Ohio Weather: Plan Now to Avoid Home Water Damage

As you get ready for summer fun, remember that the rainy season is coming. There are years when hail and storms will surprise Ohio in late spring.

Structural damage, flooded basements and leaking roofs are often expensive problems after a heavy storm. Stormwater can also cause cracks to occur in foundations and water damage around windows and doors. Torrential Downpours of heavy rain will find any damage on walls and window frames and can quickly flood an entire basement. Terrace-level homes and flat roofs are very susceptible to flooding.

The team at RestorePro recommend taking some time to evaluate your Sandusky home for any areas that could suffer water damage this spring:

Roof

Your roof is a major barrier against the elements and any breach, like damaging spring winds that can rip shingles off your roof, can lead to expensive repairs. Even minor damage can allow water into your attic. Check your roof after a strong wind storm to avoid potential problems.

Leaks are particularly common around chimneys, plumbing vents and attic vents; replace any failed shingles. Up in the attic, check for air leaks and damp insulation. Both are signs that you have too much exposure to the elements.

Gutters

Inspect your entire system. Ideally a downspout goes directly into a drainpipe that leads to the sewer. Ensure that the full force is directed away from the foundation; flowing water is powerful enough to deteriorate the brick mortar over time.

If your downspout goes into a rain barrel, clean the screen and open the tap so that it doesn’t overflow.   

Windows

Slow accumulation of excess moisture from the windows can cause damage including mold growth, wood rot, or even foundation problems. Window leaks can happen for a number of reasons. Typically, window leaks are due to 1) poorly installed windows and 2) cracked window panes.  If your windows are leaking, you have a significant problem and need to address it. Whether you should simply repair your existing windows or replace them with new ones, that moisture can damage the window sills, sheetrock and floors around the leak.

Do the windows close tightly? Caulk doesn’t last forever, and even though it is meant to expand and contract as the building materials around it do, gaps will open up.  

Basements

Snowmelt, rain and flood water can pool around the edges of the house and lead to basement flooding. Make sure the basement windows and doors have built-up barriers or flood shields; keep them clean and free from trash/leaves/dirt.

For homes with damp basements and a history of unpredictable weather, consider a sump pump. Sump pumps sit below the grade of your basement. When the sensor is triggered, the pump automatically removes water out of the home. The best solutions include an alternative power source, in case the store knocks out the electricity.  

Around the Perimeter

Keep your home safe from excess water, ensure the exterior materials of your home are properly constructed and maintained.

• Inspect the thin metal strip around doors, windows, thresholds, chimneys and roofs; flashing is designed to seal spaces where two different building surfaces meet.
• Clothes dryer, gable, attic and exhaust vents should all have hoods and exhaust to the exterior.  

• Driveway pavers allow water to pass into the ground. In a heavy rainstorm, a lawn is only a little more permeable than concrete, so make sure that the yard slopes away from the house.

Water Damage Restoration in Sandusky

In Northern Ohio, RestorePro has a team of 20 highly skilled, full time cleaning and restoration experts on call for you when disasters happen. We repair property damaged from water, storms, floods and plumbing mishaps. Our care can even extend to your personal belongings: packing and move out, restoration cleaning, repair and storage.