Forward Bank

What better way to start the fall season than to have a home maintenance checklist to guide you through the preparations needed to avoid any casualties during the winter season or any unwelcome surprises in the spring? We are providing you with this checklist to show you that getting ready for fall goes far beyond just changing the wreath on your front door.

1. Take a tour of your home and check all of the window and door weather stripping. Any cracked or missing stripping will compromise your heating efficiency and can be remedied with new weather stripping rather inexpensively.
2. Replace your furnace filters as often as every 3-6 months. Air filters are rated and priced per air filtration effectiveness and estimated longevity.
3. Now is a good time to check your gutters and downspouts if you didn't do so after last winter. Autumn leaves will soon be your gutter's nemesis, so consider having some sort of leaf guards to save gutter-cleaning time and possible water damage from clogged drainage.
4. Check for concrete cracks that can get worse when water freezes and expands, causing the cracks to widen and the concrete to deteriorate. Patching compounds are an easy remedy and will help maintain the concrete's integrity.
5. To avoid freezing pipes, drain your outdoor faucets. Stash your hoses out of the weather.
6. When springtime comes knocking, you will enjoy your yard more if your lawn turns green quickly after the cold weather. Be sure and fertilize your lawn prior to winter, and feed your evergreens at the same time.
7. Protect the investment in your outdoor furniture by storing everything or protecting it from the elements with furniture covers, readily available for a reasonable cost.

If you're looking for additional guidance regarding protection for your home, please reach out to one of our insurance agents. They would be happy to help!