Fall promises many exciting events for you and your family. The cooling weather makes it easier to explore outdoors, and the promise of the coming holidays and school year keep energy levels high.
As a homeowner, there are steps that you’ll want to take to prepare your basement for the cooler months of the year. As temperatures drop, your home is more likely to see the kind of precipitation that can make the hydrostatic pressure your basement endures more severe. Luckily, as you take steps to maintain your basement, you can limit the amount of stress your structural supports are under and protect your home from damage.
Not sure where to start? Look at the list below to determine how best you can keep the moisture levels in and around your home low.
Clearing Obstacles Out of Your Gutters
Come fall, you’re likely to see leaves clogging up your gutters. This is more than a temporary nuisance. If you leave your gutters clogged, any rain from storms in your area will run straight down onto the perimeter of your home instead of away from your basement. As a result, that water will add to the hydrostatic pressure your structural supports have to endure, putting your home at higher risk for damage.
If you’re looking to maintain your basement in the cooler months of the year, you’ll want to try and clear out your gutters on a regular basis.
Checking on Your Downspouts
Your downspouts, like your gutters, play an active role in directing rain runoff away from the sensitive perimeter of your home. After a busy summer, you’ll want to make sure your downspouts are connected to your gutters and that they haven’t been moved away from your home. You may also want to consider investing in underground downspouts, as these lines are less likely to suffer damage or displacement as summer turns into fall. If your downspouts appear clogged, you can try to clear out the damage on your own, or you can reach out to the professionals in your area for help.
Sealing Your Basement Windows
Your basement windows are especially vulnerable to moisture in the cooler months of the year. If you want to get ahead of any potential damage, check the sealant you have in place come fall. This way, you can determine whether or not any gaps have appeared between your windows and their frames, and you’ll be able to fill those gaps accordingly.
Calling A Professional to Inspect Your Home
You won’t always be able to identify your basement’s weak points on your own. When you’re not sure where to start looking for damage or what areas of your home may need the most protection, you can call in a professional. The contractors serving Raleigh, NC, can explain to you what threats may put the structural integrity of your home at risk after a thorough home inspection.
Waterproofing Your Basement
When it comes down to it, it is never a bad idea to waterproof your basement. Basement waterproofing measures are often simple to install and can help you save a significant amount of money in the long run.
Some of the most effective basement waterproofing measures you may want to consider having installed in your basement can include:
- Interior drainage systems
- Sump pumps
- Dehumidifiers
- Vapor barriers
Note that these solutions can be stacked and used together for more comprehensive basement protection.
Avoid DIY Solutions
It can be tempting to try and fix a crack or leak in your basement on your own time. Unfortunately, trying to DIY a solution can often make the problem plaguing your home worse, as these often are bandages that cover up and don’t actually fix the real problems.
If you’re looking to save money while also maintaining your home, it’s best to work with the professionals serving the Raleigh, NC, area. The basement and foundation experts at Tar Heel Basement Systems can walk through your home with you and identify any spots that may need extra protection. With a free repair quote in hand, you can determine what means you want to invest in to protect your home.
