Protect your investment from rainfall and water exposure. Rainwater damage can be light or severe – and often, catching it early can help prevent small issues from becoming large ones. Here are some tips for detection and prevention.
COMMON SIGNS OF RAINWATER DAMAGE
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Water stains on the walls or ceilings – Water stains that appear as yellowish or brownish spots aren’t just a cosmetic issue. These are usually some of the first signs of water damage in a home.
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Peeling paint or wallpaper – Moisture can cause paint or wallpaper to peel, flake, or bubble over time. Before repainting the walls or changing the wallpaper, check for water damage to make sure there aren’t deeper issues with the interior and exterior walls.
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Odor – Water damage can create a musty, damp smell in your home. This is especially noticeable in the basement, crawl space, and other rooms with poor ventilation.
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Mold – Mold grows in moist environments and can spread quickly when there’s underlying water damage. Check for mold in damp areas such as the basement and beneath the sink.
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Warped flooring – Water damage can cause wooden planks to warp or buckle. Keep an eye out for drastic changes in the texture or appearance of your flooring.
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Rust – Water damage can cause pipes, metal fixtures, and appliances to rust or corrode. Check for signs of rust in your water heater, plumbing fixtures, and metal surfaces.
If you notice any of these signs of rainwater damage, it’s important to take action to prevent further damage.
HOW TO PREVENT RAINWATER DAMAGE
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Schedule regular roof maintenance to help prevent leaks, which can cause water damage to the interior of your home. Have your roof inspected regularly and make repairs at the first sign of significant damage.
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Install gutters and downspouts to direct rainwater away from the siding and foundation of the property. Make sure that the gutters are free of debris to prevent clogs and keep rainwater from overflowing.
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Install a dry well or French drains to collect and redirect water away from your home.
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Seal cracks and gaps in the foundation, walls, and windows to prevent water from entering the interior.
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Landscape your yard to make sure that the land’s surface slopes away from the foundation. This will prevent rainwater from pooling near your house.
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Install a sump pump and test it regularly to keep the basement or crawl space dry during heavy rainfall as well as prevent potential flooding.
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Install flood sensors and alarms in the basement, crawl space, and other areas that are prone to water damage so that you’ll be alerted if water levels go above a certain point.
Taking preventative measures stops small issues from becoming large ones, saving you hassle and expense. For further information on how to protect, maintain, and improve your home, check our previous blogs on home improvement here.
Find Chagrin Falls, Ohio homes for sale with a local expert. I’m Michelle McQuade, a Realtor with a wealth of experience not only in real estate but in sales and purchasing. Contact me at 440.823.2448 or leave me a message here to get started. Here’s what previous clients have to say about my work as a real estate professional.