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As the crisp autumn air starts to arrive in Michigan, it’s a sign that now is the time to begin thinking about how to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. While many homeowners focus on leaf cleanup, prepping their furnace or winterizing windows, it is equally crucial to address two of the most vital components of your home: the foundation and the crawlspace. These areas are your home’s first line of defense against the seasonal elements. By taking a proactive approach, you can prevent costly foundation repair, maintain good indoor air quality, and ensure your home remains stable and secure all winter long.
Your crawlspace and foundation work together to support the entire structure of your house. A healthy foundation provides a stable base, while a well-maintained crawlspace helps protect that foundation from moisture and other environmental factors. Neglecting one can lead to problems for the other, which is why a comprehensive approach to fall maintenance is so important.
Here are the key areas to inspect and address before the temperatures drop and the ground freezes.
Water is a foundation’s greatest enemy. The freeze-thaw cycle of Michigan winters can cause water to expand in cracks, leading to significant damage.
✅ Clean Gutters and Downspouts:
Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and pool around your foundation, saturating the soil and increasing hydrostatic pressure. Additionally, in the winter, clogged gutters can cause water to back up and aid in the formation of ice dams on your roof. This can easily force melting snow and ice into your attic and walls, leading to water damage. Ensure your gutters are cleaned out and downspouts extend several feet away from the foundation to direct water flow away from your home.
✅ Clear Leaves and Debris:
Leaves and debris around your foundation can trap moisture, contributing to mold and mildew growth and increasing soil pressure, potentially leading to cracks. Piles can also provide a warm and cozy shelter for pests, allowing them to more easily find their way inside your home.
✅ Inspect for Foundation Cracks:
Walk the perimeter of your home and inspect the foundation walls for any cracks. While small hairline cracks can be common, larger or widening cracks can indicate a more serious issue. Look for cracks that are wider than a quarter-inch, horizontal cracks, or stair-step cracks in brickwork. If you see these types of cracks, we recommend contacting a professional.
✅ Check Your Property Grading:
The ground around your house should slope away from the foundation. If you notice areas where water pools, you may need to add soil to correct the grade and improve drainage. This is a simple but effective way to prevent future foundation problems.
Your crawlspace can be a source of problems that affect not only the foundation but your entire home’s health.
✅ Check for Moisture and Standing Water:
A damp crawlspace is a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and pests. Use a flashlight to check for signs of moisture, water stains on the walls, or standing water on the ground. A musty smell is also a clear sign of a moisture issue.
✅ Evaluate Ventilation and Insulation:
Proper ventilation in the crawlspace is critical for moisture control. Ensure all vents are clear of debris and are working correctly. Also, check the insulation on your pipes and between your floor joists. Damaged or missing insulation can lead to frozen pipes and higher energy bills.
✅ Consider Crawlspace Encapsulation:
For long-term moisture control, crawlspace encapsulation is an excellent solution. This involves installing a heavy-duty vapor barrier on the floor and walls of the crawlspace, which seals out moisture and improves air quality throughout your home.
While some of these tasks can be handled as a DIY project, it is essential to know when to call a professional foundation repair company. Watch for these common indicators of a serious problem:
Taking these steps to prepare your crawlspace and foundation for fall is a sound investment in your home’s future. It protects your property value and provides peace of mind as you head into the winter months. For homeowners in Southeast Michigan, Foundation Restoration is here to help with all your foundation and crawlspace needs. We offer professional inspections and tailored solutions to ensure your home is protected from the ground up.
300+ 5-Star Google Reviews
We’ve helped hundreds of Michigan homeowners protect their homes, earning over 300 five-star reviews along the way. Whether you need crawlspace encapsulation, foundation repair, or basement waterproofing, our team at Foundation Restoration shows up with grit, experience, and a plan to get the job done right.
Call 877.MAKE.DRY or fill out our quick contact form to schedule your free inspection, and let’s get ahead of the elements before they get ahead of you.