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by portlandservices | in Uncategorized | 0 comments

Fall is officially here! Hot summer days have come and gone. Soon enough, the pitter-patter of rain will be a daily occurrence. The changing weather is part of what makes this season special, but it also can put stress on your home or commercial building. Rain and cold temperatures create the opportunity for water or mold damage to take hold of your property. Before you get into the full swing of tailgating, pumpkin carving and baking holiday treats, follow ServiceMaster of Portland’s DIY fall maintenance tips.
Windows/Doors
Walk around your home or commercial property to make sure that all windows and doors can shut firmly. If you see any gaps, fill with weather stripping. You can find weather stripping at your local home improvement store.
Gutters
Fall is the perfect time of year to clean out your gutters. Use a small shovel or plastic spatula to remove debris. Dead leaves and twigs can block rain from flowing as it should. Don’t forget to turn downspouts toward a path that allows rain to escape from your home.
Roof
Your roof takes on a lot of stress during the cool months. Overtime, Rain, ice and snow causes wear and tear. Inspect your roof before the weather turns too harsh. Look for missing shingles or cracks around your chimney. Even small damage can allow rain to seep under your roof, causing mold growth.
Fireplace
Your fireplace should be cleaned at least once per year depending on use. Schedule a professional chimney cleaning to sweep out excess soot. This soot is highly flammable and could lead to a fire disaster.
Trees
Trim trees and other large plants. Wind can carry branches through windows and other susceptible areas of your home causing substantial damage.
Gardening Tools
Store gardening tools like your lawnmower and hose until next spring. Keep these items in a shed away from the elements. Drain gas from your lawnmower to keep it in good condition. Transfer leftover gas into a canister or mow your lawn one last time. If you’re not able to do either, add a fuel stabilizer to the gas in your lawnmower. You’ll thank yourself the next time you need your lawnmower and degrading gas isn’t clogging up its fuel system.
We hope the tips above help you enjoy a dry and fun fall season. ServiceMaster of Portland has over 50 years of experience restoring water, fire and mold damage in the Portland Metro area. Contact us day or night for emergency water restoration services. Our team of experts uses leading industry protocols and standards to provide the high-quality service our customers deserve.
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