September maintenance for a marine climate
Mild and wet: moisture, moss, gutters and ventilation matter more than extreme temperatures.
6 tasks this month. The median typical first freeze across the region’s counties is Nov 11 and the last is Mar 29; your county can differ by weeks.
September6 tasks
- This monthPress the test button on every smoke and CO alarm.
An alarm you have not heard in months may have a dead battery or sensor. NFPA recommends testing smoke alarms at least once a month.
How
Hold the test button until it sounds. Anything silent or chirping: replace the battery, or the whole alarm if it is past its date.
- This monthTest the garage door’s auto-reverse.
A door that does not reverse on contact can seriously injure a child or pet.
How
Lay a 2x4 flat under the door and close it. It should reverse on touching the board. Also wave something through the photo-eye beam while it closes.
- This monthClear moss from the roof gently, and never pressure-wash shingles.
Moss holds water against shingles and lifts their edges; pressure washing strips the granules that protect them.
How
Brush moss off from the top down with a soft brush, or hire a roofer; zinc strips at the ridge slow regrowth.
- WatchDegrease the range-hood filter.
Grease-clogged hood filters stop pulling smoke and grease out of the kitchen and can feed a stovetop fire.
How
Pop the metal filter out and soak it in hot water with dish soap and baking soda, or run it through the dishwasher if the maker allows.
- WatchCheck caulk around tubs, showers and sinks; redo any that is cracked.
Failed caulk lets water behind tile and into the subfloor.
How
Cut out cracked or moldy caulk, clean and dry the joint, and apply a bead of kitchen-and-bath silicone.
- WatchClear leaves, weeds and debris from around the outdoor AC or heat-pump unit.
The outdoor coil needs open airflow; blocked fins make it run hotter and longer.
How
Turn off power at the outdoor disconnect, clear 2 feet around it, and gently hose the fins from inside out if the maker allows.