Tips to protect your exterior during a water damage

6/8/2019 (Permalink)

Water can infiltrate a property in many ways, causing damage to its components, including the roof, walls, foundation, and more. To prevent water intrusion, property owners must take preventative measures both on their home’s interior and exterior. This article deals with protecting a home’s exterior from water damage.

Roof

• The roof needs to be inspected for missing or damaged shingles, flashings, and tiles.
• The vents, flues, chimneys, air conditioners, and evaporative coolers must be installed properly and in good shape.
• The roof should also be checked for leaks around rooftop air-conditioning units, vents for exhaust or plumbing, and other specialized equipment.
• Tree limbs that hang above the roof must be cut so they don’t cling to shingles and trap moisture.

Gutters and Downspouts

• Gutters and downspouts must be kept clean, free from debris, and in good condition to allow water to flow freely.
• Metal screens should be installed to prevent leaves, twigs, silt and other debris from clogging the gutters and drainage holes.
• Downspouts must direct water at least two metres away from the home’s foundation. Installing downspout extensions may be needed to achieve this.

Doors and Windows

• The corners of the doors and windows should be checked for leaks. Signs of leaks include peeling paint, paint discolouration, and swollen frame.
• Exterior doors and windows should be protected from the sun, rain, and snow by installing overhangs above them.
• Doors and windows must close tightly. To check for a tight fit, there should be no cracks between the sash and frame of the windows.
• Damaged flashing or weather-stripping around windows should be repaired or replaced.

Walls

• Cracked or broken siding boards, bricks, stone or other masonry, as well as structural sheathing must be repaired.
• Any openings from wiring, plumbing, phone, cable, and heating and air conditioning lines must be sealed with foam or caulk. Also, the damaged or unpainted wood surrounding these openings must be repaired.
• Checking for signs of termite activity on the walls and the wooden structures around the foundation is also recommended. Termites can eat wood, plaster, and even metal siding.
• The exhaust vent doors must open and close properly.
• Any shrubs and other landscaping features must be removed from along the walls.
• When irrigating the garden, directing water towards the house should be avoided to prevent excessive water near the foundation.

Keeping properties safe from water damage from the inside is also critical. The SERVPRO team stands ready to provide professional restoration services to any property affected by fire, water or mold damage.