Fall Home Maintenance Tips

As fall approaches in Portland, now is a great time to tackle home repairs and maintenance, before the rainy season is upon us.  Here are a few tips to keep your real estate investment in top shape.

WINDOWS AND DOORS

• Change those summer screens to cooler weather storm windows and doors.
• Inspect/repair any loose or damaged window locks, latches or door frames.
• Install weather stripping or caulking around all doors and windows to prevent drafts and help lower your energy bill.
• Check the condition of the putty around the window panes. If crumbling, it's time to have fresh putty installed.
• Clean and oil garage door hinges and tracks. Make sure all the screws are tightened.

HEATING SYSTEMS

• Replace the your furnace filter. It’s a good idea to have a heating professional check your furnace to ensure optimal performance and discover problems before they turn into costly major repairs.
• Clean your ducts to help with air flow and efficiency as well as to reduce household dust and provide relief to those with respiratory problems.
• Clean your thermostat's heat sensor and contact points.
• Replace old thermostat with a new digital thermostat with various timing options.

PLUMBING

• To prevent pipes from freezing and bursting, ensure that the pipes are well insulated. Be sure that you know where the water shut-off valve is, and how to turn it off, in case pipes do freeze.

GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS

• Clean your home’s gutters and downspouts frequently throughout fall to prevent build up of leaves and other debris. It’s best to do this before the Portland’s rainy season starts up.
• Neglected gutters can lead to many problems, including wood rot, pest infestations, wet basements, foundation damage and other complications.
• Be sure water is not coming down behind gutters, as this can cause damage to the siding.
• Make sure that all support brackets are securely in place.
• Check to ensure water drains properly. If not, this can cause damage to foundations, driveways and walkways.

CHIMNEY AND FIREPLACE

• Call a professional to inspect and clean the chimney. Fireplaces that are regularly used during the season should have an annual cleaning to prevent dangerous chimney fires. Test your fireplace flue for a tight seal when closed, preventing a breeze.

ATTIC VENTILATION

• Be sure attic insulation doesn't cover ventilation vents to prevent winter ice dams on the roof. Also, make sure vents are free of plants and debris.
• Check bird and rodent screens for attic vents to prevent any pests.
• Check attic for evidence of leaks or condensation.

PREVENTING FROZEN PIPES

• Insulate exposed pipes in the garage, attic, crawl spaces, outside walls and laundry room. You can buy "pipe sleeves" at the hardware store or choose UL-listed heat tape for those close to a power source.
• Disconnect your garden hose and wrap the faucet or protect it with a foam cover.
• For vacant, unheated buildings, turn off the main water valve, water heater and other water-using appliances.
• Open indoor/outdoor faucets to drain pipes and flush the toilet until empty.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to let the warm air circulate.
• Keep your thermostat set at 55 degrees or above, even if you're out of town.

GENERAL HOME TIPS

• Change the batteries in all the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Check memory on carbon monoxide alarms for peak levels.
• Clean exhaust fans and vents in the bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchen.
• Inspect interior and exterior of house for signs of moisture intrusion.
• Repair broken stairs, banisters and porches as the weather gets wet and slippery.
• Inspect your roof and look for damaged or loose shingles, gaps in the flashing and damaged mortar around the chimney.
• Check all your faucets for leaks and repair any that you may find