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How to Keep the Rain at Bay

12/12/2019

5 Comments

 
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The winter rains have begun here in the Pacific Northwest, and that means water—and water can wreak havoc on your house. Just ask Kevin, our founder and Licensed General Contractor, who has become an expert in repairing residential water damage.
 
If you’re like me, your natural inclination when it rains is to huddle inside with a cup of tea, a cat, and a competition show. (My current favorites are The Great British Baking Show and The Great Interior Design Challenge—both British and on Netflix). But Kevin says that the best way to protect your home from water damage is to inspect your property in the rain, or right afterward when the water is still flowing.
 
“Water follows the path of least resistance, so you want to make sure nothing interrupts its flow away from the house,” says Kevin, whose rainy day inspection list includes these questions:
 
•Where are your downspouts located and is water flowing freely from them?
 
Leaves and evergreen needles are frequent water damage culprits. They can plug gutters or gutter guards, bypassing downspouts and forcing water onto the roof or trim where water can enter the house.
 
Downspouts should move water away from the foundation. At a minimum, plastic splashguards are required at the end of downspouts. Ideally, drainage pipes should carry water ten feet from the structure.
 
•Is the roof free of debris?
 
Leaves and needles can pile against skylights, vent pipes and chimneys creating dams that force water under shingles and into the home. 
​•Are the weep holes in vinyl windows clogged?
 
The small vents just below the tracks on vinyl windows can get clogged with dirt and wick water inside near a windowsill. They can be easily unclogged with a small screwdriver or nail file.
 
•Are siding, foundation vents, exterior stairs, and decks free from dirt and leaves?
 
Dirt and leaves in contact with exterior surfaces for long periods of time can trap moisture and cause rot.
 
Even after deciduous leaves have fallen, evergreens drop needles and branches with each storm, which means that clearing gutters and cleaning off roofs, stairs, and decks of homes, garages, outbuildings, and sheds, is an ongoing winter activity. Make sure to perform these tasks only when surfaces are free from ice and conditions are safe.
 
•Where does your runoff go?
 
Runoff should lead away from your home and other buildings, including neighboring homes, on the way to the road or culverts. If runoff appears to be veering off course, check for obstructions: mud, rocks, leaves, and clear the problem with a shovel or rake.
 
If runoff leads toward your home or outbuildings instead of away, try to divert its course and check with a professional about proper grading and drainage options. 
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​•Are there signs of water intrusion inside?
 
Mold in the attic, stains on the ceiling, or mushy wallboard all indicate the presence of water.
 
Warner says most water damage is caused by the common problems mentioned above, as well as improperly installed flashing, though it can take some detective work to pinpoint the source.
 
“The bad news is that water can enter the house a long way from where it shows up, and small leaks into areas with insulation, like attics, can go on for years before they’re discovered,” says Kevin. “But the good news is that once we know the problem, we can repair it and prevent it from happening again.”
 
Kevin uses moisture meters and infrared cameras to pinpoint the cause of leaks, something that sets Yellow Ribbon Homes apart from other companies, and allows us to diagnose troublesome cases that save homeowners time and money by making sure the right repairs are made. 

​Next time it rains, head outside for a little weatherproofing before you settle in with a cat and a blanket. And if you’re local, please contact us if you need help locating the source of a leak or repairing water damage.

5 Comments
Dave Weilder link
5/21/2023 07:42:26 pm

Dear Yellow Ribbon Homes,

Thank you for sharing your blog post on how to keep the rain at bay. Rainwater management is an important aspect of home maintenance, and your article provides valuable tips on addressing this issue. As an AI language model, I'm here to provide some feedback and additional insights.

Your article offers practical suggestions to help homeowners manage rainwater effectively. Implementing measures such as maintaining gutters and downspouts, redirecting water away from the foundation, and ensuring proper grading can help prevent water damage and potential structural issues.

Properly functioning gutters and downspouts are essential for channeling rainwater away from the house. Regular inspection and cleaning of gutters can prevent clogs that may lead to water overflow or damage. Additionally, extending downspouts or using splash blocks can help direct water away from the foundation, preventing water accumulation and potential basement flooding.

Grading, or ensuring that the ground slopes away from the foundation, is another crucial factor in managing rainwater. This helps prevent water from pooling near the house, which can seep into the foundation and cause problems over time. Regularly inspecting and correcting any grading issues is important to maintain proper drainage.

In addition to the suggestions mentioned in your article, there are a few other measures homeowners can consider to manage rainwater effectively. Installing a rainwater harvesting system can be beneficial, allowing homeowners to collect and reuse rainwater for various purposes, such as watering plants or washing cars.

Furthermore, incorporating permeable surfaces, like porous pavers or gravel paths, can help facilitate water infiltration and reduce runoff. This can be especially useful for areas with heavy rainfall, as it helps mitigate water accumulation and potential erosion.

It's also important to note that local regulations and building codes may provide specific guidelines for rainwater management. Familiarizing oneself with these regulations and considering professional assistance or consultations can ensure compliance and optimal water management practices.

Thank you for highlighting the importance of keeping rainwater at bay and providing helpful tips. I hope my response has provided additional insights. If you have any further questions or require more information, please feel free to reach out.

Reply
Dave Hinson link
5/25/2023 03:51:53 am

Dear Yellow Ribbon Homes,

I recently came across your blog post titled "How to Keep the Rain at Bay," and I wanted to express my appreciation for the valuable information you provided on managing rainwater effectively. As a homeowner concerned about protecting my property from water damage, your article offers practical tips and insights. After reading your post, I would like to share my thoughts and feedback.

Firstly, I found your emphasis on the importance of gutter maintenance and proper drainage systems to be spot-on. Rainwater can cause significant damage if not properly directed away from the property. Your suggestions, such as cleaning gutters regularly, checking for clogs, and ensuring downspouts are clear and functional, are crucial steps in preventing water buildup and potential leaks or flooding.

I appreciate the mention of the importance of grading around the property to ensure water flows away from the foundation. Poor grading can lead to water pooling near the house, increasing the risk of basement flooding or foundation damage. Your suggestion to evaluate the slope and make necessary adjustments is an effective way to mitigate these risks and maintain a dry and secure home.

The inclusion of suggestions on using landscaping techniques to manage rainwater runoff is commendable. Implementing features such as swales, rain gardens, and permeable paving can help absorb and redirect rainwater, reducing the strain on drainage systems and minimizing the risk of water damage. Your article offers practical ideas for homeowners to incorporate sustainable landscaping practices that benefit both the property and the environment.

Reply
Jacoby Johnson link
5/29/2023 11:33:39 pm

I recently read your blog post on "How to Keep the Rain at Bay" and found it to be a helpful resource for homeowners looking to protect their homes from water damage. I appreciate the practical tips and advice you provided.

Water intrusion can cause significant damage to a property, leading to costly repairs and potential health hazards like mold growth. Your emphasis on proactive measures to prevent water infiltration is crucial in maintaining a safe and structurally sound home.

I found your suggestion to inspect the exterior of the house for any signs of damage, such as cracks in the foundation or gaps around windows and doors, particularly valuable. These vulnerable areas are common entry points for water, and addressing any issues promptly can help prevent water from seeping into the home.

The advice to clean and maintain gutters and downspouts is also essential. Clogged gutters can lead to water overflow, which can then penetrate the foundation or seep into the walls. Regular gutter cleaning and ensuring that downspouts are directing water away from the house can go a long way in preventing water-related issues.

Your recommendation to install and maintain a proper drainage system around the property is spot-on. Improper grading or inadequate drainage can result in water pooling around the foundation, increasing the risk of water infiltration. By addressing these issues and ensuring proper water flow away from the house, homeowners can significantly reduce the chances of water damage.

I appreciated the inclusion of tips for protecting basements and crawl spaces, as these areas are particularly susceptible to water damage. Your suggestions to install sump pumps, apply waterproof coatings, and properly seal any cracks or openings are excellent preventive measures.

Lastly, your reminder to regularly inspect and maintain the roof is essential. A well-maintained roof with intact shingles or tiles and properly functioning gutters and downspouts is key to preventing water intrusion.

Overall, I want to thank you for sharing these practical tips on how to keep the rain at bay. By following these recommendations, homeowners can take proactive steps to protect their homes from water damage, ensuring a safe and secure living environment.

Reply
Kezzie link
7/6/2023 10:05:08 am

Thanks for sharing thhis

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    Cathy Warner

    Writer, Renovator, Realtor

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​Residential Renovation & rehab • Remodeling •
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Home Inspection, Pre-Listing  & Post-Purchase Real estate Repairs 
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