substance that builds up in the chimney and flue of wood burning fireplaces and stoves over time and can ignite causing a chimney fire. According to a 2018 report by the  U.S. Fire Administration, "Confined fires, specifically those fires confined to chimneys, flues or fuel burners, accounted for 75 percent of residential building heating fires." Keeping the chimney and flue clean prevents chimney fires. The Chimney Safety Institute of America advices, "Clean chimneys don't catch fire. Make sure a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® inspects your solid fuel venting system annually, and sweeps and repairs it whenever needed."

Fix and clean gutters

Fall is a good time to clear out debris and repair gutters before they fill with snow and ice. Downspouts should be cleared as well to keep water and debris draining freely. Bob Vila warns, "More than unsightly, leaves and other debris can clog the gutters, posing a real hazard in winter when rain and snow thaw and freeze inside gutters and form dangerous ice dams." In addition to ice dams, clogged gutters can allow the overflowing water to damage the roof or foundation of a house.

Accomplishing these projects gives the homeowner the peace of mind that the property is prepared and protected from harsh winter weather.