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Now that fall has arrived in the Atlanta area, it’s time to take care of some vital home maintenance tasks. Deal with issues like clogged gutters now, and you ensure that your home stays safe and secure over the coming months.
Here are a few home maintenance tasks to fit into your schedule during Atlanta’s refreshing autumn weather.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
When gutters and downspouts are clogged, water builds up and can damage your roof. If enough water collects on your roof, you can get leaks inside of your home. Cleaning out the gutters allows the water to flow freely away from your home.
Ensure that downspouts direct the water at least six feet away from the house. This helps keep the foundation from becoming saturated during wet weather.
Inspect the Roof
Only if you can safely do so, take a look at your roof. Check for potential problems like loose or missing roof tiles or stains. If you see an area that looks suspicious, have it professionally checked by a roofing company. You may discover a small problem that would have gotten much larger during rain. If you aren’t able to get a good look at your roof, consider having a professional check it out.
Trim Trees
Avoid damage to your home, including your roof, by trimming trees before storms strike. During inclement weather, weak tree limbs can break and fall onto your home. Or worse, top-heavy trees can uproot and fall over.
Thinning trees, known as lacing, removes about one-quarter to one-third of the branches. This creates a laced effect that allows for wind to blow through the trees. This keeps trees from falling or breaking limbs during stormy weather.
Check Foundation Vents
If your home has a crawl space, it’s important that the vents along the foundation walls are not blocked. Sufficient air circulation helps remove the excess moisture that’s so common in humid Atlanta. This prevents mold growth along the home’s foundation and in the crawl space.
Look in the Attic
Now is a good time to check your attic for problem areas. Take a good look around for signs of rodent intruders, cracks in the ceiling and drafty areas. If you discover anything that appears problematic, have a roofing company inspect the attic and roof.
Protect Outdoor Pipes and Remove Hoses
Water expands when it freezes. That means pipes containing water can crack and burst. Burst pipes can damage your home and are an expensive plumbing fix. To prevent this from occurring, winterize your pipes. Drain water from all outdoor faucets and the sprinkler system, and disconnect the hoses and store them. Finish by covering each outdoor faucet with a foam insulator.
If you have any questions about how home maintenance tasks might affect the integrity of your roof, call Findlay Roofing. We’ll be glad to answer any questions you might have.
