Just some things to think about
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Exterior

    Doors & Windows:  Get a few tubes of caulking (you can get a color that matches or closely matches your paint) and walk around the outside of your home and check around window and door frames and replace any caulking that has been damaged or cracked. 

Also check between the trim and siding and where wires and/or pipes go through the siding. This prevents water or cold air from get in.

Don't forget to check the garage door!

    Gutters:   Keep gutters free of any leaves or debris. If you do not already have gutter guards now might be a good time to install them. 

Check your gutters and downspouts for any rust, separation at the joints and for any loose fasteners. Remember a clogged gutter can cause the water to back up on to the roof and cause a leak. 

Make sure downspouts extend beyond the house to keep water away from the foundation. 

    Roof:   Look for cracked, broken or missing tiles. Check the flashing round the chimney, skylights and vent pipes for cracks.

If you have an older roof, or unable to check yourself, you might want to invest in hiring a licensed roofer to inspect the roof and flashing's for you. 

It is also a good idea to check in the attic and roof eves for any signs of leakage. 

A leaking roof can cause major damage; not only to the roof itself, but also to the insulation, electrical wiring and inside drywall and paint. 

    Deck:  It is a good time to check the deck railings to make sure they are in good shape and sturdy in case someone grabs on to them due to slipping on ice. 

Check the deck structure for any cracked, broken or dry rotted post or joists, so the structure does not fail due to heavy snow. (or for any other reason)

If you have redwood decking (or any other wood type decking) and have not yet sealed it this year, now would be a good time. This will give your wood extra protection from the weather.

Clean deck furniture and BBQ and cover for protection 

Remember to keep leaves off the deck. Not only does this damage your deck, but is a potential for mold growth which is a health hazard. 

    House paint:  Check the paint on your home for any crack, chipped or peeling paint. If you do find any problem areas, take care of them as soon as possible. Sand or scrape off the paint and seal the area with caulking, repaint as needed.

Unprotected wood siding can develop dry rot, bug infestation and deteriorate quickly. 

    Yard:  Rake up the leaves in the yard especially near the house. Leaves left too long will mold. Empty garden hoses and store, empty sprinkler systems to prevent cracking.

Wrap any exterior water pipes to keep from freezing

Check for any missing or damaged roof and foundation vents. Replace if needed. Small animals looking to get out of the cold can cause quite a bit of damage.





Time for fall - winter maintanace
​Interior

    Doors & Windows: Do the same as you did outside, go around the house checking all door and window caulking. Check all weather stripping and replace as necessary 


    Plumbing: Check pipes, both in the attic and under the house for any moisture, leaks or cracking. Wrap any unprotected water pipes. 

In the house check the hoses on your washing machine and dishwasher. Also check your water heater for any leaks. Another way to check if you have a leak is to turn all the water off and then check your water meter. The meter should not be moving, if it is you need to check for a leak. If you do find you have a problem and not sure what to do, it is best to call a licensed plumber.

Know where your main water shut off is, just incase of a broken pipe 

    Humidifier: If you have a humidifier replace the filter. If not, you may want to think about getting one. Heaters make the air dry and a humidifier will replace the moisture in the air, making rooms more comfortable. 

    Air Conditioner &Swamp Coolers: Remove any window air conditioners or swamp cooler. Clean and store.

Heater: Check and clean your heating unit, change any filters. If you're able to get under the house, check the ducting for holes or tears.

    Fireplace: Check door gasket for a tight seal and door glass for any cracks. Clean piping on wood stoves, wood burning fireplaces and fireplace inserts. A clogged or dirty pipe can catch on fire.

    REMEMBER: keeping these units free of dirt helps them run more efficiently, which keeps down the PGE cost. Make sure to disconnect any unit from the power source before cleaning.

Check that all smoke detectors and CO monitors are working, replace batteries as necessary. ble click here to add text.