Tips to prepare your home for fall

8/28/2018 (Permalink)

Pretty to look at, but not how you want your gutters to stay.

Is your home ready for fall and the rain that will inevitably come with it? This week we at SERVPRO of Cedar Mill/ Oak Hills would like to talk about leak and water damage prevention. Did you know that 2018 became the hottest year on record for Portland as of August 22? That is to say it’s had the largest number of days over 90 degrees. No matter how you feel about it there is no doubt we’ve had a very dry summer, and while there is no end in sight currently, there are things you can do right now to make sure you are prepared for when the rain finally does return.

A great place to start is with your roof. An improperly maintained roof can be a major, often preventable source of water damage in a home. When is the last time you had your roof inspected? It’s recommended you visually inspect your roof twice a year; once as you head into fall, and again in spring. There is no substitute for having a professional conduct the inspection, but you can check for certain signs yourself. You’ll want to look for uneven or sagging spots, damaged or missing shingles, moss and algae growth, damaged or missing chimney caps, damaged or rusted flashings, damaged sealant around fixtures, and damage to gutters.

Speaking of gutters, you should check to make sure they are clean and clear as well, and that your gutter system has proper drainage at the downspouts. While checking your gutters, look for grit from the shingles, an excessive amount could also indicate a problem. You’ll want to make sure that all water draining from any downspouts moves away from the foundation of your home, as water backing up against the foundation can cause damage and possibly flood crawlspaces and basements.

These are only a few preventative measures, but if done regularly they could keep small issues from becoming big problems. If you suspect that water may be getting in to your home, SERVPRO of Cedar Mill/ Oak Hills has the training and equipment to check crawlspaces and attics for moisture and help you determine the source. Call us at (503) 619-6198 and we’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”