Fall Outdoor Maintenance Tips
The seasons are about to change the Durango area again. With the arrival of the upcoming cool temperatures of fall, now is the time to tend to yard and garden maintenance. Getting your home and yard ready for winter now will help to free up some time later. Tending to not only the inside, but also the exterior landscaping, can save money too! Take a look at the following tips to make your house cozy and safe for the upcoming fall season.
Roofs, Gutters, and Leaves, Oh My!
Leaks in your ceiling can create a nightmare. Lack of fall maintenance can result in a build up of leaves and other debris. This backup, coupled with freezing temperatures can reroute the water elsewhere, often in the most inconvenient places! To prevent a dam from developing in the first place, taking a few minutes to inspect your gutters can save you expensive headaches down the line. Your lease may stipulate who is tasked with taking care of the gutters and yard maintenance. That is not to say that you will be the one conducting the repairs, if necessary though.
Acting as the eyes and ears for your landlord can help to nip issues in the bud. A minute of inspection can save hours of work down the line. A quick visual inspection of your gutters can reveal a host of possible issues. Ensure that the gutters are installed in a position that helps to assist in draining to avoid standing water. Additionally, make sure that the downspouts are clear from leaves and branches which can lead to leakage.
Overhanging Branches
While you are carrying out your inspection of the gutters around your home, take a few minutes to see if there are any low hanging branches. If left untrimmed, overhead branches can fall, potentially cutting power during a storm. Additionally, in some cases, you may end up with an accidental skylight! A good practice to follow is to trim tree limbs that are within 8-10 feet from your roof . This way, the roof will have the clearance necessary to keep in tip-top condition.
Fall Weatherstripping on Doors and Windows
Although the temperatures are currently above freezing at night, falling temperatures are just around the corner. So, why not take a few steps now to keep the chill of the season where it belongs, outside. Popular in the summer too, weatherstripping can make it less expensive to heat your home during the fall and winter months and keep hot air out during the summer months.
Installation is easy and the material is often quite affordable too. If you still notice high heating bills, inspect your roof and attic. Make sure that they are free from both air and water leaks. Weatherstripping these areas can often be sufficient to make it through the fall and winter without raking up your heating bills.
Shrubs and Plants
Similar to the perimeter clearing, shrubs and plants should be tended to before the first snowfall of the season. Shrubs and plants near the house can be a great deterrent for the hot summer sun. But, come fall and winter, the sun may be a welcome contribution to keeping your indoor temperature warm and comfortable. Keeping shrubs and plants cleared from your windows can reduce the buildup of snow that can lead to costly home repairs.
Conclusion
Getting ready for changing weather can help to prevent high heating bills, as well as expensive repairs. If you are a property owner who is unsure how to go about working with your tenant on keeping abreast of repairs, contact the folks over at The Property Manager. These experienced professionals can work with you and your tenants to make sure that your investment is well-cared for and your tenants happy and safe.
References
7 Tips to Maintain Your Roof and Gutters for Your Rental Property
Can Tree Branches Damage a Roof?
Drafts No More: How To Add Weatherstripping to Your Doors
