Rain, Rain, Go Away!

With the amount of rainfall and flooding that Georgia is experiencing this week we have been receiving a lot of rain related water damages. Rain can affect your home in a few different ways and some of them may not be noticeable right away. Here are a few different types of water damage that we commonly see because of heavy rainfall.

CAUSE # 1 – Roof Leaks

Anytime there are strong winds, hail, or heavy rain, your roof could be affected. We all know that strong winds can cause a tree to fall on your roof, which will ultimately result in rain water coming into the home. However, not all roof leaks are caused by trees and can sometimes go unnoticed. A strong wind, hail, or even heavy rains can cause shingles to shift or fall off the roof which can result in water coming into the home. If a roof leak happens in an area of the home that you do not frequent, a small roof leak can often go unnoticed for some time.

TIPS

1. When there is a lot of rainfall in your area make sure that you occasionally visit areas of your home that may not always be used, such as a spare bedroom, closets, guest bathroom, bonus room, etc.

2. Look at your roof after any storm passes through your area. If you see any missing or out of place shingles call a roofer to have them come out and inspect the roof for damage.

Cause # 2 – Gutters

Gutter maintenance is very important for your home. When gutters become full of leaves and debris the water flow through them becomes restricted. When the water can’t flow in its intended direction it will flow in whatever direction it can, which in some cases could be into your home. Water damage from gutters can also go unnoticed because the water may flow down between the exterior of the home and an interior wall where it may not be visible right away.

TIPS

1. The easiest way to prevent this type of water damage is to keep your gutters clean and free of debris. Also make sure that your gutters are in good shape and do not have any visible damage such as severe rusting or damage to the structure of the gutter.

2. When checking areas of your home that you do not frequently use look at any exterior walls and inspect them for water damage.

Cause # 3 – Window or Siding Damage

Another way that rain water can enter your home is through a window or your siding. During a rainstorm, especially one with high winds, rain water can fall against the home and come in through cracks in window trim, the seal around a window, or cracks/damage to your siding.

TIPS

1. Inspect the exterior of your home several times a year. Sometimes cracks can develop between seasons as temperatures change and the building materials age they react to atmospheric pressures. If you see any visible gaps or cracks around windows or siding these will need to be repaired immediately to ensure that water does not enter the home.

Cause # 4 – Flooding

One of the most common ways that rainwater can affect your home is by water flooding into the home on the ground level. Usually this happens in a basement, but it can occur in homes without basements depending on the style and foundation. In almost every case, flooding occurs because of improper drainage or damage to the foundation of the home. Natural erosion can be the cause of this, meaning the soil around your homes foundation has shifted or broken down over time and is not directing water away from the structure like it should. It could also be caused by a crack in your foundation where water is seeping in from the ground below.

TIPS

1. Keep an eye on the ground outside around your homes foundation. If you see the water drainage in your yard start to change direction you may have erosion occurring. Contact a company that handles drainage and foundation issues, so they can assess the situation and make any necessary changes before it affects your home.

2. Again, after a rainstorm comes through, check any areas of the home that you do not frequently use. Water damage in a basement can easily go unnoticed if no one visits the basement on a regular basis. Inspect the flooring and baseboards around exterior walls. Look for signs of moisture, water damage, or even dirt or mud flowing into the home.

Should you experience any of the water damage issues mentioned ServiceMaster by Bailey is here to help. We would be happy to inspect the property and handle any damages your home has suffered. If you have any questions or would like more information about these types of water damages call our office at 770.720.9533.