Though our temperate Northern California climate doesn’t necessitate ‘battening down the hatches’ for fall and winter, even a bit of cold and rain can impact our homes and the performance of drains and heaters, for instance. The onset of daylight savings is a good time to look around your home and garden and assess any needed repairs. Here are a few important home maintenance tasks we recommend:
Clean out rain gutters and downspouts. Don’t wait until it’s too late when heavy rains can cause gutter and downspout overflow, possibly damaging your roof. Clean out now, or hire someone, while things are dry.
Flush your landscape drains. Dirt and debris can work its way into your drains creating a solid barrier over time. Run water into your drains and make sure you watch it come out the other end. If blocked, consider having the line snaked.
Check roof for damage. A damaged roof can lead to leaky ceilings and wet walls. While you’re cleaning out the gutters, go a step further and check out the condition of your roof.
Trim trees. Call an arborist for an expert opinion on your trees and their root systems. Heavy winds and rains wreak havoc on trees and can cause them, or limbs, to fall and damage your property.
Clean your chimney. If you use your fireplace and it’s been a few years since your last chimney cleaning, it’s a good idea to call a chimney sweep. Creosote and soot buildup in the chimney flue can ignite, causing a chimney fire. A good chimney sweeper will inspect for soot buildup, obstructions, and cracks.
Check/replace fire alarm, smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector batteries. Make sure your home alarms are in working order. If units are ten or more years old, it’s time to replace them entirely.
Furnace check-up. Schedule an appointment with a HVAC professional to make sure your furnace is in working order. Once the really cold weather hits, many heating pros are booked, and you might find yourself bundling up for several days until an appointment is available. Don’t forget to change your furnace filters too.
Critter-proof. The tiniest openings in your foundation, walls, or vents present an invitation to critters who seek warm places to nest. Keep these unwelcome guests at bay by filling small holes and covering large gaps securely with heavy-duty hardware cloth or call an expert to rodent-proof your home.
If you’d like recommendations for vendors who can help with these and many other home maintenance needs, please visit our website and our list of suggested vendors.