| In order to prevent water damage, you must | | | | empty far enough away from foundation walls |
| first learn what causes it. This article will | | | | or else water will accumulate, leading to |
| cover the visible causes of water damage, the | | | | damage and a wet basement and even to |
| ones that are easy to self-detect. Be sure to | | | | foundation problems. Windows and Doors: |
| look for the second part of this article and | | | | Unprofessionally installed windows and doors |
| learn all about the invisible causes of water | | | | will allow water to penetrate into the wall. |
| damage as well. A good understanding of the | | | | Damaged seals around windows or doors can |
| subject will not only provide you with better | | | | cause windblown moisture penetration. Check |
| tools to prevent water damage but also will | | | | your doors and windows thoroughly especially |
| help saving money by simple day to day | | | | during wet seasons. Leaking Roofs: Old |
| maintenance tips that will keep your house in | | | | roofing materials can expose the roof deck to |
| good shape and preserve its value. While some | | | | water intrusion and damage especially around |
| of the causes for damage are controllable and | | | | chimneys and exhaust fans. Old shingles will |
| can be prevented if you pay enough attention, | | | | curl and crack, allowing moisture intrusion. |
| others cannot be predicted and therefore | | | | Cracked chimney caps allow water into |
| cannot be prevented. Rain water: Rain water | | | | interior areas of the chimney. Flat roof |
| will accumulate along the foundations or | | | | drains can clog and hold water on the roof, |
| beneath the floor during rainy seasons unless | | | | increasing the risks of a leak and a possible |
| directed away by proper drainage. It is very | | | | collapse of the entire roof under the weight |
| hard to control damage caused by rain water | | | | of the water. Attics: Improper attic |
| but it is possible to reduce its effects | | | | insulation and ventilation allows heat to |
| Gutter & Drain: Clogged gutters will push | | | | escape, turning rooftop snow into an ice-dam. |
| rainwater under shingles, or will cause water | | | | Ice dams will force moisture under roof |
| to travel down the walls internally. A lack | | | | shingles where it can drip into the attic or |
| of drains can cause an overflow. Gutters must | | | | walls. |