With Summer coming to an end, Fall is right around the corner. Fall is usually a time when Vancouver residents shut down their barbeques, winterize their gardens, and fold up their lawn chairs. It’s also the best time to start preparing your home for the rainy Vancouver winters. With how quickly the weather changes in Vancouver and the lower mainland, preparing your home for the coming months is crucial. The Incredible Restoration’s Expert Water Damage Restoration Team put these tips together to prepare the inside and outside of your home for fall and winter weather.
This guide will touch upon interior and exterior home preparation for the winter months, to help keep you and your family safe from any possible water damage.
Fall
Water Damage Disaster
Prevention Guide
1. Clear your gutters
As leaves begin to fall in Vancouver and around your home, make sure you’re clearing out excess leaves from your gutters. Clogged gutters can block the flow of water through your gutters and can potentially lead to water damage/water leaking through your roof which can cause larger problems down the road. Alternatively, you can get gutter guards to prevent leaves from blocking your gutters.
2. Shut off outdoor faucets and remove hoses
As water freezes, it expands. By closing off your exterior water supply, it can help prevent pipes from bursting and causing flood damage. Pipe bursts can cause an immense amount of damage in your home and cost you thousands of dollars in remediation costs. We recommend draining all water from hoses before removing them to prevent cracking and tearing during the colder months.
3. Inspect, inspect, inspect!
Inspect the exterior and interior of your home and foundation for cracks and seal them to prevent leaks. As it begins to rain and snow, water can enter your home from these entrances, and sealing them as soon as possible can save you thousands of dollars. Cracks can allow water to enter your home, and as the weather gets worse, the possibility of water damage increases.
4. Check your attic
Ensuring your attic is properly insulated is one of the best ways to protect your home from cold and humidity. Insulated attics lead to better air quality and prevents mold, dust, dirt, and mildew from spreading in your home. Inspect your attic to make sure it remains cool and there aren’t any cracks or openings where water can enter. If you’re uncomfortable with doing this or believe there might be asbestos in your home, make sure you call a professional to help you inspect your attic.
5. Ensure proper drainage
Poor drainage can weaken your foundation, causing cracks, uneven settling, and a path for water to enter your home. Make sure your downspouts direct water 5-10 feet away from your house. By doing this, you can prevent water runoff from pooling up and re-entering your home.
For more information on water damage prevention, read “How to Winterize Your Home: 8 Expert Tips From A Water Damage Restoration Company”
Serving Vancouver residents since 1993, Incredible Restorations offers a complete suite of property restoration and cleanup services from flood, water, fire, smoke, wind, and storm.