Water intrusion: Act swiftly to minimize damage

“Water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink,” is a great metaphor for something unattainable, but it’s the last thing you want to say about your home. Water is essential to life, yet as a destructive force it can do incredible damage to your home in a very short time. The best offense is a proactive defense. Asheville water damage is a real possibility. Take these steps to protect your home from water damage before the problem occurs.

There are three components to avoiding water damage. First, ensure that the outer structure (the building envelope) is water resistant. Next, be sure that building materials around openings (windows, doors, plumbing pipes) are watertight. Finally, ensure that plumbing and HVAC systems are operating properly and are kept in good operating condition.

Here are some common sources of water intrusion in the home:

• Windows and doors:Do a visual inspection for leaks around windows and doors. Do you see any evidence of water damage, such as discoloration, soft spots, or black mold?
• The roof:Poorly installed gutters can be a source of water intrusion. Water can be a problem around exhaust vents or plumbing stacks, skylights, and anywhere else your roofing shingles or tiles are connected to other materials.
• The foundation and exterior walls:Locate and seal up any cracks and holes in exterior walls and foundations. These can be caused by movement or settling of the land on which the house rests.
• Plumbing:Leaking plumbing fixtures, dripping pipes, and clogged drains (inside and outside) can be a significant source of water damage. Hot water heaters have a finite lifespan. If yours is more than ten years old, have it inspected for potential problems. It’s easier to replace a water heater beforeit leaks. Call a professional if you find or suspect leaky plumbing fixtures.
• HVAC systems:Your heating and AC system contains components that can cause significant water damage if not maintained. These may include chilled water piping and condensation drains. One function of your HVAC system is to reduce your home’s ambient humidity (moisture) levels. As water is removed from the air, it exits the house by way of pans and drainpipes. If these become clogged with cold-water algae, they can dump serious amounts of water into your home. Inspect drainpipes regularly and add tablets that kill cold-water algae.

Do you see evidence of water damage? Get an inspection

Asheville water damage? Don’t risk additional damage from water intrusion. At the first sign of trouble it’s best to hire a qualified home inspector to check out the following elements of your home:

 

 

• Grading around your home should slope downward and away from your house. The best defense against water intrusion into basements and foundations is to be sure water is channeled away from these areas. If the land slopes toward your house, you may need to hire a professional grader to remedy the problem.
• Rain gutters should slope toward drain openings and be kept free of debris. Gutters should not empty out around the home’s foundation, but should be diverted away from the structure with pipes that can be buried under the yard.
• Flashings and sealants around roofs, doors, and windows must be maintained regularly. Flashing is that thin, metal strip around roof penetrations (pipes, vents, and other places where building materials come together. Sealing and caulk require periodic visual inspection and replenishment when needed to keep water intrusion at bay.
• Plumbing and stove vents require proper hoods and should exhaust to the exterior.
• Pans and drains from HVAC systems must be clean and free of obstruction.
• Interior humidity levels should be somewhere between 30 and 50 percent. Higher levels can indicate your HVAC system is not functioning properly. Condensation on window indicates high humidity levels in your home.

If water damage occurs

Act swiftly to minimize damage from water intrusion into your home.  Locate and label your home’s water shutoff valve in case a plumbing leak occurs. If water intrusion occurs, remove standing water immediately. If you can still run electricity safely, use a wet/dry shop vacuum to remove water. Remove and replace moist materials, such as carpets and pads. If you can’t dry the area quickly, call a professional water damage service. Being proactive can prevent costly mold problems that can occur if moisture is left untreated.

Asheville water damage? Get an inspection now!

This year’s rainy season in Western North Carolina has brought higher than average rainfall amounts. Don’t wait for a costly water surprise. Contact Asheville Home Inspector Peter Young to assess your home’s likelihood of resisting potential water intrusion.

Call 828-808-4980 today, or click the link below to set up an inspection.