6 Fall Home Maintenance Tips to Help Protect Your Home

A seasonal guide from Corin Insurance

​​Fall is officially here! While cooler temperatures may still be a little ways off, the start of a new season is a great opportunity to check in on your home and take care of a few maintenance items before the months ahead. A little preventative maintenance now can help you catch small problems before they turn into expensive repairs - and may even help prevent certain types of home insurance claims.

Here are six simple fall home maintenance tasks to add to your list this season.

1. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

Leaves, dirt, twigs, and other debris can build up in your gutters throughout the year. When gutters become clogged, rainwater may not drain properly and can overflow around your roof, siding, or foundation. Take some time this fall to clear out your gutters and make sure your downspouts are directing water away from your home. This is especially important as leaves begin falling and seasonal storms roll through.

2. Check Your Roof

Summer heat, strong winds, hail, and thunderstorms can all take a toll on your roof. You do not necessarily need to climb onto the roof yourself. From the ground, look for signs such as missing or damaged shingles, sagging areas, debris buildup, or other visible changes. If you notice anything concerning, consider having a qualified roofing professional take a closer look. Catching roof damage early can help reduce the chance of leaks and more extensive water damage later.

3. Inspect Your Windows and Doors

As temperatures begin to change, check the areas around your windows and exterior doors for gaps, cracks, or worn weather stripping. Sealing small openings can help keep your home more comfortable and prevent your heating and cooling system from working harder than necessary. While you are checking your windows and doors, look for signs of moisture or water damage around the frames as well.

4. Schedule an HVAC Checkup

​Your HVAC system works hard during the summer months. Fall can be a good time to make sure
everything is still running efficiently before temperatures eventually begin dropping. Consider replacing your air filters and scheduling routine maintenance if your system is due for service. Regular HVAC maintenance may help improve efficiency, identify potential problems early, and keep your home comfortable as the seasons change.

5. Adjust Your Irrigation System

​Your lawn typically does not need the same watering schedule in fall that it did during the hottest part of summer. As temperatures become milder and daylight hours shorten, review your sprinkler or irrigation schedule and adjust it as needed. This is also a good opportunity to check for leaking sprinkler heads, broken lines, or areas where water is collecting too close to your home's foundation.

6. Review Your Home Insurance Coverage

​Home maintenance is not the only thing worth reviewing this season. Take a few minutes to look over your homeowners insurance policy and make sure your coverage still reflects your current home, belongings, and lifestyle. Have you recently renovated your home? Purchased expensive furniture, electronics, jewelry, or other valuables? Added a pool, outdoor structure, or other home feature? Changes like these may affect the amount or type of coverage you need. It is also helpful to understand your current deductibles, coverage limits, and any exclusions before you ever need to file a claim.

Start the Season Prepared

Fall home maintenance does not have to happen all at once. Tackling a few small projects throughout the season can help protect your home, improve efficiency, and give you one less thing to worry about later. And just like your home needs an occasional checkup, your insurance coverage does too.

If it has been a while since you reviewed your homeowners insurance - or you would simply like to know whether you are getting the right coverage for your needs - the team at Corin Insurance is happy to help.

Contact Corin Insurance today to review your home coverage and make sure you are prepared for the season ahead.

Coverage varies by carrier and policy. Always refer to your individual insurance policy for specific coverages, limits, exclusions, and deductibles.