The impact of heavy rain on your house can lead to considerable damage as it has the potential to flood basements, ruin foundations and building materials, and contribute to mold growth. The extent to which damage can occur depends on two factors: volume and duration. Once precipitation exceeds 0.30 inches per hour, it’s officially classified as “heavy rain” by meteorologists. Water damage to certain parts of the structure naturally becomes more likely, depending on the materials involved in construction, the location of the house and its general state of repair. It is important for homeowners to be aware of the potential problems specifically associated with heavy rainfall.
How Can Heavy Rains Damage My Home?
Heavy rains can cause damage in unexpected ways. When rain gets intense, you should consider the possibilities of how this affects your home. Knowing the risks is half the battle.
Basement Flooding
Once the soil is saturated by heavy rain, the basement may be compromised. Hydrostatic pressure pushing inward forces soil water through cracks and gaps in the concrete basement wall and/or upward through the basement floor, flooding the basement. Mold growth as well as damaged electrical panels, appliances and personal possessions stored in the basement are likely.
Roof Deterioration
Without properly installed gutters, rain can collect on your roof. This can lead to the breaking down of roofing materials. In time this causes weak points along the surface of your home. Overtime, the water could potentially enter your home and leaking into the upper floors or attic.
Faulty Seals
Installation of chimneys, skylights and plumbing vents all create “penetrations” which are sealed with flashing, caulk and roof cement. Homes can be more vulnerable to rain damage because there are more design breaks in the walls and roof. These breaks can be susceptible to water penetration if not properly sealed and maintained. All sealing methods eventually expand, dry out and erode so sealing material must be inspected annually and replaced or repaired to prevent water damage.
Foundation Cracks
Just as the top of a home can be damaged by the rain, the lowest points of a home can also be affected. A home is susceptible to cracking if the rainwater that falls around a property is not properly routed away from the home.
Siding Damage
Heavy rains can also cause a problem in a home’s siding. It is common that after several seasons of heavy rain, many homeowners resort to expensive siding replacement. Generally, this is caused by improper installation of gutters. If not corrected, the original problem will remain with water entering between the siding and the walls. If left uncorrected, this can also cause serious water damage or mold.
Sewer Backup
Too much rain can overload your sewage system with too much water, which is of course designed to remove unwanted substances from your home. This can cause blockages, overflowing and even backflows, which will deposit what you are trying to get rid of right back where it was disposed of in the first place. Not only is dealing with sewage incredibly unpleasant, it is also a health hazard.
Make the Right Call for Water Damage Restoration
The only thing worse than damage from heavy rain, is calling the wrong company to clean it up. Make your first call the right call. Xtreme Home Improvement is the leading restoration company in Central PA, and our dedication to customer service means we’ll exceed your expectations. We offer a full scope of water damage services that delivers complete and comprehensive solutions.
You can count on us to provide 24/7 emergency services. We will not only extract the water from your home but will also put our dehumidifiers to task, ensuring your entire home is free from water and moisture. With high-tech equipment and a well-designed procedure of tackling water damage restoration, you can be sure that there is no better company to get your home looking as good as new. And if any part of your home needs reconstruction, we have you covered. Call us today; we’re happy to answer your questions or schedule a consultation.