Preventing Water Intrusion

Preventing water intrusion is one of the biggest challenges homeowners face when bad weather strikes. Follow these tips to make sure your home is ready as we enter the peak of the 2016 hurricane season.

While we’ve had our share of rain, recent weather here in the Pensacola area was not as bad as predicted. Thankfully we were spared the torrential downpours that slow-moving low pressure systems often produce. However, we are entering the peak of the hurricane season here on the Gulf Coast. Now is the time to make sure you are ready!

When major storms do hit, one of the biggest issues homeowners face is preventing water intrusion. When unwanted water finds its way into your home, it creates multiple issues that get worse with time. Water intrusion can lead to wood rot, mold, pests and a whole laundry list of unpleasant odors and stains.

Preventing Water Intrusion

The best way to avoid these problems is to make sure that your home’s various systems for preventing water intrusion are working as designed. Identifying any issues before the storms come can save you time, money and heartache in the long run.

Check Your Roof and Gutters

The roof and gutters on your home are your first line of defense against water intrusion. When properly installed and maintained, they safely capture and direct water away from your home. When they become damaged or clogged theses systems can do the exact opposite, causing water to pool around and seep into the structure.

Start by walking around the perimeter of your home and looking at your roof for any visible damage to its components. In particular, look for missing, cracked, curling or otherwise damaged shingles. Pay special attention to areas surrounding vents, pipes or skylights that can provide an opening for leaks.

Gutters should be clear of leaves, twigs and other debris that can clog the system. Look at the connections between sections and downspouts. Loose, misaligned or missing pieces can actually direct draining water back onto your house! Be sure that water is able to drain safely away from your home as it exits the gutter system.

Lee’s Glass Pro Tip: Safety First! Working on roofs and gutters often requires the use of ladders to inspect and repair damages. Always use a safe, sturdy ladder that is placed on a solid surface and use appropriate safety gear. If you need to get onto your roof, use a harness system or call a professional!

Check Your Window and Door Seals

Your windows and doors are designed to keep the weather outside and keep the inside of your home dry and comfortable. Weather stripping, caulk and other types of seals around these openings will lose their flexibility over time. Eventually, this can leave gaps and potential openings for water intrusion.

Follow our tips for inspecting your windows and seals to make sure they are forming a tight seal. If you do not have impact rated windows, be sure the attachment hardware for shutters or other protection systems are properly sealed and water-tight.

Prevent Water Intrusion Before It Starts

Dealing with wet or damaged drywall, framing and trim from water intrusion is a costly and time consuming ordeal. Taking the time to inspect your home now can save you from unpleasant surprises when the weather turns nasty.

If your windows are leaking or show signs of damage, give our specialists a call! We can provide an accurate estimate for modern windows that look great while protecting your home from water intrusion.