Shop Talk, Vol. 7: Fall Home Maintenance Projects to Do Before Winter

Portland’s fall season is dreamlike, with brightly-hued autumn foliage lining the city’s streets.

The air never feels as refreshing as it does on an October morning, and we think making use of these magical days is one of the best ways to work through your checklist of fall home maintenance projects. Here are the seasonal home care projects you should undertake.

Say ‘Goodbye’ to Summer Necessities

Summer has come and gone, and so has your need for many of the tools you’ve been using for upkeep. Before winter can catch you off-guard with harsh freezing conditions, be sure to turn off outdooring water systems – shutting off external faucets and draining any sprinkling or irrigation systems.  Be aware that underground irrigation lines can freeze as well, leading to broken pipes and sprinkler heads. In addition, store your hoses and lawn mowers and, if you have a gas-fueled mower, be sure to add fuel stabilizer to prevent degradation of your mower’s internal system.

Take Care of Leaks

A simple task with a big payoff, sealing up any leaks on your home’s exterior is one of the most important projects to complete during the fall. Taking caulk around the perimeter of your home, carefully inspect for any gaps or cracks around pipes, frames and wires. Filling these cracks is a great money-saver – and, when the cold sets in – you’ll be grateful you did!

Reverse the Direction of Your Fan

Your ceiling fans should change direction in accordance with the season. In winter months, be sure your fan is set to a clockwise rotation, which helps redistribute warm air around the room. In warm months, set it to a counter-clockwise rotation to create a cooling sensation.

Clear Out Your Gutters

Over the course of the fall and winter seasons, it is common for this foliage to create blockages in your gutter, impairing its ability to properly direct water away from your home. Left unaddressed, improper drainage can result in extensive water damage to your foundation and roof. Proper gutter maintenance helps prevent damage to your home’s structure and landscaping, which can result in savings exceeding $10,000..

These fall home maintenance projects will work to keep your home in tip-top shape throughout the testing winter months. For projects that require some external help, let Aryne + Dulcinea connect you with one of their local home repair experts!

About Us:
Over the course of their professional partnership, Aryne + Dulcinea have helped over 200 clients prosper in their new lives. During this time, they have prided themselves in their top-notch selling abilities, with homes outperforming market standards, consistently exceeding list price while most of their listings sell in under 7 days. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Aryne & Dulcinea will work in collaboration to guide you in investing in your future and reaching your real estate goals.