REPAIRS : Get Set for Winter With a Fall House Inspection

You can reduce or lessen the toll that winter will take on your house by making a fall inspection--inside and out. On the outside, start from the top:

* Inspect your chimney for cracks or loose mortar. If the bricks are beginning to deteriorate, have the surface sealed. If the flashing is loose--the metal strip that seals the roof section around the chimney--secure it and seal it with roof cement. Check the condition of the rain guard or chimney cap.

* If you have an outside television antenna, check the mounting straps, screws and bolts. If it’s attached to the chimney, make sure it hasn’t damaged the bricks.

* Clean the gutters and downspouts. Make sure there are no leaks at the gutter seams. Check the gutter pitch; it should slope toward the downspout one-fourth inch every four feet.

* Check for damage and paint failure at the points where the gutters are attached to the house.

* Check for broken shingles. Use binoculars so that you don’t have to climb onto the roof. If your roof is more than 15 years old, check it for possible replacement.

* Replace any broken screens in vents and louvers.

* Trim overgrown trees and shrubs that rub against the house. They can damage the siding in a storm as well as clog drains and harbor pests.

* Fill masonry cracks in outside walls.

* Check weatherstripping. If necessary, recaulk around windows and doors and in the joints between siding and other materials.

* Lubricate movable hardware such as hinges, locks and casement window operators.

* Check the house foundations for signs of termites.

* Rake the lawn. Store lawn equipment, outdoor furniture and the barbecue grill unless you intend to continue using them.

Then check inside the house:

* To reduce energy costs, close off any unused rooms or areas. Turn off the heat to those areas and make sure the doors close tightly.

* If you have a ceiling-mounted attic fan, seal the attic side with plastic and cover it with insulation batting.

* If you have humidifiers, clean the filters and the reservoirs.

* Inspect weatherstripping at the door to an unheated garage.

* Check your furnace; have it cleaned before the winter season. Remove any debris or flammable material--such as cardboard boxes--that may be near the furnace. If you have a forced-air system, vacuum the duct openings and lay in a supply of air filters. Make sure you have sufficient fuel.

* If your hot water radiators gurgle when you turn up the heat, it’s a sign of trapped air. Purge each by opening the bleeder valve with a key or slotted screwdriver. Have a container handy to catch the water that will spurt out when the air is purged. Then close the valve. To prevent scalds and save energy, set your water heater to 120 degrees.

* Make sure that your smoke detectors are in working order.

* Check that your fire extinguishers are fully charged.