10 Common Fall & Winter Homeowner Maintenance Mistakes

1. Ignoring Gutter Maintenance

• Letting leaves and debris pile up can be a costly mistake it causes water overflow, foundation cracks, and even ice dams in fall and winter.

• Cost down the road: Roof leaks, basement flooding, siding damage, mold.

2. Not Checking the Roof Before Snow

• Missing or loose shingles may seem minor, but heavy snow and ice can push water inside.

• Cost down the road: Interior leaks, mold growth, and expensive roof replacements. With t he average cost of roof replacement starting at about 10k not skipping this step can be crucial for the life of your roof. I can't stress how important it is to check after big storms, before winter while I am not asking you to get on a ladder invest on a consultation from an experienced roofer so you can have peace of mind it could save you thousands on the long run. Our Roof Health Check up can be an affordable option to give you peace of mind, I do not want to sell you a roof if you do not need it! https://wix.to/JDXuSQ6

3. Skipping Window & Door Sealing

• Small drafts feel harmless but can hike up heating bills by 20–30%.

• Cost down the road: Higher energy costs and long-term HVAC strain.

4. Forgetting to Winterize Outdoor Faucets & Hoses

• Water left in outdoor lines freezes and expands, bursting pipes.

• Cost down the road: Major plumbing repairs and water damage inside walls.

5. Not Servicing the Heating System

• Running a furnace without annual checks risks breakdowns at the worst time.

• Cost down the road: Emergency repairs or full replacement, often thousands of dollars.

6. Overlooking Chimney & Fireplace Cleaning

• Creosote buildup is a fire hazard. Draft issues also waste heat.

• Cost down the road: House fires or smoke damage cleanup.

7. Poor Insulation in the Attic

• Heat escapes through the roof, melting snow unevenly and causing ice dams.

• Cost down the road: Roof leaks, water damage, and inflated heating costs.

8. Blocking or Covering Vents

• Closing off rooms or covering vents strains your HVAC system.

• Cost down the road: System inefficiency and premature failure.

9. Not Testing Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

• Winter brings higher risk with heating equipment running nonstop.

• Cost down the road: Dangerous, even life-threatening safety hazards.

10. Neglecting Snow & Ice Management

• Letting ice build on walkways or roofs leads to accidents and structural stress.

Common maintenance mistakes Pittsburgh Homeowners make during fall and winter that can turn into costly repairs if not addressed.