As temperatures drop and mountain weather turns unpredictable, a little seasonal maintenance goes a long way toward protecting your home. Fall is the ideal time to prepare, addressing small issues now can prevent costly repairs once winter weather sets in.
Whether you’re settling into a newly built custom home or maintaining one you’ve lived in for years, these fall and winter maintenance tips will help keep your home performing the way it should all season long.
Inspect and Prepare Your Roof and Gutters
Your roof and gutters take the brunt of fall and winter weather, and a small issue left unaddressed can quickly turn into water damage or ice buildup.
Before winter arrives, be sure to:
- Clear leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts
- Check for loose, damaged, or missing shingles
- Confirm downspouts direct water well away from your foundation
Seal Gaps and Check Insulation
Cold mountain air has a way of finding its way into even well-built homes through small gaps and worn seals. Addressing these now helps your home stay comfortable and efficient all winter.
Focus on:
- Weatherstripping and caulking around windows and doors
- Attic and crawlspace insulation, especially in areas prone to heat loss
- Sealing gaps around pipes, vents, and utility penetrations
Service Your HVAC System
Your heating system works harder in the colder months, and a pre-season check helps avoid breakdowns when you need it most.
A fall HVAC check should include:
- Replacing or cleaning filters
- Scheduling a professional inspection and tune-up
- Testing thermostats and checking that vents are clear and unobstructed
- Testing carbon monoxide detectors and replacing smoke detector batteries
- Switching ceiling fans to reverse (clockwise) rotation to push warm air back down into the room
- Cleaning and inspecting the fireplace and chimney before lighting the first fire of the season
Protect Pipes and Exterior Fixtures From Freezing
Freezing temperatures can cause serious damage to exposed pipes and outdoor fixtures if they aren’t properly protected ahead of time.
To prevent freeze-related damage:
- Disconnect and drain garden hoses and shut off exterior spigots
- Insulate exposed pipes in crawlspaces, garages, or unheated areas
- Know the location of your main water shutoff in case of an emergency
Prepare for Mountain-Specific Winter Weather
Homes in the Asheville area face unique winter challenges, including elevation changes, ice, and heavier snowfall in certain areas. A little extra preparation goes a long way.
Consider:
- Keeping driveways and walkways clear with proper ice-melt products safe for your surfaces
- Trimming tree limbs that could break under snow or ice and damage your home
- Having an emergency kit ready in case of power outages or road closures
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
Fall maintenance isn’t just about avoiding problems, it’s about protecting the investment you’ve made in your home. Taking care of these tasks before winter arrives helps your home stay safe, efficient, and comfortable all season long.
At SAW Built, we build homes designed to perform in mountain conditions, and we want to see every homeowner get the most out of that investment for years to come.
Have questions about preparing your home for winter? Contact SAW Built, we’re happy to help.