Now that the weather has turned from dreary, gray to warm, spring days, it is time to assess roof and siding damage from winter storms.
Especially, if there has been water leaks and the chance for mold to emerge.
Strong winds, horizontal rain, and freezing temperatures can compound to compromise siding, roofing tiles, door and window seals.
Storm damage often goes undetected and unrepaired until warm weather arrives. By then, water from snow, rain or melting ice may have already seeped into basements, attics, and foundations. And while water damage itself can cause a mess, one of the biggest dangers is mold.
Inside your house, those spaces can include a damp laundry area, an un-vented bathroom or a closet where wet clothing or boots have been consistently tossed.
One of the worst places mold can grow is inside your walls and beneath flooring that has become wet from water leaks.
That is why it is so critical to check for and repair even minor storm damage on the outside of your home before it finds its way into the inside. Below is a check list to help you find anything amiss!
The Roof
• Check for missing or loose shingles.
• Inspect the metal flashing around chimneys or skylights.
• Tour the attic and crawl spaces to verify that no water has leaked in.
• Clean out gutters and downspouts so that they don’t have a chance to back up.
• Make sure all downspouts are far away from your home’s foundation.
Siding, windows and doors
• Look for any loose or damaged siding and repair it.
• Make sure the seals around doors and windows it tight and now sagging. Replace caulking if it has become dried or missing in places.
• Use a bleach solution in window and door tracks to prevent mold growth.
Basements
• If you have a basement, inspect for water damage from cracks or the seam where the wall and floor come together.
• Make sure there is no standing water.
• Invest in a dehumidifier to remove moisture from high humidity areas like basements and mud rooms.
If you find water leaks or damage, try and locate the area where water is entering your home. See if you can determine the reason for the leak. Once you have made repairs, it’s imperative you disinfect, dry or remove any damp or wet building materials within 24 to 36 hours to stop mold.
If it comes down to major repairs call R & R Container Services to help you haul away damaged shingles, siding and dry wall at 770-975-9554.
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