Fall Maintenance Checklist: What Every Ohio Homeowner Should Do Before Winter
Why Fall Maintenance Matters
Winter in Ohio brings snow, ice, and oftentimes, freezing temperatures that can stress your home’s structure and systems. Preparing your house in the fall not only keeps your family safe and comfortable but also prevents expensive emergency repairs. Following a thorough seasonal checklist ensures your home is ready for the cold months ahead.
1. Inspect Your Roof and Gutters
- Check for damaged or missing shingles: Prevent leaks and ice dam formation.
- Clean gutters and downspouts: Remove leaves and debris to ensure proper drainage.
- Inspect flashing and seals: Prevent water intrusion around chimneys, vents, and skylights.
2. Service Your Heating System
- Schedule a professional HVAC inspection: Ensure your furnace or heat pump is working efficiently.
- Replace air filters: Improves airflow and indoor air quality.
- Test your thermostat: Confirm accurate temperature readings and operation.
3. Prepare Plumbing for Freezing Temperatures
- Insulate exposed pipes: Protect pipes in basements, crawl spaces, and attics.
- Drain outdoor faucets and irrigation lines: Prevent burst pipes caused by freezing water.
- Check for leaks: Address dripping faucets or visible corrosion before winter.
4. Seal Gaps and Drafts
- Inspect windows and doors: Replace worn weatherstripping and caulk cracks.
- Check attic and basement insulation: Ensure proper coverage to prevent heat loss.
- Install door sweeps: Keep cold air from entering through exterior doors.
5. Inspect Fireplaces and Chimneys
- Schedule a professional cleaning: Remove creosote buildup to reduce fire risk.
- Check chimney caps and dampers: Prevent drafts, water intrusion, and pest entry.
- Test gas or wood-burning appliances: Confirm safe operation before regular use.
6. Exterior and Landscape Preparations
- Trim overhanging branches: Prevent roof or siding damage from snow and ice.
- Store outdoor furniture and hoses: Protect them from harsh weather.
- Inspect walkways and driveways: Repair cracks to reduce ice-related hazards.
7. Safety and Emergency Checks
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Replace batteries if needed.
- Stock emergency supplies: Keep flashlights, blankets, and basic repair tools handy.
- Check sump pumps: Ensure basement protection from winter water intrusion.
Why Home Inspections Help
Even if you perform regular maintenance, a professional inspection can identify hidden issues before they turn into major problems.
Lemonade Home Inspections offers thorough, reliable evaluations to ensure your Ohio home is safe, efficient, and ready for winter.
Protect Your Home This Winter
By following this fall maintenance checklist, you’ll reduce the risk of costly repairs, improve energy efficiency, and ensure your family stays safe and comfortable throughout Ohio’s winter months. Schedule a home inspection with
Lemonade Home Inspections today for peace of mind before the cold sets in.
Ohio summers bring long, sunny days, rising temperatures, and a thick wave of humidity. While it may be great weather for barbecues and poolside relaxation, summer heat and humidity can seriously affect your home, especially its foundation and structural integrity. Understanding how seasonal heat and moisture affect your home is essential for proactive maintenance. In this post, we’ll explore the effects of summer weather on your home’s foundation and structure, signs of damage to watch for, and tips to protect your investment. 1. Soil Expansion and Contraction Ohio's soil, particularly clay-rich soils common throughout the state, is highly responsive to moisture changes. During summer: Excessive heat causes the soil around your home to dry out and contract. Sudden storms and humidity reintroduce moisture, causing the soil to expand again. This constant expansion and contraction places stress on your home’s foundation. Over time, the movement can lead to cracks, shifting, or uneven settling of the foundation. What to Watch For: Stair-step cracks in brick or block foundations Cracks in drywall, especially around doors and windows Doors or windows that stick or no longer close properly Sloping floors or gaps between walls and ceilings 2. Humidity and Moisture Intrusion While dry soil can be damaging, so can high humidity levels and moisture buildup, particularly in basements and crawl spaces. Warm, moist air can lead to: Condensation on cool basement walls or pipes Mold and mildew growth in poorly ventilated areas Wood rot in framing, support beams, or subflooring Humidity is especially problematic for older homes in Ohio with limited ventilation or waterproofing. What to Watch For: Musty odors in basements or lower levels Visible mold or mildew on walls, ceilings, or insulation Sagging or spongy floors Rust or corrosion on metal support structures 3. Cracks in Driveways and Patios It’s not just your house that’s affected; outdoor concrete surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and patios are vulnerable to summer stress too. When concrete heats up, it expands. Without room for that expansion, it can lead to surface cracking. Then, when storms roll through, water seeps into those cracks and accelerates the deterioration, especially when paired with heavy foot or vehicle traffic. 4. Wood Framing and Structural Shifts Humidity can also impact the wooden components of your home. Wood absorbs moisture from humid air, which can cause it to swell, warp, or shift . This movement may be minor, but over time it can: Affect framing around doors and windows Cause squeaky or uneven floors Lead to misaligned drywall and trim Proper ventilation and humidity control can reduce this risk. 5. Pest Activity Summer heat and moisture also attract pests, like termites, carpenter ants, and rodents, that can threaten your home’s structure. Termites, in particular, are drawn to moisture and can quietly do extensive damage to wooden framing and support beams. What to Watch For: Hollow-sounding wood or blistering paint Mud tubes along foundation walls (a sign of subterranean termites) Droppings, chewed wood, or nesting material in crawl spaces How to Protect Your Home ✅ Maintain Proper Drainage Ensure gutters are clean and downspouts extend away from the foundation. Ensure the grading around your home slopes away to prevent water pooling near the base. ✅ Use a Dehumidifier Install dehumidifiers in basements or crawl spaces to reduce excess humidity. This helps prevent mold, wood rot, and structural weakening. ✅ Inspect Your Foundation Regularly Walk around your home and basement every few months to check for cracks or signs of moisture. Catching issues early can save thousands in repair costs. ✅ Install or Maintain a Sump Pump Ohio homes prone to basement flooding should have a working sump pump. Check it seasonally and consider a battery backup in case of power outages. ✅ Schedule a Professional Inspection If you suspect structural movement, water damage, or humidity-related problems, a professional home inspection can pinpoint the cause and recommend solutions before the damage worsens. Conclusion While summer is a time for enjoying the outdoors, it’s also a season when your home may be under stress. Heat and humidity can quietly weaken foundations, shift structures, and encourage damaging moisture buildup. Ohio homeowners can protect their properties with regular inspections, good drainage, and smart moisture control strategies. When in doubt, call a qualified home inspector to assess potential issues before they become major repairs. Your home will thank you for it.
When it comes to hidden dangers in the home, radon gas often tops the list, especially for Ohio homeowners. You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it, but prolonged radon exposure can pose serious health risks. Unfortunately, Ohio is among the states with some of the highest average indoor radon levels in the U.S. That’s why understanding the risks and taking steps to test and mitigate radon is so important. What Is Radon? Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms when uranium in soil, rock, and water breaks down. It seeps up through the ground and can enter homes through cracks in the foundation, sump pumps, floor drains, and even well water. Once inside, radon can accumulate, especially in lower levels like basements or crawl spaces, and become a health hazard. Why Is Radon a Problem in Ohio? According to the Ohio Department of Health, every Ohio county has recorded radon levels at or above the EPA’s action level of 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) . Ohio’s geological composition, which includes uranium-rich soils and bedrock, contributes to the elevated risk. This means that whether you live in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, or a rural area, your home could be affected by radon. Health Risks of Radon Exposure Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Long-term exposure to high levels of radon increases your risk significantly, especially for smokers. Symptoms of radon-related health issues may not appear until years after exposure, making regular testing essential for early detection and prevention. How Radon Enters a Home Radon moves from the ground into your home through: Cracks in solid floors or walls Construction joints Gaps around pipes and cables Sump pump pits or floor drains Crawl spaces with exposed earth Once inside, it becomes trapped, especially in homes that are well-sealed or poorly ventilated. How to Test Your Home for Radon The only way to know your home’s radon level is to test for it. You have two main options: DIY Radon Test Kits Available at hardware stores or online. Follow the instructions carefully, place the test in the lowest livable level of your home (usually the basement), and send it to a lab for results. Best used for short-term preliminary testing (2 to 7 days). Professional Radon Testing More accurate and often required during real estate transactions. Certified radon measurement professionals use continuous radon monitors and can provide fast, detailed reports. Tip : Even if your neighbor’s home tested low, your home could still have high levels. Radon concentrations can vary dramatically from house to house, even on the same street. What If My Home Has High Radon Levels? If your radon test shows levels of 4.0 pCi/L or higher , the EPA recommends mitigation. Fortunately, radon mitigation is effective and typically involves: Installing a sub-slab depressurization system , which uses a fan and vent pipe to draw radon from beneath the home and release it safely outside. Sealing cracks and openings in the foundation to reduce radon entry points. Professional mitigation systems can reduce radon levels by up to 99%, making your home much safer for long-term occupancy. Radon and Real Estate Transactions in Ohio In Ohio, radon disclosure is not legally required , but testing is strongly encouraged during a real estate transaction. Buyers often request a radon test as part of their inspection process, and if elevated levels are found, they may negotiate for mitigation before closing. Sellers can also benefit by proactively testing and installing a mitigation system before listing their home, which increases buyer confidence and speeds up the sale. Conclusion Radon is a serious but manageable health risk, especially in Ohio, where elevated levels are common. Whether you’re a current homeowner or planning to buy a home, testing for radon is an affordable and straightforward step that can protect your family’s health and peace of mind. Key Takeaways: Radon is an invisible, odorless gas linked to lung cancer. Ohio has some of the highest radon levels in the country. Testing is the only way to know if your home has radon. Professional mitigation can effectively reduce high radon levels. Don’t guess, test. Schedule a radon test today or talk to your local home inspection professional about including radon testing in your next inspection. Your future self will thank you.
