Fall Maintenance Checklist to Avoid Fire and Water Damage

To New Hampshire and Massachusetts homeowners it often seems like there is no season with a longer to-do list around the house than fall. But do you have the most critical action items on your checklist? No homeowner wants to experience fire or water damage, and there are some fall maintenance steps you can do to reduce this risk.
Fire damage and the loss to your home can be devastating for a family. Taking these maintenance steps this fall can help to reduce your home’s risk of damage as a result of fire.

• Inspect any fireplaces in your home on a regular basis. Be sure to keep these clean and free of damage.
• Check smoke detectors and replace batteries. Early detection is the best way to prevent damage in the event of a fire.
• Clean your dryer vent regularly. A build-up of lint mixed with the heat of the dryer can be a recipe for disaster.
• Hire a professional to clean the chimney. If you are using a wood burning stove or fireplace, residue can build up inside the chimney becoming a fire risk.
• Inspect the electrical system. A walk-through can identify any frayed wires or overloaded circuits that can be ticking time bombs in your home.
• Ensure that your heating unit is in good working order. An annual tune-up by a trained professional is always a good idea to be sure that nothing is malfunctioning.
• Install fire extinguishers in your kitchen and other areas of your home susceptible to fires.

Water damage can also have lasting effects on your home. The best course of action that you can take now is sealing off your home to unanticipated water. Consider the following simple home maintenance actions to do just that.

• Ensure that the gutters are free of damage and are still draining water properly away from the home.
• Keep all gutters and downspouts clean and free of debris. Remove any blockages caused by leaves, sticks or other debris.
• Trim trees that hang over your home. Trees reaching over your home make it more likely that falling leaves and limbs will damage your roof and clog your home’s gutters.
• Inspect your roof for any damaged or missing shingles.
• When traveling away from home for a length of time, shut off the water supply to your home and drain the pipes.
• Regularly inspect water heaters, showers, bath tubs and other appliances and have them repaired if there are any signs of leaks.
• Keep the caulking around shower, tubs and basins in good order, and repair as needed.
• Check appliance hoses and fittings for damage or bending and take the necessary steps to repair these.
• Maintain the temperature of your home at 60 degrees or higher. This will ensure that the pipes will not freeze.

Fall is a great time to designate these extra home maintenance items to ensure that your home stays free of fire and water damage all year long.
If your New Hampshire or Massachusetts home has sustained water or fire damage, call the property damage restoration experts at Soil-Away Cleaning and Restoration (603-641-6555).