If you have any questions or upcoming projects you'd like to discuss, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help and are always ready to assist with your home improvement needs. Whether it's a small repair or a major renovation, we're committed to delivering exceptional service and results. Feel free to contact us anytime—we look forward to working with you!

Kevin & Gary Miller

Inspection Repairs of Pittsburgh
412-748-0477
www.inspectionrepairsofpittsburgh.com

Fall is coming to Pittsburgh and it is essential to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. Here are the top 10 things you can do as the leaves begin to change:

1. Inspect and Clean Gutters and Downspouts

What to Do: Clear out leaves, twigs, and debris from gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage. Check that water is being directed away from your home’s foundation.

Why It Matters: Prevents water damage, foundation issues, and ice dams when temperatures drop.

2. Seal Windows and Doors

What to Do: Check for drafts and gaps around windows and doors. Apply weatherstripping or caulk as needed to seal any openings.

Why It Matters: Helps keep your home warm, reduces energy bills, and prevents cold air from entering.

3. Service the Heating System

What to Do: Schedule a professional HVAC inspection and tune-up. Replace the furnace filter and check for proper operation.

Why It Matters: Ensures your heating system is running efficiently and reduces the risk of breakdowns during cold weather.

4. Check and Insulate Pipes

What to Do: Inspect exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements and crawl spaces. Add insulation or heat tape to prevent freezing.

Why It Matters: Protects against pipe bursts and costly water damage during freezing temperatures.

5. Inspect and Improve Attic Insulation

What to Do: Check the depth and condition of attic insulation. Add more if necessary to meet the recommended R-value for the Pittsburgh area (R-38 to R-60).

Why It Matters: Proper insulation keeps your home warm, reduces heating costs, and prevents ice dams on the roof.

6. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

What to Do: Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly. Replace batteries if needed and install additional detectors if necessary.

Why It Matters: Provides critical protection for your family, especially as you start using heating systems and fireplaces more frequently.

7. Prepare the Exterior

What to Do: Trim trees and bushes away from your home, clean and store garden tools, drain hoses, and shut off exterior faucets. Inspect the roof for damaged shingles and make necessary repairs.

Why It Matters: Prevents damage from falling branches, freezing water lines, and roof leaks.

8. Inspect and Seal Exterior Penetrations

What to Do: Walk around the exterior of your home to check for gaps or cracks where utilities, vents, or pipes enter the house. Seal any openings with caulk or expanding foam.

Why It Matters: Sealing penetrations prevents drafts, water leaks, and pests from entering your home.

9. Reverse Ceiling Fans

What to Do: Set ceiling fans to rotate clockwise at a low speed. This pushes warm air down from the ceiling and distributes heat more evenly throughout the room.

Why It Matters: Improves heating efficiency and comfort during the fall and winter months.

10. Stock Up on Winter Supplies

What to Do: Prepare for winter by stocking up on essentials like snow shovels, ice melt, and windshield de-icer. Check that your snow blower is in good working condition.

Why It Matters: Being prepared for snow and ice storms ensures you’re ready to handle winter weather when it arrives.

By following these steps, you can help protect your home from the challenges of fall and winter weather in Pittsburgh, ensuring it remains warm, safe, and efficient throughout the colder months.