5 Helpful Fall Home Maintenance Tips

As we head into fall, it’s important to remember to perform some general home maintenance around your property before winter sets in. By getting your home ready for the change in seasons, you decrease the risk of foundational issues that often result from water damage. Check out the 5 tips below to get your foundation ready for winter! 

CLEAN OUT YOUR GUTTERS

Clogs in your gutters could cause water to overflow them, pool in the area surrounding the foundation, or seep into the soil. Both instances can lead to cracking and other forms of damage to the foundation. In addition, all that water may end up pooling around your home, and the soil will absorb it. If this occurs, that dirt will expand due to the moisture. As a result, this places pressure on your foundation, potentially causing cracks.

DRAIN YOUR GARDEN HOSE 
Garden hoses should be disconnected from the outdoor water valve in the winter to prevent freezing of water in the pipes inside the house, resulting in bursting of those pipes.

MAINTAIN YARD GRADING

Your yard influences how water flows around your home. If it’s slanting toward the perimeter of the foundation, you can guess what’ll happen when it rains or snow melts. Make sure  the ground has a positive grade and slopes away six inches for every 10 feet around your home. This way, groundwater or rain won’t flow back and seep into the foundation soil. 

BURY DOWNSPOUTS TO REDIRECT WATER

Burying your gutter downspouts is a fantastic way to reap their benefits while also keeping your yard looking pristine. Underground downspouts can help guide rainwater away from your home’s foundation—and channel it to the thirsty areas of your lawn.

CHECK FOUNDATION FOR SIGNS OF CRACKING/SHIFTING

Some of the most common signs that there’s a problem with your foundation include: Cracks in brick or concrete / doors and windows sticking / uneven flooring / walls leaning