Articles Tagged "Biketown"

Knocking out a few simple tasks this summer will help ensure you don't run into any unexpected problems caused by poor gutter maintenance. This may include leaks, damage to your insulation, siding damage, and more. Don't let this happen to you! Follow these simple tips, and you'll be ready for whatever Mother Nature brings. 

1. Remove Collected Debris
   If it's been a while since you've performed any gutter maintenance, a lot of leaves, sticks, and other debris may have accumulated in there. Start by putting on a pair of thick gloves and pulling out debris by hand. This is the first step to ensuring water has a clear path to flow off of your roof and out the downspouts. This allows it to move safely away from your home, so it doesn't cause damage. 

2. Check for Nests
   Birds often like to make their nests in gutters since it offers them a high perch that is relatively undisturbed. By summertime, the babies have usually flown away, making now a great time to remove the empty nests from your gutters. Just be sure to check carefully for any signs of life before pulling them out. If you notice babies are still living there, consider leaving them undisturbed and checking back in a few weeks. 

3. Clean Off Your Gutters
   Now that you've removed the large items from your gutters, use a gentle abrasive cleaning product or soap and water along with a scrub brush to give the inside of your gutters a thorough cleaning. This will allow you to remove any moss, mold, or algae built up inside your gutters. If you notice areas where there's a lot of growth, pay attention. This could be a sign that you have a drainage problem. 

4. Check for Damage
   Once your gutters are clean, you'll be able to tell if there are any damaged areas you need to address. Carefully check all of your gutters for holes that need to be filled, areas of rust, or anything that's sagging or askew. You can typically fix sagging gutters by pulling them upward using a pair of pliers. If you notice any sections of your gutter that are extremely rusty, consider replacing them. 

5. Repair Any Leaks
   As you're checking for damage, there's a good chance you'll come across some leaks. This often happens when there are visible holes or areas that are buckling. You can also check for smaller leaks along the cracks and seams by using a hose to run water through the gutters. Watch out for any areas where water comes out before it reaches the downspout. You can effectively fix most gutter leaks with a waterproof sealant, like silicone caulking. Depending on the type of damage, you may also use some metal flashing and attach it using roofing cement. Once the repair has dried, run water through again to make sure it's sealed. If not, you'll want to call in a gutter professional to take care of the problem. 

6. Visually Inspect Your Roof
   Since you're already up on a ladder, take a moment to visually inspect your roof. Keep an eye out for loose shingles, which can cause leaks. If your gutters haven't been maintained for a while, this may also cause water to pond on your roof, leading to additional problems. Catching issues early can help you get them fixed before they become a much bigger deal. For safety reasons, avoid getting up on the roof yourself. If you notice any potential issues, call a professional roofer to come out and take a look. 

7. Install New Equipment
   If you've been thinking about installing new downspouts or gutters, the dry season is the perfect time to take on this project. You may also want to consider installing gutter covers. This upgrade prevents leaves and debris from falling into your gutters. While it will take some effort to install, you'll love how much it cuts down on your future gutter maintenance! 

Whether you're planning to stay in your home for the long term or you're thinking about moving soon, our brokers encourage you to keep up with basic maintenance tasks. This will help ensure your home maintains its current value and its curb appeal. 

We're here to help. Your dream home is waiting for you, so don't wait. Contact us today to discuss your goals and get started.

If you preferred means of travel is on two wheels, buying one of our Portland homes for sale just might be for you.  Portland has long been known as a city full of people who care about the environment and love to spend their time outdoors. Thanks to the innovative Biketown Bike Share Program, open-air travel is now easily accessible to all residents! 

Our Portland Uptown Brokers love spending their free time biking around the city, and we're sure you will too!

Haven't heard of Biketown yet? No worries! Here's everything you need to know about how the program works and some tips for where to go on your next cycling adventure. 

Biketown: Giving You More to Explore 

Biketown is a city-wide program that includes 1,000 bikes and 125 area stations. Users can choose to either pay as they go or sign up for an inexpensive monthly or annual membership.

When you're ready to take a bike for a ride, you simply enter your code on the bike lock, hop on, and head out. When you're through with your ride, take the bike back to one of the stations, re-lock it, and you're done! 

Because there are stations all across the city, users can easily combine Biketown, public transit, and walking to get to wherever they need to be. Whether you want to ride to the farmer's market, get in some exercise while checking out Portland homes for sale, or enjoy one of the area's great bike trails, Biketown is the way to go! 

In honor of National Bike Month, we recommend you give Biketown a try and spend a day visiting some of the area's best bike trails. Not sure where to start? Check out this list of our favorites! 

1. Willamette River Loop
   With some of the city's best views, the 30-mile Willamette River Loop will take you through Portland's south side and offers views of Lake Oswego and the three bridges crossing the Willamette River. The route is mostly flat, making for a relaxing ride, and there are some great breweries nearby! Want to enjoy some of the same gorgeous views without such a long ride? Opt for the six-mile route along the Willamette Greenway Bike Trail instead. 
   
   
   
   
   
2. Sellwood Bridge Loop
   If you're in the mood for an easy, relaxing ride, we recommend the 11-mile Sellwood Bridge Loop.  This ride offers several views of the Willamette River and is mostly on bike paths with just a few street intersections mixed in.  This is a fairly popular path, so expect to see plenty of other bicyclists and pedestrians. Short and sweet, the Sellwood Bridge Loop is the perfect ride to enjoy before heading off for a day of shopping or Sunday brunch with your friends. 
   
   
   
   
   
3. Mountain View Trail
   Powell Butte Nature Park is a great place for nature enthusiasts to spend the day. With the gorgeous views of Mount Hood, you can't beat the bike ride along the 20-mile paved path known as the Mountain View Trail. There are also several other simple trails, each offering the opportunity to explore the park while enjoying grassy nooks and open fields. 
   
   
   
   
   
4. Southeast Neighborhoods
   Possibly one of the most interesting rides on this list, the 13-mile Southeast Neighborhoods route begins at the iconic Salmon Street Fountain, then winds through some of the best historic neighborhoods in Southeast Portland. The homes here have plenty of charm, and you'll love riding through the tree-lined streets and off-street paths with occasional views of the river.  This route is extremely popular with both bikers and runners, so expect to share the roads with plenty of fellow outdoor enthusiasts. 
   
   
5. Gateway Green
   Arguably one of the city's coolest parks, Gateway Green in East Portland is literally an urban island. Since it's nestled between I-84 and I-106, you'll have to navigate your way along the I-205 multi-use path to get there, but it's well worth it.  The bike trails here are a mountain biker's dream. They include a skills area where you'll find a jump line and pump track, a gravity area, and plenty of single-track trails. 
   
   
6. Portland's West Hills
   When you're ready to take on a true challenge, our Portland West Brokers recommend trying your hand at tackling Portland's West Hills. This thigh-burning climb is only 15-miles long, but it guaranteed to push your limits.  While on the climb, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of both the mountains and downtown Portland. We promise you'll feel exhausted and starving after this ride, so plan to meet some friends at one of the local breweries when you're done! 

Whether you enjoy outdoor adventures, an exceptional dining scene, shopping, or nightlife, you'll find it in Portland. In fact, this is more than just a city, it's truly an experience!

There are so many things to love about living here, and we can't wait to show you around. Contact us today to get started!