Rain, Rian , Go Away....

2/15/2023 (Permalink)

Heavy rain can bring its own set of challenges when it comes to household water damage.

Rain, rain, go away…that could never be a more true mantra when heavy rains fall. While water damage is typically associated with situations like flooding or plumbing malfunctions, heavy rain can bring its own set of challenges when it comes to household water damage.

• Leaky windows and doors. Windows and doors should be sealed against Mother Nature’s elements, but their weatherproofing can age and deteriorate over time. Water can find its way into minuscule cracks and cause damage during a heavy rainfall.
• Inadequate foundation drainage. Heavy rains can build up against the base of your home and cause leaks in your basement or crawl spaces. This can be especially common in homes at the bottom of a hill without adequate drainage around the foundation.
• Vulnerable chimneys and skylights. Chimneys and skylights tend to be more vulnerable to heavy rains. Though they are attractive home features, seals where they meet the roof can weaken over time and be susceptible to leaking when rainfall is heavy.
• Seeping water around the roof. Roof leaks are a leading consequence of heavy rainfall that can sneak up suddenly. Something as minor as a missing shingle or weak spot can let unwanted rainwater seep in.
• Clogged gutters. Gutters clogged with debris can’t properly drain rainwater, which means leaks from puddles as the water is left standing against the roofline. This is why clogged gutters can cause significant home damage after heavy rains.
• Malfunctioning sump pumps. Regular maintenance is critical to homes with sump pump systems. If issues go undetected, the pump system can get overwhelmed and cannot effectively move water away from the home.

The unfortunate result of heavy rains is water damage. And the unfortunate result of water damage in homes is a possibility of mold growth. In fact, mold can begin growing in as little as 48 hours after water damage has occurred. That’s why it’s important to stay safe and get excess water cleaned up professionally to minimize secondary damages and mold growth.