Autumn Exterior Home Maintenance

Autumn has officially arrived in the Portland-metro area. The sights are beautiful as leaves start to turn and the crisp air arrives every morning while we enjoy the dog days of summer, soaking up the last bits of the local farmer’s markets. Be mindful that as the weather changes, so does the needs of your home. Before winter approaches, it is important to prepare your home’s exterior to prevent costly damage later on. We have put together a guide here for you to be on your way to an autumn- and Pacific Northwest rain-ready home!

One of the first things that you want to check are your gutters and downspouts. You will want to clean gutters and downspouts frequently throughout fall to prevent buildup of leaves and other debris. Water overflow and debris blockage can lead to wood rot problems and pest infestations, not to mention ruined gutters. Also, be sure water is not coming down behind gutters and that all support brackets are securely in place. Lastly, ensure that water drains properly and doesn’t pool. Water pooling can cause damage to foundations, driveways, and walkways.

Once your gutters are squared away, the siding and window trim of your home should be checked for cracks, gaps or chipping paint. If you find any cracks or gaps, fill them in with caulking. This will help prevent cold drafts and heat loss. Chipped paint needs to be touched up before water can get under the surface and potentially cause wood rot.

Next, the maintenance of your roof is extremely important for weatherizing your home. The roof of your home needs to be moss free without sagging or loose shingles. If your home is on the older side and you maybe aren’t sure when your roof was installed, you can schedule a consultation with us to make sure that your roof is in good shape!

For design services, home remodeling, or basement finishing in Portland, Vancouver, and the surrounding areas, please give Bridge City Contracting a call. Whether you need new gutters or a new roof, contact us at (360) 947-4000 to schedule a consultation today!