Fall Tips To Help Protect Your Home Against Water Damage

10/10/2018 (Permalink)

Protect your home this fall

Many of us are looking forward to fall. To the cooler temperatures, the fire pits, hot cider, apple picking, pumpkin everything, sweaters and boots. To the beautiful colored leaves that eventually crisp beneath our feet. What about those leaves though can pose a hazard our homes? What can we do to protect our homes and to ensure that our homes are ready for the leaves, the cooler temperatures and the approach of winter? Here are some maintenance tips for getting your home into top shape this fall in order to avoid water damage.

Clean out your gutters:

Believe it or not while it’s assumed leaves only build up in your gutters during the fall, during the summer you can often have build up as well. . According to Energy.gov, clogged gutters can form ice dams in the colder months which will prevent your drain systems from working properly. Leaks can then happen within the home causing all sorts of issues.

If water builds up and pools in your gutters, you can also experience damage to your roof and siding. By simply cleaning out your gutters at the start, middle and at the end of fall, you can often prevent gutters from clogging.

Test your downspouts:

Once you have cleared out your gutters, be sure to then test your downspouts. That way you can make certain that everything is draining properly. Be sure to test your downspouts each and every time you finish cleaning out your gutters. Be certain that your downspout is not draining directly into or on top of any flower beds. If the garden floods, it can leak water into your house. It is an important finishing step to make sure that you are doing your best to prevent any issues.

Landscaping:

While in can be tedious, you’ll want to trim your trees, cut your flowers and bushes so that they are pointing away from your house. Plants can often gather water inside petals, or on top of petals which can then sneak down into any cracks you might have in your foundation. Like plants, water can build up on some tree leaves, prior to any leaves falling. Water can than leak down and buildup further into your gutters or pool onto your roof.

Make any necessary repairs:

It is good to take a walk and enjoy the cool brisk air. It is good not only for the exercise, but for your home. Walk your property! Take a walk around often during the season and look for signs of damage to your roof, windows, siding and foundation. It is best that if anything does need repair that you schedule for it to be taken care of before the temperatures drop further and winter begins.

Check your pipes:

Pipes are often overlooked. Get them checked and keep them monitored for any signs of cracking or aging. Aging pipes often become leaking pipes. By catching a leak early, you’ll have a lower chance of water damage in the future.

Seal any gaps you see:

With the holidays approaching, many of us will be hosting guests in our homes. However not all guests are invited. Mice for instance only need a tiny gap, as small even as the tip of a pencil, in order to be able to sneak into your home. They too are preparing for the winter and their main goal is to stay warm. Once inside they will raid your pantry, and also make your home their home inviting their own family and friends inside.

By filling in small holes and by covering any large gaps properly and securely, you can often prevent mice from coming into your home.

Test your sump pump:

Whether you have a basement or not, it is important to get your sump pump checked and tested each year. If you cannot recall when it was last tested than definitely schedule an appointment for it to be looked at right away. You can then mark your future calendars to have it checked again that same time each year.  

By doing these simple maintenance tips you can possibly prevent water damage to your home. If an emergency does arise, SERVPRO of Greensboro North, Burlington and Kernersville is here to help. Our team is highly trained in the property damage restoration of both residential and commercial properties after a fire, smoke or water damage event.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 336-379-1772