Oklahoma State University: Homeowners Should Gear Up For Fall Maintenance Projects

Press release from Oklahoma State University:

October 15, 2021

Media Contact:
Trisha Gedon | Communications Specialist | 405-744-3625 | trisha.gedon@okstate.edu

Many Oklahomans have a big list of to-dos for spring cleaning, but the fall season
is a great time for some home maintenance projects.

“Now that the triple-digit heat is on the back burner, these home maintenance projects
will help protect your home during the cold, winter months,” said Gina Peek, Oklahoma State University Extension housing and consumer specialist and interim associate dean. “Tasks such as checking
the roof for leaks, having the chimney professionally cleaned and changing air filters
will help protect the integrity of your home.”

Check roofs for loose or missing shingles. This is especially important with the high
winds that accompany many of Oklahoma’s severe thunderstorms. Also check around vents,
skylights and chimneys for leaks and make necessary repairs. Look for loose or missing
mortar around the fireplace.

“It’s a good idea to have your fireplace professionally inspected and cleaned to remove
soot, blockages and built-up creosote from the chimney liner, firebox, smoke chamber
and damper,” she said. “Even if you don’t use your fireplace regularly, birds, squirrels
and other critters may be calling your chimney home, which can make it unsafe to use
without clearing out the accumulated debris from nesting activity.”

The fall season also means leaves are falling. While most do end up on the ground,
it’s a sure bet a home’s rain gutters and downspouts get clogged with leaves. This
results in rainwater spilling over the edge or remaining in the gutters because they
can’t drain. When the temperature falls below freezing, this water will freeze and
can cause an ice dam, which could damage shingles and possibly cause roof leaks.

“It doesn’t take much time to clean the leaves out of your gutters,” Peek said. “If
the leaves are dry, homeowners can use a leaf blower to speed up the removal process.
Otherwise, take the time to remove leaves by hand.”

Ensure all smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers are in
good working order. Replace batteries as needed. An easy tip to remember to check
those batteries is to do so when Daylight Saving Time begins and ends. It ends Nov.
7 this year, so set clocks back one hour and change batteries in all safety equipment.

A few other quick and easy fall maintenance tips include:

“These routine chores will help ensure your home is ready for the cold weather a little
later in the year,” Peek said. “They’ll also help conserve energy, which is money
in your pocket.”

OSU Extension offers additional home care and safety information online.

This press release was produced by Oklahoma State University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.