It's not too late to tackle autumn chores

Every year we say the same thing because it is always true:  Rainy, blustery fall weather is on its way and it’s time for you to prep your house now for fall and winter weather.  

I know, I know. … Every fall I look at all of the stuff I dragged out to use during the summer and now have to find room in the garage to store again. Sigh. … But a couple hours putting things away and prepping the house for winter will save me from doing it in the wet and cold later on.

Here is an autumn “To Do” list from us here at NeighborWorks of Grays Harbor in Aberdeen to get you started.

• Put away all the yard furniture, ladders and anything that can blow away or be ruined by wind and rain.

• Keep your blower and rake handy for the falling leaves that will continue totop priority until the leaves are done falling will stop any water from backing up in front of your house.

• Check windows and doors for cracked or crumbling caulk. If you need to re-caulk, invest in a 35-year paintable caulk so you don’t have to do this chore again soon. Take a wet finger to smooth the caulk lines.

• Take the last opportunity of decent weather – if it comes – to scrub mold off your home’s exterior.  We suggest using “30 Second” mold remover according to the instructions on the bottle.  Spray on, scrub and rinse usually does the job.

• Protect under-house or exposed water pipes with pipe sleeves or insulation.  Make sure that any foundation skirting is complete and tight to the house.  Check to see that the venting is clear of grass or insulation.

• Check the dryer’s vent flapper and screen for lint build-up. Does the flapper door work properly? This can be a secret passage for critters!

• Check all outside lights. With days getting darker earlier, it’s a safety issue to have them in working order. Consider converting to LED lighting and adjust any timers to the proper lighting times.

• Change the self-closer on your screen door to the winter setting. This will close the door more quickly and help prevent a wind-damaged door – and cold air from coming into your house.

• Lubricate your door hinges and locks with silicone spray.

• Cut vegetation back from your house. Doing so will help prevent mold and mildew which can gnaw away at the integrity of your home.

• Do you have moss or other vegetation growing on your roof? Now’s the time to tend to that with a stiff nylon brush on a long pole. Powdered or liquid “Moss-Off” will kill and prevent future growth for a year or two.

• Check your roof for missing or damaged shingles. Examine roof penetrations and flashings. Call a roofer or handyman if needed to make repairs before any leaks start.

• Make sure your chimney is clear of bird nests and soot. Call a chimney cleaner if you need to.

• Clean the leaf screens in your gutters and water test both gutters and downspouts.

• Place splash blocks or pipe extensions at each downspout. They help convey the rainwater away from your foundation or basement. They should be at least two feet from the foundation, but 10 feet is better.

• Clean out any driveway drain boxes and make sure they drain properly. Adding a mesh screen helps keep debris out of the system.

• Move any woodpiles so they are at least 20 feet from your house to discourage the migration of pests into your cozy abode.

• Clean your window and window tracks. (See complete instructions in the Blog section of our website:   (www.NWGHC.org)

• Pay attention to the main heating device of your home. Does it need to be cleaned serviced or replaced?  Make sure wall heaters have been vacuumed to remove dust accumulated over the summer.  Test each one to make sure it is working properly.

• How are your door mats and floor mats – inside and out? Good mats can prevent a lot of dirt from coming inside as well as soak up water that can create inside moisture issues.