As the seasons change, your home faces new challenges. The shifts in temperature and weather can stress your house's structure, sometimes leading to leaks.
Seasonal changes can cause pipes to expand or contract, roofing materials to warp, and foundations to shift which may result in leaks. Knowing what to look for can help you spot problems early before they require costly repairs. Regular checks and maintenance are key to detecting leaks and saving you time and money in the long run.
Weather patterns throughout the year can lead to leaks in your home as temperature shifts and moisture changes can stress building materials. Let's look at how different seasons affect your house.
Hot summer days can make materials expand, leading to gaps that allow water to seep in. To look out for this, check for cracked caulk around windows and doors and inspect your roof for curled or missing shingles.
Rain brings problems too as heavy downpours test your gutters and drainage. Clogged gutters cause water to back up under roofing so ensure downspouts direct water away from your foundation.
Humid air can also cause issues inside and you might see water stains on ceilings or walls, signaling leaks in your roof or pipes. You should use a dehumidifier to keep indoor air dry if you live in a humid area.
Cold weather shrinks building materials, resulting in cracks and gaps. Before winter, you should check for drafts around windows and doors and seal any openings you find.
Ice dams are another big winter threat, forming when heat escapes through your roof, causing snow to melt and refreeze at the roof's edge. This creates a barrier that traps water which can leak into your home.
To prevent ice dams, insulate your attic floor to keep heat in your living space and ensure your roof has good ventilation to keep the roof surface cold. Watch for icicles on your roof's edge, a clear sign that ice dams might be forming. Also, take the time to remove snow from your roof with a rake to reduce the risk.
Your home has key spots that need attention to prevent leaks and you should check these areas often to catch problems early.
Look for gaps around your windows and doors as these can let water in when it rains. Be sure to check the caulking and weatherstripping and replace them if they're cracked or peeling. Next, feel for drafts near windows and doors as this can mean the seal is weak. If this is the case, add new weatherstripping to stop air and water from getting in.
Check your window panes for cracks too as even small cracks can let water seep in, and replace cracked glass immediately.
Check your basement walls for cracks to avoid water entering your home during heavy rain. Fill small cracks with hydraulic cement but for big cracks, you will need to call a professional. A common sign of a leak is water stains on basement walls or floors.
Ensure water drains away from your house and adjust the soil around your foundation if needed to keep your basement dry.
Check your attic for damp spots or water stains which usually signal your roof is leaking. You can also look at your roof from the ground, checking for missing or curled shingles. You should replace damaged shingles as soon as possible to keep water out when it rains.
Ensure your attic has good airflow as poor ventilation can cause moisture buildup, adding vents, if needed, to keep your attic dry. Also, assess your attic insulation which should be dry and fluffy. Wet insulation can lead to mold and rot and you need to quickly replace wet insulation.
Taking preventative steps to protect your home from leaks can save you time, money, and stress.
Clean gutters are key to keeping water away from your home so remove leaves and debris twice a year. Check that downspouts point away from your foundation and install gutter guards to avoid clogs. Look for cracks in your foundation and seal them as water can seep through even small gaps.
Ensure your yard slopes away from your house as this helps water flow away instead of pooling near walls. You can add extensions to downspouts to move water further away from your home.
Smart landscaping can help protect your home from water damage. You should plant trees and shrubs at least 3 feet from your house as their roots can damage pipes and foundations if too close.
Check the grade of the landscape around your home. The ground should slope away from your walls for at least 6 feet as this sends rainwater in the right direction. If it doesn’t, add soil to low spots near your foundation.
Additionally, use mulch in garden beds near your house to soak up water and slow its flow. However, keep mulch 6 inches away from your walls to avoid moisture buildup.
Inspect your home twice a year, looking for water stains on walls and ceilings and checking under sinks and around toilets for drips or dampness.
Remember to test your sump pump if you have one. Pouring water into the pit to ensure it turns on and pumps out water.
Your inspection should also include looking at your roof for missing or damaged shingles and checking flashings around chimneys and vents.
Use your water meter to check for hidden leaks by turning off all water in your home, and If the meter still moves, you likely have a leak somewhere.
Weather-related leaks can cause serious damage if not addressed quickly, and taking prompt action and using the right strategies can help minimize the impact on your home.
Mold often follows water damage and you should dry wet areas within 24-48 hours, using fans and dehumidifiers to speed up the process. Remove wet carpets and padding which could be saved if taken out quickly.
Small mold patches can be cleaned with detergent and water, scrubbing hard surfaces and drying them completely. Although large areas of mold will need professional remediation.
Assess walls and ceilings for sagging or discoloration which can point to structural damage. If you spot these signs, contact a building inspector right away.
If you find a burst pipe, quickly turn off your main water valve to stop more water from flowing in, and open faucets to drain the remaining water from pipes. Remove as much water as possible using a wet vacuum, mops, and towels, taking out wet items and materials to dry separately.
Next, call a plumber to fix the pipe. You can use pipe repair tape for a temporary fix on small leaks until the plumber arrives.
Set up fans to dry the area and if you have a sump pump, use it to remove standing water. This helps prevent further damage and mold growth. With quick action, you can minimize damage to your home and get your plumbing system back in working order as soon as possible.
