Getting Your Clark County Home Ready for Fall and Winter

Clark County winters are mostly wet and mild, but east winds out of the Columbia River Gorge, heavy rain and occasional ice or snow can still be hard on a house. A little work in the fall goes a long way.

Roof and gutters

• Clear gutters and downspouts after the leaves drop, and make sure water drains away from the foundation.
• Look for moss, lifted or missing shingles, and damaged flashing around chimneys and vents. Use binoculars from the ground rather than climbing on a wet roof.
• Trim branches that hang over the roof or touch the house.

Heating

• Replace furnace or heat pump filters and schedule a tune-up before the first cold snap.
• Clear leaves and debris from around outdoor heat pump units.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Water and plumbing

• Disconnect hoses and protect outdoor faucets before freezing weather.
• Know where your main water shutoff is.
• Have irrigation systems blown out or drained.

Outside

• Check that the ground around the foundation slopes away from the house.
• Seal gaps around windows and doors, and check weatherstripping.
• Secure or store patio furniture before windstorms.

When to call a pro

Roof repairs, tree work near power lines, furnace and heat pump service, and anything electrical are worth handing off. Find local roofers, HVAC companies and handyman services in the directory, and check any contractor on L&I Verify a Contractor before you hire.