Your home is your biggest asset, so after high winds and heavy rains it’s a good idea to inspect it from top-to-bottom to discover any damage caused.
If left unchecked, leaks can cause further problems next time there’s a storm. Here’s a checklist of what to look for so you know your home is watertight.
1. Inspect the roof
Even if your roof is strong and sturdy, a powerful storm can compromise it. Winds can rip off tiles, branches and tree limbs can cause structural damage to metal roofs and rain can enter through cracks and crevices. If you have an attic check this first for evidence of wet flooring and holes. If you have wet items remove them and set up a fan to in the entryway to speed up the drying process of wood flooring. If you have some damage to your roof then you’ll need to call in the professionals to get it assessed.
2. Check the Basement
One of the first places you should also check after a storm is the basement in case of excess water in the foundations, and sewage backing up and overflowing into drains and fixtures. If you do have a water problem get onto it as quickly as possible. If you have a flood in your basement use buckets or a portable pump to drain water. Open doors and windows to increase ventilation. A sewage leak is more serious and must be dealt with by professional immediately.
3. Check Gutters and Spouting
A common entry point for water to get into homes is via blocked guttering and spouting. If these become compromised with leaves, twigs etc. water can pool in the ceiling and foundations, and small cracks and weak points can let water pass through and weaken a home’s structure. Check for excess debris and that openings to downspouts are clear.
4. Check Carpets, Rugs and Wood Floors
The interior of your home will also show signs of damage from a big storm. The first place to look is the floor for signs of wet or damp patches. Water on hardwood floors should be mopped up with towels immediately, if left it will soak in and warp the wood panels. It’s important to deal with damp carpet and rugs quickly as mould will start to grow within 24 to 48 hours if not given immediate attention.
Soak up water from wet carpet with towels or you can also use a wet/dry vac and fans. Open doors and windows to increase airflow and use a fan and/or a dehumidifier.
5. Examine the Walls & Ceilings
Walls may show signs of water damage beneath leaky windows or ceilings may sag from water that has pooled on attic floors. Look for signs such as: sagging, stains, discolouration, bubbling paint and peeling wallpaper. If you can’t find where the leak is coming from, call in a professional who can discover the source with a moisture meter.