Water follows the path of least resistance, making older, damaged or otherwise compromised homes prone to leaks.
I know our home wasn’t the only one that sprung a leak this summer! We turned our frustration into research as to why this happens and want to share some of what we found. While it’s challenging to make a home completely leakproof, it is possible to significantly reduce the risk of water intrusion through expert construction techniques and regular home maintenance practices. Read on for homeowner’s top concerns and tips.
1. Flooded Basement
Sudden, excessive rainwater will saturate your soil and can collect around your home’s foundation, causing hydrostatic pressure, which may lead to cracks, shifting and flooding in your basement. Proper grading of your yard, clear gutters and downspouts and a well-functioning sump pump should all direct water away from your home’s foundation.
2. Leaky Roof or Siding
Heavy, driving downpours can exploit weaknesses in your roof and siding. Water can enter your home through these points and travel horizontally along ceiling beams and behind your walls, eventually showing up on your interior ceiling or around a window. Expert installation and proactive upkeep should prevent most roofing and siding problems.
3. Clogged Gutters
A proper gutter system is designed to guide precipitation that lands on your roof all the way to the ground and then away from your home’s foundation. Leaves, sediment, golf balls and other debris can block that path, causing an overflow. Clear your gutters before they create a waterfall right above your front door or through your foundation!
4. Sewer Backups
Municipal sewer systems can break or become blocked and overwhelmed during heavy rains. This could potentially lead to sewer backups throughout a neighborhood and significant damage to your home. You can help reduce the chances that your home’s sewer lines are a contributing factor by disposing of kitchen and bathroom waste properly, maintenance and by having a backflow valve installed.
Seeing water stains or feeling air leaks around your old windows and doors? Give us a call - we can help!
Thanks,
Daniel Lee
General Manager / Owner
Protect Your Home with Premium Windows & Doors
(913) 362-3872
windura.com
Windura, 11860 W. 91st Street, Overland Park, KS 66214, (913) 362-3872