As the vibrant hues of summer fade into the warm, rich colors of fall, it's time to shift gears and prepare your home for the cooler seasons. Fall brings with it many things that Oregonians enjoy; crisp air, cozy sweaters, and, the beginning of the rainy season. Ensuring your home is ready for both the cool, cozy aspects of the season and the wet conditions ahead is key to a comfortable and protected home. By taking these steps before the season is in full swing, you can save yourself the headache of a major issue occurring. 

1. Inspect and Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Your gutters play a crucial role in directing rainwater away from your home. A 2,500 sq. ft roof will collect 1,550 gallons of water with only 1 inch of rain. As the leaves begin to fall, they can quickly clog your gutters, preventing your gutter system from directing the water away from your home. Here’s what you should do:

• Clean Out Debris: Remove leaves, twigs, and any other debris from your gutters and downspouts. A gutter scoop or a small hand trowel can be very effective.
• Check for Blockages: Ensure that downspouts are clear and water flows freely. Use a garden hose to flush out any remaining debris.
• Repair Any Damage: Inspect for any damage or sagging in your gutters and make repairs as needed to ensure proper function.

2. Seal Windows and Doors

Keeping the cold air out and the warm air in is essential for maintaining a comfortable home. Sealing gaps around windows and doors can also prevent water from seeping in:

• Check Weatherstripping: Inspect the weatherstripping around your doors and windows. Replace any that is worn out or damaged.
• Apply Caulk: For gaps and cracks in the window and door frames, use a high-quality exterior caulk. Make sure the surface is clean and dry before application.
• Inspect for Drafts: On windy days, check for any drafts around your windows and doors. Use draft stoppers or additional insulation if necessary.

3. Inspect and Repair Roofs

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against rain. Ensuring it’s in good condition is crucial:

• Check for Missing or Damaged Roofing: Inspect your roof for any missing pieces of roofing or damaged places. Replace or repair them promptly.
• Inspect Flashing: Check the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights. Ensure these are securely in place and not rusted or damaged.
• Clean Roof Valleys: Clear out debris from roof valleys (the areas where two sections of the roof meet) as they can easily clog and cause water to pool.

4. Ensure Proper Drainage

Proper drainage around your home prevents water from pooling near the foundation:

• Grade Your Yard: Ensure that the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation to direct water away.
• Install Yard Drainage as needed: If your home has water pooling against the foundation, a properly installed yard drainage system will ensure water is directed safely away from the home. 
• Check Downspout Extensions: Make sure downspout extensions are in place to direct water safely away from your foundation. If needed downspouts can be extended into the ground to an underground drainage system, ensuring the water is guided to a safe point to be discharged. 

5. Inspect and Maintain Your HVAC System

Preparing your HVAC system for Fall ensures it will keep you warm and run efficiently:

• Replace Air Filters: A clean air filter helps your system run more efficiently and improves indoor air quality.
• Schedule a Professional Check-Up: Have a professional HVAC technician inspect and tune up your system before the cold weather hits.
• Check Ductwork: Inspect your ducts for any leaks or disconnections and have them sealed if needed. If your HVAC system runs through your crawl space, having an encapsulation system installed will bring that ductwork into your homes envelope to help regulate your homes temperature. 

6. Prepare Your Fireplace and Chimney

A fireplace can be a warm and cozy addition to your fall and winter evenings:

• Clean the Chimney: Hire a professional to clean and inspect your chimney to prevent any potential fire hazards.
• Check for Obstructions: Ensure there are no obstructions or nests are in the chimney that could impede airflow.
• Stock Up on Firewood: If you use a wood-burning fireplace, make sure you have a good supply of dry, seasoned firewood that is safely stored.

7. Protect Your Outdoor Furniture

Your outdoor furniture can suffer from exposure to rain and falling leaves:

• Cover or Store Furniture: Use weather-resistant covers for your patio furniture or store it in a shed or garage.
• Clean and Treat Wood Furniture: If you have wooden furniture, clean it thoroughly and apply a protective wood treatment to prevent damage.
• Store Outdoor Games Appropriately: If you have yard games for the summer months, pack this up properly and store away from heavy winds and rain which can cause damage. 

8. Prepare for Winter Weather

Though it's not quite winter yet, preparing for colder weather now can save you trouble later:

• Check Insulation: Ensure your home is well-insulated, including attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Many homes lose their heat through the crawl space. If your crawl space has fiberglass insulation this can cause issues such as mold and rot, quickly losing its insulation value. A full encapsulation provides a long term insulation solution for this space.
• Address Foundation Cracks: Inspect your foundation for any cracks, foundations are a naturally porous material, and water is persistent. Once water gets under your home it will keep coming back. Some water issues are difficult to detect, but a crack is a surefire sign of an issue. Depending on the crack, your home may need structural repairs as well.
• Winterize Outdoor Faucets: Disconnect hoses from outdoor faucets and use insulated covers to prevent freezing.
• Below-grade Waterproofing System: Unchecked water issues can cause many costly repairs. By installing a preventative system you can protect your home in the long run. If your home already has a system in place, ensure you schedule an annual service visit to give it a tune up! 

By taking these proactive steps to prepare your home for fall and waterproof it before the rainy season, you’re ensuring a cozy, warm, and dry environment for the months ahead. Regular maintenance and timely repairs will help you avoid more significant issues down the road and allow you to fully enjoy the beauty and comfort of fall. Happy prepping!