Fall Maintenance With and Eye on Earthquake Safety

The recent earthquake in Napa reminds us all that earthquakes are a way of life in California. The earthquake may have created some new maintenance problems, or there may be some safety precautions you’ve been meaning to take. Either way, please use this article as a guide for beginning to prepare your home for the colder months coming up.  

Got Cracks?
It’s time to check your home’s exterior for cracks. Check the foundation for cracks and caulk where masonry meets the foundation. Also check where pipes or wires enter the house and caulk as needed. Another place for potential cracks or gaps is around windows and doors. Caulking and sealing these areas is one of the most cost effective home maintenance projects because it’s relatively inexpensive and will help you save money on your winter heating bills.

How is That Paint Job Doing?
While you’re out there, check to see if the paint is blistering or cracked. Once exterior paint is in this condition it is no longer able to protect the material underneath. Failing to correct this problem will lead to much more expensive repairs in the future. If you do find failing paint, you still have time to repaint before the winter rains begin.

Clean Out Those Gutters!
Now is also the time to get those gutters cleaned out and repaired. The last thing you want is to wake up one rainy morning to the sounds of an unintentional waterfall. If your gutters often get clogged with leaves, consider purchasing gutter grates to keep the leaves out, which will make your fall gutter flushing easier.

Are There Cracks in Your Driveway?
The last earthquake may have shaken up your driveway a bit. If it’s cement, inspect for cracks. Clear out any debris, fill the gaps with filler and finally, coat with a commercial sealer.

Keeping the Heat Inside
Did you know that up to 45% of your homes energy cost is heating? Air leaks from doors and windows contribute to your power bill, but this is an easy fix. Move your hand around door and window frames to detect leaks. Apply weather stripping or caulk to these areas to cut down on drafts and lower your power bill.

Is Your Fireplace Ready to Get Fired up?
This is the perfect time to have your chimney inspected and cleaned. A dirty chimney is a fire hazard because caked on creosote can ignite. If your home is anywhere near the epicenter of the earthquake, it’s critical that you have it inspected to be certain it hasn’t sustained damage. By having your fireplace and chimney inspected now, well before you’re tempted to light it, you won’t have to worry about being on a long wait list for the local chimney sweep or repair person.

Where are you going to put all that patio furniture?
While it’s almost too early to put your outdoor furnishings away for the winter, now is the time to figure out where you’re going to put it all. Make a quick inspection of your garage or storage areas to be sure that clutter hasn’t been able to sneak inside. If it has, it’s time to get started clearing things out.

If all of this sounds like too much work, or you just don’t want to do it yourself, we’re here to help! Read on for our September Special.