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3 ways to keep water out of your home this winter

Written by Posted On Friday, 09 August 2019 22:55
3 ways to keep water out of your home this winter

With winter fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking of ways to ensure that rain water remains where it belongs, outside. For many of us, the winter not only brings rain and wind but in some areas snow as well.  All of which have the potential to create the perfect storm (pun intended).

When it comes to annual insurance claims, rain leaks are second only to wind damage. So as you can see, it pays to take a little time now to go through the various areas which are most susceptible to rain leaks.

Avoiding roof leaks

Roof rain leaks in Los Angeles

Roofs are for the most part, the second biggest contributor of water intrusion within a home with plumbing leaks being at the top of the list, before rain leaks. 

 

Water intrusion within a home usually requires a water intrusion specialist to locate and help remediate leaks and or damage as a result.  There are, however, steps which you the homeowner can take to help avoid costly damage. 

 

First of all, inspect the roofing materials, or have a professional roofing contractor inspect the roof for obvious indications of damage. Damaged roofing comes in the form of missing or otherwise cracked or displaced roof covering. 

 

Second, inspect the roof flashings and penetrations for any obvious indications of missing or deteriorated sealant in need of service. Inspecting around the chimney for example is a very common place for roof leaks. Hiring a moisture intrusion expert can help with identifying the most vulnerable areas of the home.

Rain leak detection Los Angeles

Leaky windows and doors

Ask any rain leak specialist in the Los Angeles area and they’re sure to tell you that windows and doors are one of the most common locations for water intrusion into the home. This is especially common with the older windows which lack the newer seal technology. 

 

Our tip to keep your windows from leaking is to first of all, make sure the weatherstripping is not worn or missing. 

Secondly, caulk or seal the exterior trim to the wall to eliminate the potential for water intrusion into your home. 

Lastly, Check the rubber gaskets for damage or deterioration. These rubber gaskets will sometimes become brittle and crack. Cracked rubber may allow water intrusion.

 

water intrusion specialist Los Angeles

Check the slope of the exterior grade

Most people don’t pay much attention to the exterior grading around their home.  Big mistake. As water intrusion specialists here in Los Angeles, I have to admit, water leaks into the home from poor grading accounts for 40% of our winter calls.

 

Before it starts to rain, take a close look at the height differences between the ground and the bottom of the house. There should be at least 6” of clearance between the dirt and the bottom of the house. Or on cement, there should be no less than 2”. Moreover, there should always be adequate slope away from the building.

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marc mazza

Marc Mazza Inspections

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