N※N

Gutters and Downspouts - Keep the Water Away

90

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/25/gutters-and-downspouts-keep-the-water-away.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, November 25th 2025 at 11:03 GMT by Lifehacker

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-11-25 224 x 224 / 14321 Bytes

2025-11-25 241 x 210 / 6029 Bytes

2025-11-25 198 x 224 / 13392 Bytes

2025-11-25 224 x 224 / 11934 Bytes

November Home Maintenance Checklist: A Life‑Hacker‑Style Guide to Winter‑Proofing Your House

When the leaves start to fall and the first chill of winter rolls in, it’s the perfect moment to get your home ready for the colder months ahead. Life‑Hacker’s “November Home Maintenance Tasks” article breaks down a practical, no‑frills checklist that covers everything from gutters to heating systems, giving you peace of mind (and a warm, dry home) all season long. Below is a concise summary of the main points, plus a few extra tidbits Life‑Hacker links to for deeper dives.

1. Gutters and Downspouts – Keep the Water Away

Why it matters: Clogged gutters can overflow, causing water damage to your roof, siding, and foundations. In winter, excess water can freeze and expand, leading to leaks.

What to do:

• Clean out leaves and debris with a ladder, a scoop, or a small hand‑held squeegee. If you’re a stick‑up‑lover, Life‑Hacker recommends a “gut‑cleaning wand” – a flexible, brush‑tipped tool that slides into tight spaces.
• Check for cracks or holes and seal them with a waterproof sealant.
• Inspect downspouts for clogs and make sure they direct water at least 3‑4 ft away from the foundation.
• Add gutter guards if you’re prone to heavy leaf‑fall; Life‑Hacker cites a review of the “Stoney‑Guard” product that cuts cleaning time by half.

2. Inspect and Prep Your Heating System

a. Furnace or Boiler Filter Replacement

• Replace every 30–90 days depending on your model and household pets. Life‑Hacker notes that a clogged filter can reduce airflow by up to 70 %, causing your heating bill to jump.
• Check for signs of wear – if the filter feels like a brick, it’s time for a new one.

b. Check the Ventilation and Ductwork

• Use a small flashlight to look for visible damage or disconnected joints.
• If you spot a leak, seal it with a high‑quality duct tape (or contact a professional if it’s a major fault).

c. Test the Thermostat

• Reset the thermostat to a “safe” temperature (around 68 °F) to ensure it can be reached from a remote app.
• If you have a smart thermostat, update its firmware and back up any custom schedules.

3. Smoke & CO Detectors

• Replace batteries in all units; Life‑Hacker’s “battery‑life hacks” suggest using a low‑profile button cell that lasts 10 years.
• Run a quick test by pressing the “test” button on each unit.
• Check for dust buildup – a light wipe with a dry cloth keeps sensors from misreading.

4. Roof & Flashing

• Walk the roof (or have a professional inspect it) to look for missing shingles, cracked flashing, or moss buildup.
• Check attic ventilation – Life‑Hacker’s “attic airflow hacks” show you how to identify “hot spots” that could lead to premature roof failure.
• Clear the roof of leaves before the first snowfall; a falling leaf can melt and refreeze, damaging shingles.

5. Seal Drafts & Insulation

• Inspect windows and doors for gaps.
  • Use a draft excluder (like a simple foam roller) at the base or a weather‑stripping kit for frames.
• Add insulation to the attic if you haven’t already. A 30‑R insulation is typically recommended for the Pacific Northwest, whereas 20‑R suffices in milder climates.
• Test for drafts by holding a lit match at the edges; if it flickers, you’ve got a leak.

6. Dry‑er Vent Cleaning

A clogged dryer vent can cause a fire hazard. Life‑Hacker advises:

• Unplug the dryer and detach the vent hose from the back.
• Use a vent‑cleaning brush (often sold in a set with a 4‑ft reach). Run it through the entire length of the vent and out the wall.
• Replace the vent cover if the gasket has become brittle.

7. Outdoor Maintenance

a. Clear Driveways and Walkways

• Use a leaf blower or push a lawn roller to remove fallen leaves. This prevents mold and algae buildup.
• Inspect for cracks – fill small ones with a high‑durability patch compound to avoid water seepage.

b. Firewood & Chimney

• Stack firewood at least 6 ft from the house to reduce fire risk.
• Clean your chimney with a chimney sweep brush. Life‑Hacker points out that a professional sweep is a good idea if you use the fireplace more than twice a month.

c. Deck & Patio

• Inspect for loose boards or nails. Replace or secure them before the snow.
• Apply a sealant if your deck is hardwood. Use a UV‑resistant formula that can handle freeze‑thaw cycles.

8. Garden & Greenhouses

• Cover or bring in tender plants that are susceptible to frost. Life‑Hacker suggests using “pocket” fleece or a lightweight greenhouse blanket.
• Dispose of or relocate perennials that can’t survive winter; this helps them thrive in spring.

9. Check for Water Leaks

• Inspect baseboards, plumbing fixtures, and under sinks for any signs of moisture.
• Look for water stains on ceilings and walls – those often indicate a hidden leak.
• Check your sump pump (if you have one) to ensure it’s functioning correctly.

10. Prepare Your Garage & Storage Areas

• Remove any damp materials before winter, as cold can turn them into moldy mush.
• Check insulation around utility lines. If the insulation is damaged, replace it to prevent ice dams.

Extra Resources Life‑Hacker Links to

1. “How to Clean Your Gutters Like a Pro” – a step‑by‑step video that demonstrates gutter‑cleaning techniques using safety gear.
2. “The Ultimate Guide to Winterizing Your Home” – a downloadable PDF that includes seasonal checklists for each room.
3. “DIY HVAC Maintenance” – an article explaining how to safely replace filter, clean coils, and check for leaks without a technician.
4. “Weatherproofing Your Home” – a Life‑Hacker guide to sealing windows, doors, and gaps using foam, tape, or specialized kits.
5. “Fire Safety in the Home” – a quick‑start guide covering smoke detector testing, chimney sweeping, and safe storage of flammable materials.

Bottom Line

November is the month of prep – before the cold settles in, a little work can prevent costly repairs and keep your home cozy. Life‑Hacker’s checklist is intentionally straightforward: tackle the gutters, check your heating, secure any drafts, clean vents, and finish with a quick outdoor sweep. Follow the links for deeper how‑to guides, and you’ll be fully equipped to face the rest of the winter with confidence. Happy maintenance!