Fall Maintenance

Most fall weather-related maintenance involves preparing the house for cooler temperatures and rain or snow. Start with the roof. Has tree growth caused any branches to overhang? These can create shady, damp areas on the roof that contribute to moss or mildew growth, and can damage roof surfaces in windy weather. Prune the branches as necessary.

Check roof vents and the vents in the soffit, the flat area under the eaves where the roof overhangs the house, to ensure that they're free of debris, and check that flashings and chimneys are in good shape. Also watch gutters and downspouts on a rainy day to make sure they're ready for heavy rains or snowmelt. Splash blocks or downspout extensions should be positioned so that water runs away from the house without wearing away the soil under the downspout.

This is the time to remove window air conditioners and to install storm windows. Weatherproof doors, windows, vents, and any other potential air-leak sites on the house exterior.

Have heating systems, including ductwork, chimneys, and appliances, serviced and/or cleaned professionally. Winterize exterior faucets if they're not frost-proof, and insulate interior pipes if any are vulnerable to freezing. Test exterior GFCI outlets to ensure that they're ready for vehicle block-heater use if necessary in your area, or for holiday lights. Clean, oil, and store gardening tools for the winter, and service or prepare any snow removal tools.

Check any culverts or drains on your property to make sure they're not blocked, and protect tender shrubs and trees for winter. If you have a wood-burning stove or fireplace, make sure you're well stocked with firewood.

Reference about.com

Posted by Joanne Vanderhoef
Marketing and Media Specialist

The Management Group
Property and HOA Management in Vancouver WA and Portland OR
http://www.TMGnorthwest.com

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Tips for GREEN Cleaning

Clean your TMG home the "GREEN" way!

Natural cleaners and green cleaning products are a smart way to clean your house the safe, non-toxic way. Take a look at these tips for green cleaning in your home with store-bought cleaning solutions, or try homemade cleaners for your kitchen, bathroom, toilet and windows.

Start With Green Cleaning Basics

Just about every natural cleaning product uses the same cleaners your grandma used. These ingredients aren't all completely safe -- keep them away from kids and pets -- but they're less toxic than many commercial cleaners, and a lot less costly. A good natural cleaning kit includes the following items:

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) -- gritty scrubber, also reacts with acids like lemon and vinegar
Borax -- disinfects, whitens and deodorizes
White vinegar -- disinfects and loosens dirt
Lemon juice -- disinfects, cuts through grease
Olive oil -- picks up dirt, polishes wood
Castile soap -- all-purpose foaming cleaner
Washing soda (sodium carbonate) -- a caustic cleaner, stain remover and laundry supplement

The Management Group
Property Management, HOA Management
Vancouver, WA
Portland, OR

Tuesday, October 30, 2012