Prepare Your Home’s Foundation For Fall

As summer comes to an end, the seasons will begin to change, and the temperatures will start to drop. Cooler temperatures can affect your home’s yard and foundation. It is important to start preparing your home now to help save money down the road and reduce the hassle of dealing with serious issues with your foundation. Follow these home maintenance tips to prepare your home for fall and winter.

#1 Clear Gutters & Downspouts

Gutters and downspouts are meant to keep rain and snow off the roof of your home and direct it into areas away from your foundation. Gutters and downspouts with an excessive amount of debris can clog up gutters, leaving no room for the water to flow through. This can create issues with your roof. Also, if the downspout does not direct water far away enough from the home, water may puddle near the foundation. Your foundation can experience hydrostatic pressure and cause basement or crawl space flooding. Make sure to clean out your home’s gutters to prevent this from happening. Look out for areas where the gutters are coming away from the house, as the problem is likely to only get worse winter hits.

#2 Check Outside Drains

Drains located near your home’s stairwell, window wells, or driveway can get clogged with leaves and other debris. This puts your home at risk of experiencing foundation issues. In fact, clogged exterior drains are one of the leading causes of basement and crawl space leaks. That said, be sure to clear the leaves and debris from any outside drains to ensure that rainwater and snowmelt drain away from your home’s foundation.

#3 Check Your Home’s Roof

Checking your roof is important to do now before the weather gets bad. After all, the roof is your first line of defense against bad weather. If your home’s roof has a leak, it can result in expensive issues down the road. Plus, water on the roof will enter into the home below. This is the perfect time to check for roof leaks and whether the shingles need replacing. You can also add more insulation in the attic to keep your home nice and cozy during fall. If you notice any issues with your home’s roof, contact a professional right away, as it is important to prepare your home for the safety of those inside as well!

#4 Seal Doors and Windows

Door and window seals tend to wear off over time. Therefore, it’s always good to check for cracks and gaps around your windows and doors and seal them with weather stripping or caulk. Otherwise, your house can get really drafty during fall and the heating system inefficient. But aside from leaks, be sure to watch out for molding around every window and seal.

#5 Look For Foundation Cracks

Take a walk around the perimeter of your home and check your home’s foundation for cracks. Foundation cracks can cause basement flooding, structural damage, and insect infestation. The cooler weather can cause cracks to get worse over time. Don’t wait until the problem gets worse. Contact a foundation professional to properly fix the problem and prevent further issues from occurring.

#6 Waterproof Your Basement

If your basement floods or leaks every time it rains, it may be time to waterproof your home. One way would be encapsulating your crawl space. It involves lining up your home’s crawl space with a heavy-duty moisture barrier, sealing foundation vents and other openings, and installing a crawl space dehumidifier. Crawl space encapsulation helps you avoid cold floor issues and lower heating costs. Hence, if your home gets noticeably chillier during fall, have a professional come to inspect your crawl space. In addition, sump pumps can also help with moisture in your basement. Be sure to take steps to ensure that it doesn’t freeze up over the fall. Keep an extra sump pump battery just in case you lose power for whatever reason.

Call Basement Masters Waterproofing Today!

Now is the perfect time to prepare your home for fall and winter. Don’t wait until the problem only gets worse and costs more money. If you live in Northern Virginia or Southern Maryland, Basement Masters Waterproofing is here to help! Our team of experts will find the perfect solution for your home and keep you and your family safe and secure. Request a no-cost evaluation today!

This post was originally published on 8/28/2018 and updated on 9/14/2021 for accuracy and a larger scope of information.