There’s nothing quite like fall in Vermont and New Hampshire. The changing leaves bring some of the best scenery of the year—but once those leaves hit the ground, they can create problems for your property that are easy to overlook.
Leaves piling up around your home or business aren’t just a cleanup project. When they clog gutters, block drains, or prevent water from flowing away from a building, they can contribute to water intrusion, foundation moisture, and even basement flooding.
At RestorEAZE, we know that some of the best ways to deal with water damage start before the water ever gets inside.
Your gutters have one important job: collect water from the roof and direct it away from your property.
During peak foliage season, gutters can quickly fill with leaves, pine needles, twigs, and other debris. Once water can no longer flow freely, it may overflow along the roofline or spill directly beside the foundation.
In some situations, trapped debris can also keep areas wet longer than they otherwise would be.
Before we head into late fall, make sure your gutters are clear and that water can move freely through your downspouts.
Cleaning the gutters is only half of the equation.
Take a look at where your downspouts actually end. If they discharge directly beside the foundation, all that rainwater may be collecting exactly where you don’t want it.
Water should be directed away from the building and toward an area where it can drain safely.
This is especially important in New England as we transition from heavy fall rains into freezing temperatures, snow, and eventually spring snowmelt.
Don’t Let Leaves Block Ground Drains.
Commercial properties, apartment buildings, hotels, and larger residential properties may have catch basins or exterior drains designed to manage runoff.
A layer of wet leaves can cover them surprisingly quickly.
After a windy fall day or heavy rain, take a quick walk around the property. Clearing leaves away from drainage areas can help keep water moving in the direction it was designed to go.
Pay Attention to What’s Happening Around Your Foundation
Our team can evaluate affected areas, identify moisture, remove standing water when necessary, set up professional drying equipment, remove damaged materials when appropriate, and monitor the drying process.
In many situations, having both professionals involved helps address the entire problem—not just the part you can see.
Fall is a great time to give your basement a quick inspection—especially after several days of rain.
Look for water staining, damp areas, peeling paint, musty odors, or changes around foundation walls and floors.
A small amount of visible moisture doesn’t necessarily tell you the full story. Water can travel into materials and spaces that aren’t immediately visible.
Catching a potential issue early can make a significant difference.
As beautiful as fall is in Vermont and New Hampshire, those colorful leaves eventually have to go somewhere.
Taking a little extra time this season to clear gutters, check downspouts, uncover drains, remove leaves from around the foundation, and inspect your basement can help prepare your property for the wetter and colder months ahead.
And if water does make its way inside, acting quickly matters.
RestorEAZE provides professional water mitigation and restoration services throughout Vermont and New Hampshire. Our team has the equipment and experience to locate moisture, dry affected areas, and help prevent a small water loss from becoming a much larger problem.
802-280-3100