*This is a collaborative post
Cracks and leaks can appear when it starts to get colder, especially when rain is on the way a lot more often. It can put a dampener on plans and getting your house back into the shape it was before, but it pays to keep an eye on these things before they happen. Here are some tips to avoid them arising before it’s too late.
Check the foundations
The foundations are often a good place to start when looking for any potential cracks that could form. They should be kept moist but also dry enough at the same time – not too wet and not too dry. This will often change with the seasons, so it’s worth keeping an eye on your foundations and note if there is any movement or change in how the ground looks or feels under your feet. With ground improvement and maintenance, your foundations will remain in good shape for many years to come.
Check for any leaks from the ceiling
You will start to worry if your ceiling begins to leak. Get ahead of that by heading into your loft space, or attic, where you can take a look for any cracks or damage. The roof can also be a common place for leaks to form easily if they’re not addressed quickly. If you do spot any cracks or damage then you can replace them with a new plank, or caulk depending on where the damage is found.
Inspect Gutters
If your gutters are clogged and overflowing, they can cause water to pool and seep into the very fabric of your home, which can lead to cracks, amongst other things. So, get up there and check for any debris which may be clogging them and clean it away. Installing LeaffFilter gutter guards in the future, will really help to minimize clogged gutters, and therefore prevent more future cracks.
Check your roof tiles
Roof tiles can often become damaged, so take a look at the top of your house when possible. With the weather changing so much across the year, and the potential for heavy winds, there are going to be a lot of times when roof tiles can fly off the top of your house. If they’re not replaced then it can cause a lot of leaks or water damage that will seep through the ceilings.
Clearing the guttering and checking the roof tiles has reached the top of my to do list. Not my favourite job but it does bring some piece of mind over winter.