Each autumn, homeowners throughout the U.S. face the same seasonal maintenance chores, which, when completed, help ensure a comfortable, worry-free winter. The following are some of the major tasks homeowners should perform as the leaves turn color.

The Outside

Start by cleaning your gutters and downspouts. Check drainage areas for leaves and other debris that might be blocking the flow. If you notice a lot of blockages, now is the time to consider installing gutter guards to make your next round of cleaning easier.

Check your roof or hire a licensed roofer to do so. If shingles are cracked or curling, it’s time to replace them. In some cases, damage might be so severe that you’ll need to replace the entire roof.

While you are outside, take a close look at exterior plumbing. To prevent outdoor pipes from bursting with the first freeze, turn off the valves and run the water until the pipes are completely drained. Wrap heating tape around pipes that run along outside walls as a backup measure.

Take a walk along paved pathways and your entryway and look for any spots that need to be patched to avoid people falling when the area is covered in snow.

Wash your lawn and patio furniture and then store it inside for the fall and winter. This keeps paint from peeling and cushions from fading and cracking.

The Inside

Examine the insulation in your attic to make sure it is properly installed with the vapor barrier facing down. If it is reversed, with the vapor barrier facing the roof, the material will likely attract and trap moisture.

Change all your home’s HVAC filters and clean air filters in clothes dryers and stove vents. Taking this step will improve your chances of getting through the winter without developing sinusitis or upper airway infections as a result of breathing in dust when the heat is on regularly. Hire a professional HVAC contractor to test your home’s heating output and carbon monoxide levels and make any needed adjustments.

Check interior plumbing, repairing or hiring plumbers to repair any leaks before colder temperatures arrive. Drain your hot water heater to make sure rust is not building up inside. If it is, now is the time to replace the appliance.

Inspect your windows, making sure the caulking around window frames is in good shape. If your windows need to be replaced, it is better to do it now rather than wait until the weather becomes inhospitable.

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Don’t wait until the end of autumn to clean your gutters. Save time and aggravation by tackling the job now at the beginning of the season.

Avoiding Problems Later

Once gutters become clogged, the excess water that pours down the sides of your home, instead of into the downspout as it should, begins to penetrate the walls and ceilings. This water can leave stained water marks along your outer walls and begin to rot the wood behind your home’s siding. In some cases, gutter overflow can reach basements where, if allowed to freeze, it can crack the foundation.

Another problem with clogged gutters is that the leaves and other debris that collect in them absorb water, which puts unnecessary stress on the gutters and the brackets from which they hang.  Plus, constant trapped water tends to rust metal gutters. When gutters fall off the house, they usually need to be replaced, which is unexpected expense for most homeowners.

From a human health perspective, clogged gutters can harbor various disease-causing bacteria as well as promote mold and mildew to form along a home’s walls.

Timing Your Gutter Maintenance

Most experts agree that gutters should be cleaned twice per year, usually in the fall and spring. This leaves gutters free of debris and better able to handle winter precipitation. An exception to this guideline is when a homeowner lives in an area with pine trees, which shed frequently and bear needles year-round. In this case, the recommendation is three times per year.

It is relatively simple to clean gutters, requiring little more than a ladder, trowel and bucket. However, if you are nervous about climbing a ladder, don’t have time for the project or would just prefer to avoid the hassle, there are many professional gutter cleaners available for hire who can usually accomplish the task relatively quickly.

When to Replace Your Gutters

As you clean your gutters, examine their general condition. If they are rusty or bent out of shape, it’s time to replace them with gutters made of aluminum or other rust-proof materials. Although you should plan to pay more to replace gutters than to hire someone to clean them, bear in mind that many gutters come with 20-year warranties, which makes the initial investment worth the cost. Experts say well-maintained gutters can last as long as 30 years, protecting your home on various levels the entire time.

Find all the home improvement materials and products you need at Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement. Our inventory includes gutters and downspouts, patio covers and enclosures, windows, shutters and more.