Fall is coming : small water damage too often underestimated

October 19th, 2021

Fall is definitely the ideal season to detect and prevent infiltration and other types of water damage. As part of your fall home maintenance, it is very important to include some actions to detect small water damages that are far too often underestimated. Because a small water damage can quickly turn into a disaster and cause serious inconveniences if it is not taken care of quickly. To help you prevent the worst, the following article will give you some tips and things to watch out for to avoid disaster and put all the chances on your side to have a peaceful fall and winter.

The roof

Indeed, a water damage, even a small one, can lead to many risks in terms of water damage. First of all, the roof must be checked. Roof seepage is common, making the drainage of your roof a process to be monitored closely. If you have a home with a flat roof, note that water should be directed to the storm sewer. You should also make sure that the roof drains are clear of any possible debris such as dead leaves. For sloped roofs, the gutter must do the drainage work. It is therefore necessary to check carefully that it too is not blocked by debris that could impede the flow of water.

The foundations

For surface water drainage, note that a 10% slope must be provided around the perimeter of your home’s foundation. This will allow the water to run off to the outside of the foundation, ideally at least 6 feet away. It is also important to keep in mind that downspouts should not be connected directly to the French drain.

Cracks

Cracks are a classic in terms of water infiltration. They are often the cause of water damage and should not be underestimated. The repair of cracks is therefore a necessary thing to avoid problems. However, even if a crack is repaired, the problem could reappear at the joints of the foundation and the floor or take the form of excess humidity. Therefore, the problem must be addressed at the source by ensuring proper drainage of the ground and all around the foundation. Keep an eye on the areas where you detect excess moisture. The general idea is to make the house watertight before sealing the cracks. In all cases and regardless of the crack, we always recommend that you call in the professionals to fix the problem. Thanks to their expertise, they will be able to identify the actions to take so that the repairs are done properly and permanently.

Exterior access

Gutters must always be kept clear and cleaned at all times. This will allow an efficient evacuation of water during heavy rains or snow melt. The same applies to the curbstones, which must always be clean and drained. At the same time, check the window sealant.

The basement

If the drainage water goes to the municipal rainwater system through a ditch or a pump, make sure that everything is well connected. Also note that cleaning is required at least twice a year. Fall is the ideal time to do one. A second pump at a higher level could be useful to take over in case the first one is defective.

In any case, do not hesitate to contact a professional. A good plumber will be able to guide you and ensure that your home will be dry during the cold season.