From Leaves to Leaks: Your Fall Seasonal Checklist

The long and hot days of summer are finally coming to an end. Soon, the long, cold nights of winter and snow will be here in Western New York and Rochester. Before that happens, though, it's a great time to check a few things around your home and catch any issues before they turn into big problems!

First, let's start outside. Take a walk around your home and take a close look at your gutters and downspouts.

As leaves fall, they can build up in the gutters and prevent rainwater from draining properly. If your gutters overflow, the water will run down the side of your home. It collects around the foundation, adding even more moisture to the area. Take a moment to clear out any debris, then make sure your downspouts direct water away from your home so it drains away from the foundation instead of right next to it.

While you're outside, also check your foundation. 

As you keep walking, look for any noticeable changes in your foundation. It's essential to pay extra close attention to the exposed foundation walls and look for signs of cracking and shifting. Not all cracks are serious, but it's good to know they're there. If there are some larger horizontal or stair-stepping cracks, then you should consider having someone come out, like a design specialist here at Frank's Basement Systems, for a free inspection.

Once you're done outside your home, we'll head inside and down to the basement.

As you walk through the space, look for damp areas or even small puddles of water. Also, watch for water staining on the walls and floors, and take a second to smell the air. It might feel a bit silly walking around your basement sniffing, but you're checking for a damp or musty smell that lingers. If you notice any of these symptoms down below, then your basement may need a waterproofing system. You'll want a solution in place before those chilly months roll in, since they could bring even more challenges to your home!

As you walk around the basement, check your sump pump.

It's one of the most important pieces of your basement's defense against water intrusion! It works to pump water out and keep the space dry. Also, take time to look inside the crock and make sure no debris or buildup could clog the system. Also, check that the discharge line is clear so water has an easy path to be pushed up and out effectively.

No basement, just a crawl space? Then check that too!

It's easily one of the most overlooked areas of any home. When you're down there, look for standing water, damp insulation, musty smells, and exposed dirt. An exposed dirt floor lets moisture seep up into the crawl space, creating a damp, musty, humid environment. If you see any of these signs, call an expert to see how they can help transform the space before it's too late!

Fall isn't just about admiring the changing leaves, visiting pumpkin patches, or picking apples. It's also a time to get your home ready for the long winter ahead. Take the time now to work through this fall checklist so you can save yourself plenty of headaches during the winter months and the wet spring that's sure to follow!