Prepping Your Home for Fall Storms: What Homeowners Should Check

Fall weather in Manitoba can be unpredictable.

One day it is warm and calm, and the next we can be dealing with strong winds, heavy rain, hail, falling branches, or even an early snowfall.

That makes fall a good time to take a closer look at your home and make sure it is ready for changing weather.

A few simple checks now can help reduce the chance of water intrusion, exterior damage, or emergency repairs later.

Start With the Roof

Your roof is one of the first lines of defense during a storm.

Before fall weather gets rough, take a look from the ground and watch for:

• Missing or damaged shingles

• Shingles that are lifting or curling

• Loose flashing

• Damaged roof edges

• Debris collecting in valleys

• Sagging or uneven areas

• Signs of previous repairs

You do not need to climb onto the roof yourself.

If something looks questionable, having it checked before a major storm is much easier than discovering a leak during one.

Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

Gutters are especially important during heavy rainfall.

Leaves, pine needles, and other debris can clog gutters quickly in the fall. When that happens, water may overflow and collect beside the foundation instead of being carried away from the house.

Make sure gutters are clear and properly secured.

Downspouts should also direct water away from the foundation rather than dumping it directly beside the home.

Check Your Grading and Drainage

Heavy rain can quickly expose poor drainage around a property.

Walk around your home and look for areas where the ground slopes toward the foundation or where water tends to collect.

Water should generally move away from the house.

Low areas beside the foundation, damaged downspouts, or poor grading can increase the chance of water entering basements or crawlspaces during periods of heavy rain.

Take a Look at Trees Around the House

Strong winds and wet snow can put a lot of stress on trees and branches.

Look for:

• Dead branches

• Broken limbs

• Branches hanging over the roof

• Trees leaning toward structures

• Dead or unhealthy trees near the home

• Branches touching siding or roofing

If you notice larger branches or trees that appear unstable, have them evaluated by a qualified tree professional.

Storm damage from trees can happen quickly and can be expensive to repair.

Secure Loose Items Outside

Patio furniture, garbage bins, toys, planters, decorations, and other lightweight objects can become hazards during high winds.

Before a storm arrives, secure or store anything that could blow around the yard.

This is especially important for items close to windows, vehicles, neighboring properties, or your home's exterior.

Check Exterior Siding and Trim

Loose siding, soffit, fascia, and trim can be vulnerable during strong winds.

Take a walk around the house and look for anything that appears loose, damaged, cracked, or partially detached.

Small defects may become much larger once wind gets underneath the material.

Check Windows and Exterior Doors

Storm preparation is also a good opportunity to inspect your windows and doors.

Look for:

• Damaged weatherstripping

• Cracked or missing exterior caulking

• Loose trim

• Damaged screens

• Doors that do not close securely

• Gaps around frames

Properly sealed windows and doors can help keep wind-driven rain outside where it belongs.

Don't Forget Window Wells

If your basement has window wells, make sure they are clear of leaves, soil, and debris.

Check that covers are secure and that water is not being directed toward the window well by downspouts or poor grading.

During heavy rain, a poorly drained window well can fill quickly and create a risk of water entering the basement.

Look Around the Attic After Heavy Weather

If your home has experienced a major wind or rain event, the attic can sometimes reveal problems before they are noticeable inside the living space.

Signs worth watching for include:

• Wet insulation

• Water staining

• Damp roof sheathing

• Signs of dripping

• Displaced insulation

You should not enter an attic unless it is safe to do so. If access is difficult or you are unsure what you are looking at, have it checked professionally.

Know Where Your Main Shutoffs Are

Storm preparation is not only about preventing damage.

Every homeowner should know where the main water shutoff and electrical panel are located.

If a storm results in water damage, a plumbing problem, or another emergency, knowing how to quickly access these systems can make a big difference.

Avoid handling electrical equipment if there is standing water or any concern that the area may be unsafe.

Check Your Sump Pump

For homes with a sump pump, fall is a good time to confirm that it appears to be operating properly.

Heavy rain can place additional demand on drainage systems.

Make sure the sump pit is accessible and that the discharge line is not damaged, disconnected, or blocked.

If you have concerns about the pump or drainage system, have it evaluated before you need it during a storm.

After the Storm, Walk Around Your Property

Once severe weather has passed and conditions are safe, do a quick visual check of your property.

Look for anything that has changed.

That might include:

• Missing shingles

• Loose siding

• Damaged soffit or fascia

• Fallen branches

• Detached gutters

• Water pooling around the home

• Damage around vents or roof penetrations

• New water staining indoors

Problems are often easier and less expensive to deal with when they are caught early.

If you are unsure how well your home is prepared for another Manitoba fall and winter, an inspection can give you a clearer picture of what is working well and what may need attention.

Get Ahead of the Weather

We cannot control the weather, but we can control how prepared our homes are for it.

A little maintenance before fall storms arrive can help protect your roof, foundation, exterior finishes, and interior spaces from unnecessary damage.

If you have concerns about your home's condition or want a professional set of eyes on the property before winter, contact Just Call Joe Inspections to schedule an inspection.

✆ (431) 996-4663

Contact Us

✉ Contact@justcalljoe.ca