Fall Home Maintenance Checklist for CT Homeowners

New England winters are not gentle. In Windham and Tolland County, temperatures regularly drop below freezing from November through March, and the freeze-thaw cycle that comes with early spring is one of the leading causes of structural damage to older homes. A few hours of maintenance in September and October can prevent thousands of dollars in repairs come spring.

Here is the checklist we recommend to homeowners throughout Eastern Connecticut.

Look for missing, cracked, or curling shingles. Pay special attention to the areas around chimneys, skylights, and valleys — these are the most common entry points for water. If your roof is more than 15 years old and you have not had it inspected recently, now is the time.

Ice dams are a serious problem in this region. They form when heat escapes through the roof, melts snow, and the water refreezes at the eaves. Proper attic insulation and ventilation are the long-term fix; clearing gutters is the short-term one.

Clogged gutters cause water to back up under shingles and overflow against your foundation. Clean them after the leaves have fallen — usually late October to early November in Windham and Tolland County. While you are up there, check that gutters are firmly attached and pitched correctly toward the downspouts.

Walk around your home and look for gaps in caulking around windows, doors, and where siding meets trim. Water infiltration through these gaps is one of the most common causes of rot in older New England homes. Re-caulk any gaps wider than a hairline with a high-quality exterior sealant rated for temperature extremes.

Look for new cracks in the foundation, especially horizontal cracks in block foundations, which can indicate lateral pressure from soil. Small vertical cracks are common and often not structural, but any crack wider than 1/4 inch should be evaluated by a professional.

Make sure the soil around your foundation slopes away from the house. Water pooling against the foundation is a leading cause of basement moisture problems.

Schedule a tune-up before the heating season begins. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently and is far less likely to fail on the coldest night of the year. Replace the filter if you have a forced-air system.

If you use a wood-burning fireplace or stove, have the chimney swept and inspected annually. Creosote buildup is a fire hazard, and a cracked flue liner can allow carbon monoxide to enter your living space.

If you have a hot water baseboard system, bleed the radiators before the heating season to remove trapped air. A radiator that is cold at the top but warm at the bottom has an air pocket that is reducing its efficiency.

Leaving a hose connected to an outdoor spigot can cause the pipe inside the wall to freeze and burst. Disconnect hoses, drain them, and store them inside. If your home has older exterior spigots without a built-in shutoff, consider having frost-free sillcocks installed.

Every adult in your household should know where the main water shutoff is and how to operate it. In the event of a burst pipe, getting to that valve quickly is the difference between a minor repair and a major flood.

Check weatherstripping on all exterior doors. A door that lets in a draft in October will cost you noticeably on your heating bill all winter. Replacing weatherstripping is a simple, inexpensive fix.

If you have older single-pane windows, consider adding interior window insulation film for the winter months. It is not a permanent solution, but it makes a measurable difference in comfort and energy costs.

Some of this work is straightforward DIY. Other items — roof repairs, foundation cracks, chimney work, and anything involving structural components — are best handled by a licensed professional.

If you are in Windham or Tolland County and you find something during your fall inspection that needs attention, we are happy to take a look. Call us at (860) 933-7626 or contact us online.