-
Prepping the House For Fall
Six autumn tasks that will save you Time-Labor-Cost later
We have had a prolonged summer and extended dry season in the Seattle area. The gold-colored grass lingers when traditionally it has returned to its vibrant evergreen state. While the weather is puzzling us and the trees both, there are some things you can do to prepare your house for the fall. Technically, procrastinators have not yet procrastinated when it comes to these tasks so you’ve not neglected anything yet! Let’s get to it!
Check your roof for moss build up.
As pictured, this can get away from us if not addressed annually. Applying some moss treatment (as simple as the powdered Tide laundry detergent with bleach) at the ridge line will make a huge difference. Are you thinking of DIY? Please use common sense and where you may be lacking it. Invite your partner (or someone financially or emotionally connected) to share their comfort-level with your safety set-up and experience on this type of project.
Clear your gutters of debris
You can buy a vacuum extension for your wet-dry vac for about $30. This is the cleanest and quickest way of gutter cleaning. Hoses and blowers and gloved-hands are also alternatives. It is true that the gutters will soon collecting leaves, needles and cones so this will need to be repeated throughout the season. The quickest and surest way of water finding its way into unwanted places is neglecting the gutters.
Pack away the yard irrigation system
Even though it is still dry and yards look parched, now is the perfect time to roll up hoses, disconnect them from faucets and put away the elaborate (disorganized) watering set-ups. Many of our exterior faucets are frost free and do not require an insulating cover. You can read more about how to recognize the frost free faucet. It is best to disconnect all hoses and store them away for winter. If you have an interior shutoff these can be closed and the corresponding faucet opened. Automatic sprinkler systems can be closed and lines blown free of water. Getting to this before freezing can save winter breaks and damaged heads.
Trim back those trees and vegetation
An extended summer has given the vines, trees, and bushes next to our houses a longer growing season. This means that they are precariously close to gutters and dangling over heat pump compressors and walkways. Wet, cold and snow will have them quickly in the way. Those master gardeners out there understand the importance of well-timed pruning but this is about house maintenance and ensuring a problem-free winter. The rule of thumb I offer is 4 feet for tree branches and 18 inches for all shrubs. Ideally, no vegetation like vines or roses directly against the house. Rodents and pests are looking for a dry, warm shelter from the Northwest fall so this is also discouraging for these unwanted guests.
Stock up needed outdoor supplies before they are sold out
Some of the essentials here in the Northwest: Recyclable leaf bags. They are sold at hardware stores in packs of 3 and usually cost less than $10 per pack. When your yard waste container is unable to hold all the tree droppings these will save the unsightly, soggy pile that slowly dwindles after your weekly waste pick-up. Yard Rake. This spindly rake is the only tool that can really handle wet and heavy tree droppings. Make sure yours is in good working condition and easily accessed. Snow shovel. Get a real one with a solid handle, large scoop and ready to grab when needed. The good ones go early and waiting for a snow forecast is going to leave you with the over-priced one made from recycled drinking straws and good for about 15 minutes of heavy work.
Schedule the furnace servicing
I recommend having a HVAC technician perform a servicing of your furnace system if it is hasn’t happened in the last two years. My go-to company has been CM Heating in Everett though I have had very positive experiences with King’s Heating and Paragon Heating. Many other great companies are out there. Servicing usually costs less than $200 and will ensure your system is at its optimal working condition. I like to save some money by purchasing my own filters and replacing them myself. In my experience the subtle and not-so-subtle furnace issues show up at the same time in the year. (The furnace fairies have conspired to make mischief in January and February!) Would you rather have an expensive furnace repair or no heat during the coldest week of winter? Me too – neither! Preventive furnace maintenance can help guard against both.
If you have questions or want some feedback on issues you encounter with your house or want an objective opinion on a contractor repair bid please reach out.
