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Posted by: Elite Restoration, LLC on July 15, 2023
Can the Exterior of My Home Have Water Damage
Water damage is not limited to the interior of your home. The exterior of your property is also susceptible to water-related issues that can compromise its structural integrity and aesthetics. In this blog post, we will explore the topic of water damage on the exterior of your home. We will discuss the common causes of exterior water damage, signs to look out for, and effective measures to prevent and address such issues. By understanding and proactively addressing water damage on the exterior, you can safeguard your home and maintain its value and curb appeal.
Faulty Gutters and Downspouts
Properly functioning gutters and downspouts play a vital role in channeling rainwater away from your home. When these components become clogged, damaged, or improperly installed, they can lead to water pooling, overflowing, or spilling near the foundation. This can result in water seeping into the exterior walls, causing damage over time. Regularly inspect and clean your gutters, ensuring they are free from debris and securely attached. Redirect downspouts away from the foundation to prevent water from accumulating near the structure.
Damaged or Inadequate Siding
Cracked, deteriorated, or improperly installed siding can allow water to penetrate the exterior of your home. This can lead to rot, mold growth, and other structural issues. Regularly inspect your siding for signs of damage, such as cracks, gaps, or peeling paint. Address any issues promptly by repairing or replacing damaged sections of siding. Ensure that the siding material is appropriate for your climate to withstand moisture and prevent water infiltration.
Insufficient or Damaged Caulking
Caulking acts as a protective barrier against water intrusion around windows, doors, and other exterior openings. Over time, caulk can deteriorate, crack, or peel, compromising its effectiveness. Inspect the caulking around windows, doors, vents, and other penetrations. If you notice any gaps or signs of deterioration, remove the old caulking and apply a fresh bead of high-quality waterproof caulk. This will help seal gaps and prevent water from seeping into the interior of your home through these vulnerable areas.
Inadequate Landscape Grading
Improper landscape grading can contribute to water damage on the exterior of your home. If the ground slopes towards your foundation rather than away from it, rainwater can collect near the base of your home, potentially seeping into the foundation and causing damage. Evaluate the grading around your home and ensure that the soil slopes away from the foundation, directing water to drain away from the structure. If necessary, consult a landscaping professional to regrade the landscape and establish proper drainage.
Cracked or Damaged Foundation
A cracked or damaged foundation can be a significant source of water infiltration. Water can seep through foundation cracks, leading to basement flooding, mold growth, and structural issues. Regularly inspect your foundation for any signs of cracking, shifting, or damage. If you notice any issues, consult a foundation specialist to assess the severity of the problem and recommend appropriate repairs. Addressing foundation issues promptly can help prevent further water damage and protect the integrity of your home.
Regular Maintenance and Inspections
Regular maintenance and inspections are key to identifying and addressing water damage on the exterior of your home. Conduct routine inspections of your roof, gutters, siding, windows, doors, and foundation. Look for signs of water stains, rot, mold, or any other visible damage. Promptly address any issues that arise, and consider scheduling professional inspections to ensure thorough assessments. Additionally, perform routine maintenance tasks such as cleaning gutters, sealing cracks in the foundation, and maintaining the integrity of the exterior surfaces.
Water damage on the exterior of your home can lead to significant structural issues and compromise its overall integrity. By understanding the common causes and signs of water damage, you can take proactive steps to prevent and address these issues. Regular maintenance, proper drainage, well-maintained siding, functional gutters and downspouts, adequate caulking, and a sound foundation are all essential elements in protecting your home's exterior from water damage. By implementing these measures and addressing issues promptly, you can preserve the value, appearance, and longevity of your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most homeowner's policies cover most water damages, but not all water damages are created equal. There can be a lot of exceptions to coverage depending on the intricacies of your policy. This is why it's a good idea to be familiar with your policy and call your agent right away when damage occurs.
A good portion of water damage can be prevented by proper household maintenance. Routine plumbing maintenance, as well as sump pump and appliance maintenance, are effective ways to avoid preventable damages. If you live in a cold climate, preparing your home for the winter can also help avoid damage. Finally, it's a good idea to regularly check the exterior of your home, particularly your roof, for damage to ensure water isn't unexpectedly leaking into your home.
Identifying the source of the water damage is one of the first steps in both the insurance claim process and before beginning to dry out and repair the damaged areas. After all, if you replace a sagging, wet ceiling that was caused by a roof leak but don't fix the roof, too, the next rainstorm will start the cycle all over again. The buckling to your hardwood floor could be caused by a leaking pipe. We will pinpoint the exact cause of your water damage and make sure the source is repaired. We make sure your restoration job is done right the first time.
That depends on the types of materials that were affected by water. Drywall, carpet, and hardwood floors will take longer to dry than other materials in the space. We use moisture meters throughout the process and in many different locations to gauge the moisture levels and will continue to adjust our fans and dehumidifiers to achieve an efficient but effective dry time. The bare minimum of "three days to dry" may only produce a surface dry, but can still leave behind moisture levels that create an ideal environment for mold to grow.
Water damage should be addressed immediately to prevent mold growth and further structural damage. Mold can begin to develop within 24-48 hours.
Water damage insurance claims depend on a few different criteria. Ultimately, that's a question you'll have to clarify with your insurance company. However, we can tell you that the viability of water damage insurance claims depends primarily on what caused the damage (storm, burst pipe, plumbing malfunction, localized flood, sump pump failure, etc.). Some insurance policies will outline scenarios that will NOT be covered without specific riders like flood insurance, or sump pump failure insurance.
Contacting a restoration contractor as well as your insurance adjuster at the same time is a good idea because the restoration contractor will help make sure that not only will the water extraction and dry out be covered but the rebuild process that should follow. If the full scope of the claim isn't outlined and agreed upon from the start, there may be issues down the line, and property owners may find themselves having to pay out of pocket to get the property completely back to normal.
Most homeowners start trying to remove the water themselves before they realize they'll need to contact their insurance company about a claim so they can call in a water damage restoration company. However, standing water around anything with a power cord or outlet or sagging ceilings make the area unsafe. Also, many insurance claims require documentation of the loss BEFORE any work is done, including removing the water. Always take plenty of photos of the damage you see before taking any action to start cleaning up the mess. Your restoration contractor will be able to back up your insurance claim scope with the necessary technical documentation as well.
Common causes include burst pipes, appliance malfunctions, roof leaks, flooding, and sewage backups.
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