The trees are starting to change color and while you may still be holding onto warm summer days, now is the perfect time to prep your property for some cold, wet weather. The last weeks of summer are a great time to do some landscaping, yard clean-up, and annual maintenance around your home. Here are some items to add to your to-do list before the weather turns!
Decks: The type of maintenance needed to prepare for fall and winter will depend on the type of deck you have. Follow these tips to keep things looking good through the colder months!
- Wooden Decks: We recommend a careful inspection of your deck for signs of fading, peeling, or rot. If these issues aren’t taken care of, they will be much worse in the spring. Wooden decks generally require sanding and staining/painting every 2-5 years. Fall is a great time to get this taken care of so your deck can withstand rain and ice. Replace any rotten or warped boards to further prolong the life of your deck. With careful maintenance, a cedar deck can be expected to last 10 – 30 years before needing any major repairs.
- Composite Decks: We recommend a semi-annual low pressure wash. Composite decks are extremely durable and don’t require any other maintenance other than cleaning twice a year. These decks are made of durable, long lasting materials that can be buried in snow for the winter and still look good as new in the spring. You will be able to enjoy your Trex composite deck for up to 50 years before needing to replace it.
If your deck is beyond needing a little seasonal maintenance, reach out to us for help with repairs and installs. We are certified TrexPro® and TimberTech® Elite Installers, and have extensive knowledge about and experience with these products and how to install them.
Landscaping: Cleaning up your yard and surrounding landscaping before autumn hits is a great way to make sure it comes back great in the Spring. You’ll want to trim bushes and branches away from your house, your deck, and any other structures on your property. Pulling weeds and removing any excess debris are great tasks to check off as well.
Fencing: As you work on your landscaping, keep an eye out for areas along your fence line that may need attention. If boards are loose or posts are wobbly, you’ll want to get them fixed before the snow starts piling up on and around the structure. We can help with any needed repairs or a fresh install if you’re looking to add a new fence or replace your existing one. As Bend, Oregon’s premier fencing contractor, we can design a great looking fence for any space with a variety of materials and styles. We offer cedar, vinyl, ranch fencing, chain link, gates, lattices, wrought iron, and more. We’ll work with you to create a design that fits your style and budget.
Home Exterior: The outside of your home is just as important as the inside. Keep things looking great through the end of the season by checking on these important items.
- Gutters: As the leaves start to fall, you may end up with a big job to do on a cold November day. Start clearing them out now and stay on top of it for the next couple of months to avoid a big clean-up project.
- Windows: Take some time to examine your windows as well. You’ll want to make sure everything is sealed tight before the temperatures drop. Energy-efficient windows can save you between $126–$465 a year on your power bill, so if you’d like to have any or all of them replaced, we can help! We have lots of styles to choose from to keep the cold air out on crisp winter nights.
- Siding: Summer sun and winter storms can take a toll on the siding of your home. As you work on your maintenance projects, look out for areas that may need replacing. Siding can either make or break the overall appearance of a house. Faded, warped, and buckled siding are all signs of needed repair. We have over 25 years of construction experience in the Central Oregon area and we understand the climate, which is a key factor when deciding what type of siding is best for your home. Give us a call if you notice any spots that need to be fixed!
Keep enjoying those warm summer nights on the deck or patio, you’ll have earned it after taking care of all these projects! If you want us to take any work off your plate, don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us for a quote!
Phone: (541) 647-7086
Email: info@bendfenceanddeck.com
