It has finally started to cool down in Georgia as fall is here and winter is coming. With the colder months coming, there a few steps homeowners can take to prepare their homes. A little preparation to your home’s basement, crawl space, concrete, and foundation can keep you from having to do costly repairs later. Here’s how to get your home ready for the upcoming icy months.

1.        Inspect and Waterproof Your Basement

Cold weather and increased precipitation can lead to water seepage in your basement, which can cause mold growth and structural damage.

Check for Cracks: Inspect the walls and floors for any gaps or cracks that might allow water to seep through. It is important to address these cracks before they turn into leaks.

Consider a Sump Pump: Sump pumps keep your basement dry by pumping out water before it can cause damage. If you don’t have a sump pump already, this is a good time to consider getting one. If you do have a sump pump it is important to get annual maintenance done on it to ensure it is working properly.

Install a Dehumidifier: The fall and winter seasons can still bring humidity, especially after rainfall. Using a dehumidifier, like the SaniDry Sedona, will control moisture levels and prevent mold growth.

2.        Encapsulate and Insulate Your Crawl Space

Crawl spaces are commonly overlooked, some homeowners don’t even know they have one. But they can be one of the most valuable areas of your home, especially with cold and wet weather.

Inspect for Pests: Rodents often seek shelter in crawl spaces when the weather gets chilly. Before you encapsulate, check for any signs of pests.

Encapsulation: By sealing off your crawl space with a durable vapor barrier, you can prevent moisture and pests from getting in. This protects your home’s structural integrity and also can improve air quality by reducing mold growth.

Insulation: Adding insulation to your crawl space walls is a crucial step to keeping your home warm. It helps prevent cold air from seeping into your living spaces and reduces energy bills during the colder months.

3.        Check Your Concrete

The combination of cold weather and moisture can wreak havoc on concrete surfaces like driveways, walkways, and patios. Freezing and thawing cycles can cause cracks to expand, leading to larger issues.

Look for Cracks: Inspect your concrete for cracks and chips. If you notice damage, consider concrete lifting and crack repair.

Seal the Concrete: Applying a concrete sealant before winter can protect it from water infiltration and freeze-thaw cycles. This extra layer of protection will keep your concrete looking and functioning properly.

Proper Snow Removal: While it is not common that Atlanta gets much (if any) snow, if there is snow it is important that you be mindful of how you remove it. Don’t use salt, this can degrade the concrete surface. Instead try calcium chloride, which is much gentler.

4.        Inspect and Strengthen Your Foundation.

A home’s foundation bears the brunt of seasonal weather changes. It is crucial to ensure that it’s in good shape to avoid costly repairs in the future.

Look for Signs of Foundation Damage: Walk around your home and inspect both the interior and exterior foundation for cracks, uneven floors, or doors and windows that don’t close properly. These can be signs of foundation shifting or settling.

Improve drainage: Ensure that water drains away from your foundation, pooling water can cause foundation cracks.

Stabilize Your Homes Foundation: If you do find any issues, it is important to address them quickly to prevent further problems.

5.        Maintain Your Home’s Exterior

Along with doing these things, it is also important to follow some good home maintenance practices.

Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts: Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and pool near your foundation. Clean them regularly to ensure proper drainage.

Check for Leaks: Inspect your roof, windows, and doors for leaks, which can let moisture in and cause damage over time.

Trim Trees and Shrubs: Overgrown branches and roots can damage your foundation or clog drainage systems. Keep landscaping well-maintained to prevent these issues.

Preparing your home for fall and winter is essential to protect its structure and ensure long-term comfort. If you think your home might have an issue with the basement, crawl space, concrete, or foundation you can schedule a free inspection with one of our System Design Specialists today! Don’t wait for winter to expose the weak spots in your home, act now for a warm and worry-free season.