Preventing Winter Water Damage in Metro Atlanta: Fall Home Prep
You may be concerned your home is not up to the task of the wet months to come. Do you have an idea where water will make its way inside once it gets cold? Have you given your roof, pipes and gutters a good look over since spring?
We are here to put those worries to rest. As a locally owned and operated company from Roswell, Fortress Leak Detection & Restoration has a firm grasp on the kind of flooding risk that heavy rain and proximity to the Chattahoochee River can bring to our Metro Atlanta area. We work with homeowners to head off water damage before it has a chance to start. Should you have any trouble this season, give us a ring at (470) 291-4099.
There is no better time than fall to put your house in order for winter. The ground is dry and the weather is mild, so any minor issues can be taken care of without becoming an expensive emergency. We have put together some advice for you to follow.
Clean and Inspect Your Gutters
Leaves and debris will clog a gutter and there is nothing more likely to cause water damage in the winter. Rainwater will then have to go somewhere; it will seep under the roofline or pool at your foundation as it runs over the side.
Before the rains set in we suggest you do the following:
- Clear out all the leaves and twigs
- Give the downspouts a flush to ensure free flow
- See that they are channeling water well clear of the foundation
- Check for any rust, cracks, separated seams or brackets that have come loose
If you are on a wooded lot you will want to do this more than once in the fall, as the trees will be shedding long into the season.
A Look at Your Roof
Atlanta storms put a roof through its paces year round. An inspection is in order before winter. A shingle in poor condition is an open invitation for water, and what starts as a small leak can work its way into the walls and attic.
From the ground you can tell if a shingle is curling or missing. Examine the flashing on vents and chimneys, a frequent source of leaks. Any water stains in the attic or on the ceiling mean moisture is in.
Freezing Pipes
We get hard freezes in Metro Atlanta even if it is not cold the whole winter. A pipe can crack or burst when the water within it expands, but the flood to your home comes when it thaws.
Insulate any pipes in the garage, attic or crawl space. Put away the outdoor hoses and drain them. During a cold snap a dripping faucet will help. It is also wise to be sure you know where the main shutoff valve is and to seal off any exposed pipes from the cold. Some pipe wrap costs very little and can spare you thousands in repairs.
Windows, Doors and Foundation
Moisture and cold air will exploit the smallest gap. Make a tour of the property and put caulk to any worn weatherstripping on doors, gaps in window frames or foundation cracks. It is a shame to see homeowners let these openings go unheeded until water is coming in; an inspection now will avoid that. It will also put less of a demand on your heating system.
Sump Pump
For a basement or low spot in the home the sump pump is the first thing standing in the way of a flood. Given how often we have heavy rain you should be certain of its performance. Put a bucket of water in the pit and see if it engages and drains as it should. Check for clogs in the discharge line. An old pump that is slow to respond should be replaced or put in for service before the cold sets in.
Call in the Pros
All the preparation in the world will not stop a storm or an aging piece of plumbing from causing damage. And hidden leaks are wont to appear without notice. When they do, you need to act quickly as standing water will only continue to harm your floors and belongings.
Fortress Leak Detection & Restoration is available around the clock for emergencies in Roswell and throughout Metro Atlanta, from Marietta and Alpharetta to Kennesaw, Smyrna, Woodstock, Acworth, Sandy Springs and Augusta. In addition to our restoration and remodeling work for water, flood and fire damage, we do leak detection and can arrange financing.
Make the most of the fall to ready your home. Our team is just a call away at (470) 291-4099.