We all know how it goes during springtime in South Jersey. We get weeks of those gorgeous, sunny days & then a whole lot of rainy days to follow. South Jersey residents all know how difficult it can be to predict rain patterns, especially during springtime. That’s why many property owners in the area have so many questions about how to prevent springtime water intrusion into their homes. In order to minimize & prevent springtime water intrusion as much as possible, you must be prepared. The good news is there are countless ways to prepare your home to fend off water damage & intrusion.
Prevent Water Damage Into Your Home This Spring
The best way to prevent springtime water intrusion into your home is to be prepared before it even happens. This means staying on top of proper maintenance & applying preventative measures throughout the year. As previously mentioned, most of us South Jersey residents know that springtime means a lot of rain, so we know what we need to prepare for.
At least twice a year, it’s important to conduct diligent home assessments, wherein you will identify any issues or maintenance tasks that you need to take care of. Effective water intrusion prevention can be simple & inexpensive, while protecting your property from severe water damage throughout not only springtime, but the entire year. There are a few key areas, both indoors & out, that are especially susceptible to springtime water intrusion. Be sure that you are keeping an eye on these areas so that you are ready to prevent water intrusion or leakage before it starts.
Common Outdoor Areas For Springtime Water Intrusion.
- Foundation: Ensure that you are regularly assessing & maintaining your foundation walls. Keep an eye out for any signs of damage, springtime water intrusion, or any cracks in the foundation. Any issues should be repaired as soon as possible.
- Grading: This goes hand in hand with your foundation, as proper grading is what keeps water from pooling around your property’s foundation. The ground surrounding your foundation should be sloped downward, away from the home to ensure that water is not collecting around the foundation walls. Be sure to fix any grading issues immediately to avoid springtime water intrusion & foundation damage.
- Roofing: Pay attention to any signs of damage to your roof, such as deteriorating, damaged or missing shingles. Issues with your roof could lead to water intrusion into your attic, and should be properly repaired by a professional.
- Gutters & Downspouts: gutters & downspouts should be clean & free of debris. Clogged gutters & downspouts can lead to leaks, foundation issues & even roof damage. Regularly clean out gutters & downspouts to ensure that they do not become clogged. Additionally, it is important for downspouts to extend far enough that they allow water runoff to drain away from the property.
Common Indoor Areas For Springtime Water Intrusion
- Attic: Your roof is your attic’s first line of defense against water intrusion. This means that any leakage through your roof will also affect your attic. Ensure that you are staying aware of the conditions in your attic, and take notice whenever it appears that water intrusion has occurred.
- Basement or Crawl Space: Similarly to your attic, your home’s basement or crawl space is one of the first areas to deal with water intrusion. Any water from the ground has the potential to seep into these areas if there are any issues within the foundation that have yet to be addressed. As previously mentioned, a great way to prevent springtime water intrusion into your basement or crawl space is to properly maintain the foundation of your home.
- Exterior walls: These walls are the ones within your home that directly face the outdoors. Any signs of water intrusion to these walls, such as condensation, staining or discoloration, are a great indicator that water damage has occurred. To prevent this from happening, ensure that these walls are regularly inspected for any cracks or damage.
- Doors & Windows: Inspect doors & windows for any cracks or damages that could potentially allow for springtime water intrusion to take place. A simple application of a new layer of caulking should usually do the trick to fix any drafts on or around the doors & windows of your home.
It is important to address water intrusion as soon as you have identified the signs. Unaddressed moisture issues can lead to severe water damage & mold development within your South Jersey property. Contact a local professional South Jersey mold inspector to properly assess your concerns & provide you with the information you need.
