Now that school is back in and the days have gotten shorter, it is time to make that transition from summer to fall. Not only does that mean putting away the shorts and patio furniture, it also means it is time to do some routine maintenance to get your home ready for the fall season.
I would like to share with you these important outdoor maintenance tips to help get your UBC home in tip top shape for the fall.
Clean your Downspouts and Eaves troughs
Just one look in your front yard and you will see that fall is synonymous with falling leaves. In your front yard this is no big deal, a rake and a garbage can will solve your problems; However, leaves can quickly plug your eaves troughs and downspouts creating havoc and water run-off.
Make sure to dedicate an afternoon to thoroughly clean out your home’s gutters. By clearing out the debris that has collected, you will allow for proper drainage and ensure that there will be no excess water damage done to your home.
Inspect your Roof and Chimney
While you are up cleaning out your eaves troughs, take the extra few minutes and check your roof and chimney. Keep in mind that the average lifespan of asphalt shingles is anywhere from 15-20 years. However, there are certain factors that can speed up deterioration. These include:
- Severe weather conditions
- Moss and debris under shingles that has led to excessive wear
- Heavily treed areas
Besides these factors, you should also look for missing or damaged shingles, loose shingles and shingle granules in your eaves troughs that are a sign of heavy wear.
In addition to inspecting your shingles, while you are on the roof, look at the metal flashing between your eaves troughs and shingles and make sure that it is securely attached and not damaged. You should also inspect the vents on your roof to ensure that they are properly sealed and caulked.
If you have a chimney, inspect it to make sure that there are no damaged or loose bricks and that you do not have a resident squirrel or birds nest inside.
Lawn Maintenance
It is important to try to keep your lawn as leaf free as possible so that the leaves will not plug up the city’s curb drainage. You can compost the leaves or collect them in decomposable bags and check the city’s compost pick-up schedule.
While you are out raking the leaves do a quick walk around and have a look at each of the trees on your property. Look for any damaged limbs that can become problematic with the onset of the fall rains and winds. Also look for any limbs that are too close to your roof or powerlines.
The brisk mornings and cool, crisp days make fall one of the best seasons in Vancouver. To fully enjoy the season, however, make sure that your home is properly maintained and ready for the infamous Vancouver fall rain.
Good luck and enjoy the fall season.
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