Water Intrusion!
Welcome to Fall, a season of enchantment and … water!
As the Fall and Winter rainy seasons approach it’s a good time to get the home ready for all that rain snow and ice. A quick inspection of the home can help avoid damage and costly repairs.
The next page has a few pointers on how to identify a water problem before it does more damage.
Water intrusion inspection guide
Water leaks can be subtle. Sometimes it requires a specialist with specific tools and knowledge to track them down but most can be detected by the average homeowner, you just need to know where to look. Here are a few tips.
Roof. If you can safely climb on the roof, look for the obvious; broken or lifted shingles, depressions and nail pops. Degranulation is a sign of an aging roof that may not be performing due to age. Examine flashings around vent pipes and chimneys. A build-up of moss can hold water and give it a chance to leak through.
Gutters can leak just about anywhere. Examine their entire length and all elbows and couplings. Look for rusted through areas or streaking. Check to see if downspouts direct water away from the home or into the drain. A simple missing downspout can cause serious damage in a short time.
Windows & doors. Check the perimeter of each to see if the caulking is complete, not cracking or missing. Open and close all windows to ensure they operate and close completely. Check the sweep at the bottom of all exterior doors.
Siding. Check seams for proper caulking. Make sure all components are firmly installed. Look for swelling at edges of composite siding and make sure there’s a good coat of paint to seal the body.
Crawlspace. Look for standing water. The existence of water may be normal in some crawlspaces but should be covered with the vapor barrier. If accessible, examine the plumbing pipes for leaks. If a sump-pump is used, ensure it is operational. Look for staining on pier posts. The presence of small ants can be a sign of a leak.
Faucets, sinks & toilets. Open the cabinets under sinks and feel for dampness. Using a dry paper towel wipe along the pipes to reveal water. If condensation is present consider that humidity is high either due to weather or high moisture in the home due to a leak. Check the area around faucets for water leaking into the cabinet. Check the shut-off area of toilets. Check seals around tubs and showers.
General. Shut off all water use in the house, check the meter and if it’s still running you have a leak somewhere.
