1. Walk the exterior after summer weather
Take ten minutes and look for loose siding or trim, peeling paint, damaged screens, cracked caulk and signs that water is collecting where it should not. Small exterior repairs are usually easier before colder, wetter weather arrives.
2. Check gutters and drainage
You do not necessarily need a full fall gutter cleaning yet, but check visible downspouts and drainage areas for blockage. Make sure water is directed away from the foundation.
3. Give the lawn a late-summer check
Heat stress, compacted soil, weeds and irrigation problems become obvious in August. Avoid automatically responding with more fertilizer. First determine whether the problem is water, mowing height, pests, disease or soil conditions.
4. Inspect outdoor faucets and hoses
Look for leaks at hose connections and outdoor faucets. A slow leak can waste water and keep siding or foundation areas unnecessarily wet.
5. Clean the grill
If the grill has been working hard all summer, remove accumulated grease and food debris according to the manufacturer's instructions and check the condition of hoses, connections and cooking surfaces.
6. Review smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Test alarms according to manufacturer guidance and replace units or batteries when required. Do not wait for the middle-of-the-night low-battery chirp to begin your maintenance program.
7. Look for pest entry points
As seasons change, rodents and other pests may begin looking for shelter. Check door sweeps, garage corners, utility penetrations and gaps around the exterior before an unwanted visitor discovers them first.
See the Rodent Prevention Guide →
8. Check the air-conditioning system
Review the filter, keep the outdoor unit clear of vegetation and note unusual noises, odors or declining performance. If the system struggled all summer, schedule service before the next extreme-weather rush.
9. Take stock of outdoor gear
Camping equipment, patio furniture, cushions, hoses and yard tools are easier to clean, repair or replace before they disappear into winter storage.
10. Make one fall plan now
Choose one project you know is coming — furnace service, chimney inspection, gutter cleaning, leaf equipment, weather sealing or firewood preparation — and put it on the calendar now.
Come back next month
Roof & Lawn's monthly homeowner checklist is designed to change with the season. September will shift toward fall lawn care, heating preparation, weather sealing, gutters and getting the home ready for shorter days.