Fall
is just around the corner and the cooler air outside means goodbye summer! The
next few weeks are a good time to get outside and provide some important
maintenance to your property.
.
As
the weather grows colder, and the days get shorter here in Marin and Sonoma county, it’s important to start
preparing for the fall and winter months ahead by completing your outdoor home
maintenance chores.
I
have listed some fall preventative home maintenance tips that every homeowner
should follow:
Gutters should be cleaned at least once a year to rid them of
clogs from damp, heavy, fallen leaves. Gutters that are not properly cleaned
are havens for insect infestations. Clogged gutters can also lead to much more
costly repairs due to water damage and wood rot.
Windows and doors can cost you lots of money on
your heating bills. You don't have to replace your windows and
doors, but just by simply replacing seals and caulking around them can help improve
on your energy costs.
If you have a fireplace or wood burning stove, you
want to make sure that they have been thoroughly cleaned and inspected before
use. This should also be done annually before you start burning wood. Make sure
that the chimney is also free from excessive creosote, which could lead to
chimney fires.
Before the cold weather sets in for the winter,
it's important to be sure to inspect all of your duct work and your heating
system. Be sure to also open up the vents and vacuum out any debris. Change
your filters before firing up your furnace for the first time this year.
Be sure to check your roof for any leaks or missing tiles. You will want to replace the problem tiles and/or shingles that need to be replaced, and patch any holes to help prevent further damage from the wet winter weather.
It is also important to make sure all wood decks, fences and outbuildings have been properly stained and sealed for the seasonal weather.
Finally, fall is also a good time of the year to do any
interior painting. Give your walls a fresh new look. If you have dull, dark rooms in your home,
this is the time to brighten them up with a fresh new coat of paint.
