Water Damage ... Your Home's Worst Enemy
By David M Haught, CHI

Reprinted from the Herald Dispatch March 11, 2006
Water Intrusion Your Home's Worst Enemy

Years ago, while growing up in Huntington, the worst thing that could happen was a rainy spring weekend, when you couldn't play outside. I remember my mother saying "Spring Showers Brings May Flowers". It didn't stop the rain, but, it gave us hope for an early summer. Now when I hear that quote I am reminded that it is time to prepare your home for spring showers.

Water intrusion in your home is the most destructive force your home can face. Water intrusion can cause the foundation to crack and basements walls to collapse. Water in the basement or crawlspace can cause mildew and mold to grow. Mold can affect allergies or generate toxins in the home. Water is needed for animals to live. Without a water source it is less likely for roaches, termites and spiders to flourish. Without water, mice and rats will find someone else's basement to inhabit. And without mice and roaches, chances are you won't have snakes.

It is time to "water proof" your home before the spring showers. Start on your roof, check the covering for cracks, nail pops, curling and missing shingles. While on the roof inspect the flashing and chimney cap. Check the boots around the plumbing stacks. On the way down check the gutters. Insure the nails haven't pulled out, if the hole is stripped use polyurethane glue and a wooden match stick to fill the hole and reattach with screws.

Once on the ground check the down spouts and insure they drain water at least 5 feet from the foundation. If the downspouts empty into underground storm drains see that they flow freely and are not clogged. Check the slope around the foundation, it should slope away. Many homeowners have landscaping mulch around the foundation. Check the mulch for rot or if it is covering wooden siding (a magnet for termites). Also check the soil below the mulch and insure it also slopes away from the foundation.

It is time to go into the crawlspace. With flashlight in hand, crawl around the perimeter of the foundation checking for moisture, mildew, mold and efflorescence on the floor and masonry foundation.

With your home "water proofed" it will soon be time to enjoy the May flowers.