Fall Maintenance Tips (Outdoors)

Fall Maintenance Tips (Outdoors)  Brought to you by: “Home & Building Expert and Strata Specialist”

We know this is still summer and you ask “what are you thinking? – Fall is aways away!”  But is it, really?   Never too early to think of Fall Maintenance. We know how quickly the seasons change, especially when we’re having fun in Summer.

There are things to keep in mind; you don’t have to rush out and do them all NOW.

There are numerous lists of maintenance tips available.  This is written with Metro Vancouver homes and weather in mind.  Below, you will find reminders of things you can do to preserve your home and save money:

  • Remove water hoses and drain outside faucets, before the first frost sets in. Most modern homes utilize freeze-resistant hose bibs that require little to no maintenance but take into account the age of your home, before relying on this.  Keep in mind, they must not have anything attached that will prevent water draining from the interior of the faucet.

  • Clean the gutters and check downspouts. Debris in the gutters can hold water and, if it freezes, can cause damage to the roof.  Excess water needs to be moved away from the foundation. You certainly do not want water flowing into your basement, crawl space or the lower floors.
  • Fall is the perfect time to correct soil grading to facilitate drainage away from the foundation. Never allow water to stand or drain near the foundation except into functional drains.
  • Check the exterior of your home for cracks and holes that would allow wind, water or pest entry. But don’t get carried away- never seal-up brick weep holes.  Weep holes need to be open to provide drainage and ventilation for the wall area behind.
  • Fall is perfect time for painting the exterior since wood surfaces will tend to be thoroughly dry after the long hot Summer.
  • Have your home checked for loose or damaged roof shingles before the rainy season begins.
  • Trim tree limbs away from the roof and walls of your home.
  • Weather-strip your garage door. Make sure the seal between your garage door and the floor is water tight, prevent drafts and keep out small animals. Check all other doors, as well.
  •  Cover Air Conditioners. Vacuum internal parts of air conditioners. Remove units from windows. Clear vegetation from around your air conditioner to prolong the life of the unit.
  • Clean Yard Equipment; prepare yard equipment for storage. This includes draining fuel from all gas-operated equipment such as lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and chain saws. Check to see all of your snow equipment is up and running before the first flurry falls. Organize your snow- clearing gear. When snow arrives you’ll want to have shovels, roof rakes, and snow blowers where you can get to them, easily.        
  •  Check the supports, stairs, and railings on porches and decks. Make sure the handrails can support someone slipping on snow or ice on the stairs.
  • Use a screwdriver to probe the wood trim around windows, doors, railings and decks. Make repairs now before the Fall/Winter rains do more damage to the exposed wood.
  • Inspect concrete slabs for signs of cracks or movement. All exterior slabs should drain away from the home’s foundation. Fill cracks with a crack-filler or caulk.                  When weather permits, power-wash and then seal the concrete/asphalt.
  • Remove firewood stored against the home. Firewood should be stored at least 18 inches off the ground, at least 2 feet from the structure.

If these Fall maintenance tips are utilized, you may be better prepared for the upcoming Winter.

If you should need assistance, in any of the above suggestions, contact Duxbury & Associates

 

Info@glennduxbury-inspections.com