5 Home Problems That Are Easier (and Cheaper) to Fix in the Fall
Fall is more than pumpkin season and cozy sweaters, it’s also one of the best times of year to take care of your home! For St. Louis, St. Peters, and St. Charles homeowners, fall provides a valuable window between the heat and humidity of summer and the freezing temperatures of winter. That makes it the perfect time to identify and fix small home problems before they become bigger, more expensive repairs.
Here are five home problems that we at UPKEEP Home Warranty + Maintenance find easier, and likely much cheaper, for our neighbors to address in the fall.
1. HVAC Problems
You don’t want to discover that your furnace isn’t working when the temperature drops below freezing. If your heating system struggled last winter, made unusual noises, or simply hasn’t been serviced recently, fall is the perfect time to have it checked. Replacing filters and addressing minor issues now can help your HVAC system operate more efficiently and reduce the chance of an unexpected breakdown when you need heat the most.
2. Gutter and Drainage Problems
Fall leaves are beautiful until they end up clogging your gutters! Blocked gutters and downspouts can cause water to overflow and collect around your home’s foundation. For many St. Louis-region homes, especially those with basements, keeping rainwater moving away from the house is an important part of preventing moisture problems.
Clean your gutters, check your downspouts, and make sure water is draining away from your foundation. If you notice sagging gutters, leaks, or drainage problems, take care of them before winter.
3. Plumbing Leaks
A tiny plumbing leak may not seem urgent, but small leaks rarely fix themselves. Fall is a good time to look for dripping faucets, leaking pipes, water stains, slow drains, and moisture underneath sinks. Don’t forget exterior plumbing, either. Disconnect garden hoses and prepare outdoor faucets for freezing weather. Taking care of leaks before freezing temperatures arrive can help protect vulnerable pipes.
4. Roof and Exterior Damage
Your roof and home’s exterior take a beating from St. Louis weather. Summer storms, strong winds, heat, and humidity can leave behind damage that isn’t always immediately obvious. Before winter arrives, look for missing or damaged shingles, damaged flashing, loose siding, deteriorating trim, damaged screens, and other exterior problems. If you spot something concerning, have it evaluated before the weather gets colder. A small roof or exterior problem can become significantly more serious when moisture gets into the damaged area and freezing temperatures arrive.
5. Deck, Fence, and Wood Repairs
Your deck and fence may not be at the top of your maintenance list, but fall is a great time to inspect them. Prevent further deterioration during the winter months and make it easier to enjoy your outdoor spaces again when spring arrives.
Why Fall Maintenance Can Save You Money
The biggest advantage of fall home maintenance isn’t necessarily that every repair will cost less in September or October. It’s that preventive maintenance can help keep small problems from becoming expensive ones due to harsh Missouri winter weather.
Let UPKEEP Help You Stay Ahead of Home Repairs
Keeping track of everything your home needs can be overwhelming. Between seasonal maintenance, routine service, unexpected repairs, and remembering when everything was last checked, it’s easy for something to slip through the cracks.
UPKEEP combines a proactive home maintenance plan with home warranty coverage, helping St. Louis-area homeowners stay on top of routine maintenance while providing protection against eligible unexpected breakdowns. Your UPKEEP Home Manager coordinates maintenance, keeps track of important information about your home, and helps you stay ahead of your home’s to-do list.
Learn all about what UPKEEP has to offer here.
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