Fall is glorious in Atlanta. Cooler temperatures and gorgeous color palettes make it the seasonal favorite among lots of Atlanta residents. However, we do get often heavy rains especially if there are active storms in the gulf and Atlantic. North Atlanta has had its fair share of flooding from rains, power outages from fallen trees and high winds that can do lots of damage. So in an effort to make sure your home is ready to weather the storm.
Take a few steps now and your home will be all set for Fall- and whatever that may bring.
Gutters
If your roof is manageable, you can attempt this yourself. Although there are plenty of companies that will do it for you. Clean debris from your gutters so large amounts of rain run swiftly through them. If water gets trapped, this can lead to wood rot, and even foundation issues. Water can also find its way into your attic, or behind walls, so clean, fully operational gutters are one of the best things you can do to protect your home.
While you’re scooping debris, check the downspouts for clogs by flushing them with water from a garden hose.
Or skip the hassle and hire a pro.
Trim Trees
This is such a common problem. You plant trees around your house to fill out the landscape and then within no time, the trees have grown a shocking amount and are causing issues.
Roots and limbs can both be culprits.
During severe storms, tree limbs break and fall. If said limb is over your roof, well you could be looking at major roof damage. Cut back limbs or maybe it’s time to remove the tree entirely.
Yet another reason to make sure there are no limbs within easy reach of your roof… Critter Invasions.
French Drain
French Drains are very popular for a good reason. Water has to go somewhere, and water coming hard and fast can ruin your sod and beds incredible quickly. And as we said earlier, you want that water away from your house. Enter the French Drain- a lightly sloped trench (1 inch per 8 feet) filled with round gravel and a pipe that diverts water away from your house.
Invest in a Generator
Power Outages are fairly common. The Community of Milton already had one this season that lasted about 4 hours. Not bad, but when it goes on for 24-48 hours, which has happened, still often hot temperatures, and the prospect of losing the entire contents of your fridge and freezer can leave you really wishing for relief.
TIPS: Generators are not all created equal. Understand how much wattage you may require. Note: Try to estimate your needs and do some research because appliances you may think require very little also require a lot.
Generators can be useful, but they can also be very dangerous, so make sure you are very knowledgeable. For more safety tips on using a generator. Check the Safe Electricity Website.
Check out Karen’s complete list of trusted professionals at Salter’s Sources if you need help with some of these or other homeowner projects.
Check back next time for Part Two of this Series. Karen wishes everyone a glorious and safe fall. Please contact her for any and all your real estate needs. Subscribe to her newsletter for more real estate news and information that makes you an empowered
buyer, seller and homeowner.
