It’s fall, Floridians! And while it may not be sweater weather, the temperatures do dip below 90 and we’ll happily take what we can get. As with any other season of the year in Florida, fall water damage is a reality. However, fall presents certain seasonal conditions that may impact your property and possessions. Here are a few tips to prevent potential water damage common to this time of year:

• Clean the gutters. Dirt and debris from months of summer thunderstorms can clog gutters and downspouts. When substantial rainfall occurs, and it will even in fall, gutters overflow and spill water down exterior walls, penetrating siding and entering wall cavities. Indoor water damage and mold growth are a common result.

• Check the air conditioner condensate drain. After several months of the A/C working at maximum capacity, take a look inside the condensate drain pan located underneath the indoor air handler. It’s normal for it to be wet, but you should not see standing water that indicates a clogged or sluggish condensate drain line. If there is total blockage, you may have water damage on your hands. But  even stagnant water inside the pan can become a source of mold contamination. Clearing a clogged condensate drain usually requires the services of a qualified HVAC service technician.

• Florida’s hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th every year, putting fall still firmly in hurricane season. If you haven’t already done so, take steps to safeguard your home against water damage from severe storms or hurricanes that may occur in fall. Have the roof inspected for loose or deteriorated shingles or other signs of incipient leakage. Cut back any limbs or trees that could fall in high winds and damage the roof or walls. To prevent water intrusion in storm conditions, use caulking or spray foam insulation to seal any openings in exterior walls such as points where conduits or pipes enter the house, garden hose bibs and around vents.

The above are just a few of the fall water damage issues we see this time of year. If you find yourself faced with water damage or mold damage related to the above or to any other situation, do not hesitate to contact us. We, at Joe Taylor Restoration, are ready to respond to your restoration emergency and get you back to enjoying the Florida fall.