09 Feb Outstanding Tips On How to Prevent Water Damage To Your Home
Did you know that a roof that covers 2,000 square feet can receive 1 inch of rain? 1,250 gallons can flow from a roof covering 2,000 square feet. Water can be stored on your roof and around your foundation.
A roof that receives less then 4 inches of rain per month will lose 60,000 gallons annually. It is important that water drains off the roof to prevent water intrusion. Water conservation is essential to keep your home dry.
Ground Control to Major Tom – Make sure you are grading
Surface water refers to water that has been deposited onto the soil by rainwater. This water can cause structural damage and personal injury to your home.
Controlling the water level in your home is the first step to protecting against water intrusion.
- Mulch – Homeowners often just look at the landscaping and see the beautiful flowers and green grass. But, too close to the house can cause water damage and allow water to pool against foundation walls.
- Landscaping obstructions – Vertical plastic edging, landscaping timbers, and walls can make drainage more difficult. Barriers are more than just a place to store mulch and flowers. They also block water flow. Walking areas can become dangerous due to snow and freezing rain. This can also accelerate cracking of driveways and sidewalks.
The Slope Of Things To Come
When we mention grading in a home inspection, the most common question is “Huh?”
“Grading” simply refers the way that the surface elevation changes are compared with other areas around or near the house. Proper Grading means that the slope or grade elevation slopes away from the home at a rate of at least 1′ per feet in the first 6′ and at least 10′ thereafter.
What a $5 downspout extension can have saved you.
It sounds complex, but it is really quite easy. Proper grade allows water to flow away from the foundation. A poor grade can allow moisture to flow back into the home and seep into the soil. This can pressure the foundation. This causes moisture to seep into the crawlspace and basement.
When describing grade, an inspector might use the term “swale” when the grade around the house is fairly flat. The sloped depression allows water flow away from the house while not altering the overall grade.
There are many methods to keep water out. These include drain tiles, damp proofing coatings, and sub-slab drainage pump systems. Grading is the best and most cost-effective way to protect against water.
Roof Control – Ups and Downs. Strikes and Gutters
How do you stop roof water? Gutters or downspouts are an economical way to prevent rain water from dripping onto your roof.
Soil saturating around the foundation
Many homeowners ignore their gutters and downspouts. Our Top Ten Issues List inspectors discovered “Missing Downspout Extension”, which is the sixth most common defect.
Gutters must be pitched to allow water to drain to the downspout. A gutter slope of approximately 1/4 inch per 10 feet is recommended.
Each end of gutter runs that exceed 30 feet should have downspouts. This will position the gutter in front of each downspout.
Over time, gutter attachment points may become loose. This can cause gutters to sag, and water can collect in them. The debris’s weight makes the attachments less secure, leading to further sagging and eventual failure. To avoid sagging, make sure hangers are secured.
Inspect your gutters, downspouts, and rainwater pipes regularly.
Downspouts direct water from gutters to ground. Blockages in front of downspouts can cause problems.
If the elbow or 90-degree turn-piece at junction of downspout/ground is missing, the downspout could cause problems. All water will run down to the foundation and erode it, as well as pond water.
Water can derail even the best prevention plans
Despite our best efforts to prevent water damage, April showers can cause flooding in basements and crawlspaces.
What’s the first thing you think of when it rains heavy?
“I hope my sump pumps work.” Make sure that the ejector lines, such as downspouts, are free from debris.
Groundwater can build up in areas where there is little or no rainfall. These include sub-slab drainage, and directing drainage lines to the exterior.
Groundwater can build up in crawlspaces and make it difficult to manage. To stop water vapor from entering the crawlspace, cover it with a vapor barrier (heavier weight plastic).