HOME INSPECTIONS - FALL MAINTENANCE

By Dianne Guzik The Art of Home

Inspection 705-741-8692 aohi2007@gmailcom

Fall Maintenance

When getting ready for winter, giving the leaves one last rake, wrapping shrubs, clearing flower beds, clean out the gutters and down spouts, preferably extending 4-6 feet away from the foundation or directed to a swale. You have to do it again in the spring but I can’t stress enough how important this job is. Also make sure there is a good slope away from the foundation.

Ensure no obstructions to your high efficiency furnace venting and all vent covers are in good working condition to keep rodents out.

If you still burn wood, get the chimney swept. It’s not just creosote buildup but birds or other rodents take up residence there.

Living in an older home comes with its own issues. When the mortar needs repair, ensure the mix you use is the same content originally used,

usually higher lime content. It may seem that stronger mortar would last longer but it will actually put a greater strain on the stone or bricks and will lead to spalled brick or cracked stone. I can’t tell you how often I’ve come across this issue. It is obvious when the mortar is sticking out but the brick has fallen away.

Chimney flashing is a common place for leaks. If the chimney is no longer in use you may wish to have it removed and caped off. That saves upkeep of an obsolete fixture.

Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are up to date and change batteries with the time change.

As always best practice, let the professional look after it. Now enjoy the fall colours.