Fall Home Maintenance Checklist for Atlanta Homeowners

# Fall Home Maintenance Checklist for Atlanta Homeowners

Autumn in Atlanta is a good window to complete preventive tasks that reduce winter repairs and energy costs. The checklist below groups practical actions by area of the home so you can work methodically and finish before the first hard freeze.

Exterior: keep water and cold out

• Inspect the foundation for cracks or openings. Caulk gaps where masonry meets siding and where pipes or wires enter the house. These seals keep heat in and moisture out.
• Remove window and door screens, install storm windows/doors if you use them, and clean or repair screens before storing them dry.
• Check exterior paint for blistering or peeling and repair problem areas to protect siding.
• Have a licensed professional inspect the roof to spot worn shingles or damage that could lead to leaks under winter weight.
• Clean gutters and downspouts, flush them with water, inspect joint connections and tighten brackets to avoid ice dams and water overflow.
• Check pool covers for integrity and winterize per the manufacturer's guidance.

• Repair driveway cracks using filler and commercial sealer to prevent water infiltration and freeze-thaw damage.

Interior: reduce drafts and maintain systems

• Hire a heating contractor to inspect and service the heating system so it runs efficiently when temperatures drop.
• Schedule a professional chimney sweep to remove creosote and reduce fire risk. Inspect wood stove or fireplace doors, gaskets and glass for damage and replace as needed.
• Change ceiling fan direction to push warm air downward and improve circulation.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries and replace batteries or units as needed.
• Clean humidifiers and any air filters to ensure healthier indoor air.

Yard and garden: prepare for dormancy

• Clear leaves, fertilize lawns, and reseed thin areas. Plant spring bulbs where desired.

• Drain garden hoses and shut off outdoor water valves to prevent frozen pipes and damage.

Tools, equipment, porch and deck

• Keep shovels, roof rakes and snow-removal tools accessible even if severe winter weather is rare in Atlanta.
• Inspect porch and deck stairs, supports and railings for stability and repair any loose components.

Timing and next steps

Complete this checklist once a year, ideally before the first hard freeze. In Atlanta that typically means finishing these tasks by late November. Where the checklist recommends professional help—roof inspections, heating servicing, and chimney sweeps—hire licensed and certified contractors.

This checklist covers routine fall tasks most homes need. Tailor it for your property's specific features and local conditions before winter arrives.