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The spring is often a very wet and raining period of the year and rain is one of the leading causes of water damage. Rain can enter your home in many different ways some you may not even know about. We are going to highlight some of the most common ways that rain can enter your home and cause damage.
One thing to keep in mind is that most of these are not covered by homeowners' insurance. Usually, homeowners insurance only covers water damage that is caused from inside the home.
Most water damage cases are caused by failures within the house, such as hot water heaters, dishwashers, burst pipes, etc. But, did you know that 93% of water damage can be prevented? Because of this, that means there are some repairs you can make to prevent some water damage.
Brick Repair
While brick may be a durable building material, it still needs repairs. Usually time and exposure to the elements it will cause the brick to erode and this can lead to water entering the home. If water does get through it won’t dry because the inside of brick walls are usually cool and don’t have any sun or wind to dry out moisture. If the mortar is consistently wet it will start to turn back into the sand. It will start to fall away and that will cause serious issues. It is a great idea to go around your house and repair any mortar that is cracked or missing. It is also a great idea to hire a professional to do this. If you are having water damage but are unsure of where the water is coming from, check any brick walls you may have.
Chimney Leaks
Because chimneys are facing the sky and are often open this can be an area that is prone to leaking. There are many construction issues that can cause a leak. It could be the chimney cap wasn’t properly installed, or there is a problem with the sealant. A great idea is to have a double layer metal cap, these are the most hassle-free and usually will stop the water. Also check the flashing around the base of the chimney, as this could also be where the water is entering your home.
Roof Leak
Your roof is probably the part of your home that takes the most abuse. It is constantly wet, covered with snow, bakes in the sun, and almost anything else that you can think of. While it is made to withstand elements, it is still possible to get leaks in your roof. Snow and ice especially are hard on roofs. Clogged gutters are a very common cause of damage because water will back up underneath the shingles and freeze. When it melts it will leak down through the roof. Watch your ceilings for any discoloration, this is a clear sign of water damage. Also, keep an eye on your roof to make sure that no shingles are missing.
These are just a few of the ways that rain or water can enter your home from the outside. We would strongly suggest calling a professional water damage company to repair the issue and also restore the damage back to as good as new.