Severe weather represents a major cause of water damage to home interiors. To minimize water damage indoors, one of the most effective methods is to seal the house from the outdoors. In a windblown rain storm, or when subjected to unusually high runoff from the roof or ground sources, the average house presents many opportunities for water infiltration that can cause severe damage, even after the storm has passed. Since we can't control the weather, here are some suggestions to take now, before the next severe weather strikes, to minimize water damage:
- Seal cracks and gaps around windows and doors. Openings 1/4-inch wide or less can be sealed with caulking, while larger gaps between moveable parts of doors and windows should be sealed with weatherstripping.
- If you live in a locale vulnerable to hurricanes or tropical storms, standard sealing methods may not be sufficient to stop water infiltration. Invest in commercially-available storm windows and doors that can be permanently installed year-round or mounted temporarily during storm season. The cost is worth the protection you'll receive through many years of storms.
- Up on the roof, seal gaps where the roof and chimney intersect and around any vent pipes that penetrate the roof. Ensure that vent hoods atop flues are securely attached. Clean out gutters and downspouts. A clogged gutter will cascade water down the exterior wall of the house, causing leakage into the structure. Because roof runoff isn't diverted through downspouts, it may penetrate the foundation and infiltrate through basement walls.
- Local flooding during severe weather can swamp the lowest part of the house — the basement. Install a basement sump pump and test it annually for proper operation.
For more ideas to minimize water damage indoors from wild weather outdoors, contact the pros at Rytech.
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