Prepping Your Home This Fall to Prevent Water Damage

The weather is finally starting to cool down, and many people are prepping for the holiday season already. However, that’s not the only preparation homeowners should be making this fall. 

Just as it is important to make sure that homes stay dry through a wet spring, it is important to keep it dry through the fall. This season presents different challenges, though, so it is crucial that homeowners understand what steps they should be taking to prevent water damage to their property. Otherwise, they’ll be left searching the internet for “water damage company.”

Fortunately, ABC Environmental Contracting Services in St. Louis has worked on plenty of water damage cleanups that could have easily been prevented, so they know a thing or two about how to prep homes for fall. The following are just a few steps homeowners should keep in mind this season.

Clean Gutters

One of the best parts of the fall season is watching the leaves turn into vibrant colors. Unfortunately, the colors don’t last long before the leaves turn into a nuisance. Not only can they take over yards and landscaping, but they can also clog gutters and downspouts. 

When heavy rainfall hits, this creates a huge problem. Instead of the water being redirected away from the home, the gutters can overflow. As a result, water can make its way into soffits, siding, wall cavities, and basement window wells.

The best way to prevent this type of water damage from happening is by making sure that the gutters stay clear. Homeowners can remove the leaves and debris themselves, or they can hire professionals. If the clogs happen too frequently, gutter guards may be a helpful option to consider.

Inspect Roof

Winds often start to pick up in the fall, and with those strong gusts comes the risk of tree damage to roofs. Homeowners may even find a few shingles that have blown off into their yard. While it might not seem like a big deal, this type of wear and tear can add up and leave the home vulnerable to the elements. Rain can find its way through the roof and cause hidden water damage in ceilings. The snowmelt, which will soon be on its way, can also cause leaks. 

For those reasons, it’s recommended that homeowners complete a routine roof inspection before the weather gets too bad. They should check for signs of missing shingles, dips in the roof, and stains on ceilings. 

Winterize Sprinklers

It might seem like fall just arrived, but the truth is that winter is just around the corner. In no time, temperatures will start to drop below freezing, which can be problematic for homeowners who haven’t taken the time to prepare their sprinkler systems. If freezing temperatures hit before the system has been winterized, a rupture could occur, and leaks could cause basement flooding. 

Now is the time to make sure that the sprinkler system is ready for winter. However, this process may look different for each system. Therefore, it’s crucial that homeowners refer to their manufacturer’s recommendations for winterizing their specific sprinkler system. 

Clear Outdoor Drains

Many homes with exterior basement doors have a French drain system. However, they can also be found in other areas around the home. The purpose of these features is to make sure that water is routed away from vulnerable areas of the foundation. 

Unfortunately, these systems can become clogged, much like gutters and downspouts. If this happens, a homeowner can quickly find themselves dealing with foundation water damage or basement flooding the next time a heavy rain comes through the area. The best way to prevent this from happening is to regularly clear debris away from the home and drains.

Disconnect Garden Hoses

Finally, homeowners should take a minute to disconnect their garden hoses from their houses. After all, it’s unlikely that the lawn will need to be watered for the rest of the year. While it might seem like a simple step, it can make a huge difference in preventing water damage after a freeze. 

The fact is that hose bibs have no protection from the elements, so they are especially prone to freeze damage when hoses are left connected. They can be better protected from the elements when homeowners install insulated covers.

Find out More About Steps to Take This Fall to Prevent Water Damage

Homeowners looking to reach out to a “water damage company near me” shouldn’t hesitate to contact ABC Environmental Contracting Services in St. Louis. They are happy to provide immediate assistance, and they can provide more information on how to prevent water damage in the future. Customers can contact the professionals by phone or through the simple online quote form.