The weather is finally cooling off in Georgia, so now is the time to be sure your home is protected from the elements – rain, leaves, potential sleet and snow. Some easy things to do are check around your doors for air leaks, have your roof and furnace inspected, check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, adjust your thermostat, change water and air filters, prep your yard, turn off exterior faucets and, if you have one, clean your fireplace and chimney.
When you follow a fall home maintenance checklist as outlined above, you can prevent home foundation damage and the need for costly repairs.
Understanding the Impact of Fall Rain
While occasional light showers have no effect on homes, constant rain can saturate the ground causing erosion. This is especially true in North Georgia because of the clay-rich soil in the area. Over time, this erosion can lead to foundation damage, so keeping foundations dry in the rain is important for the long-term health of your home.
Heavy rains can also negatively impact the structure of houses by penetrating siding. The lingering moisture in that exterior wall can cause wood rot and mold growth, which are both dangerous to your family’s health. Rot can also lead to cracks in the walls, which are considered signs of foundation damage.
Gutter Maintenance
Gutters are designed to catch rainfall and keep it away from your home’s foundation and exterior walls. If gutters are clogged with debris – old leaves, pine needles, bird’s nests – they cannot drain properly keeping a home’s foundation dry in the rain. That’s why you should clean your gutters twice per year.
If you clean your gutters yourself, be sure to wear gloves and use a wire brush to remove stuck on debris. Then, wash the gutters to fully clean them out and ensure they are clear for the rain that is expecting this autumn.
Downspout Management
Much like gutter maintenance, downspouts are used to keep foundations dry in the rain and prevent home foundation damage. Cleaning out your downspouts should be part of your fall maintenance checklist (along with your gutters). You can follow the same procedure as with your gutters. There are also professionals in North Georgia that can assist with gutter and downspout maintenance.
Foundation Sealing and Waterproofing
Whether it is a preventative measure or a repair need, keeping your basement and foundation dry are key to the long-term health and structural integrity of your home. The “Proof” in our name stands for waterproofing – the landmark service that put us on the map in Metro Atlanta when we launched our company in 2006.
When completing your fall maintenance checklist, be sure to check that your foundation is dry. You can do this by looking out for unpleasant smells, moldy drywall, pest infestations, higher-than-usual energy bills, growing stains on concrete, sagging floorboards, and – worst case scenario – standing water. If any of these things are present in your home, call us for a free estimate for foundation sealing this autumn.
Foundation Repair Signs
It is important to know the signs of foundation damage so that you can identify them and seek professional repair services quickly. Even with proper seasonal maintenance and prevention tactics, foundation damage can occur. Things to look out for include:
- breakage in your exterior brickwork
- cracks around window and door frames
- cracks in the mortar between your bricks
- cracks in the foundation
- a sagging roofline
- bowing walls
- a leaning chimney
- a crooked garage frame
- sticking doors and windows
- cracking sheetrock
- gaps at the floor or ceiling
While your home may not require foundation sealing this autumn, keeping an eye on these signs of home foundation damage and acting swiftly when needed can save you money down the road.
Professional Help and Inspection
If you are concerned about keeping your foundation dry this fall and want professional help, don’t worry! Our caring and knowledgeable team is here for you. Contact the H2O Proof & Foundation Repair team TODAY to inspect your home’s foundation. We will then provide our expert assessment of the next steps at no cost to you.
Knowing that your home is structurally sound this fall will allow you to enjoy the holiday season with less stress, so contact us soon. You can reach us by calling 678-426-8618 or filling out our online appointment form and one of our team members will be in touch. We look forward to meeting you.
