After Heavy Rains, Inspect Your Home for Water Damage

It seems like it’s been raining FOREVER in North Texas, but take heart! WFAA’s Meteorologist Pete Delkus tells us not only are we going to begin drying out, but Mother Nature will treat us to cool, fall-like nights in the 50’s! The Seay Realty Group is very happy about that!!

After the amount of rain we just experienced, know that water from high winds and heavy rains can wreak havoc on your house. Inspect your biggest asset for damage by doing these four things:

First, Check Carpets, Rugs and Wood Floors. If rainwater pushed up through your foundation or came in through unsealed windows & doors, dry those areas as quickly as possible. Mold will start to grow on or underneath a damp carpet within 24-48 hours – immediate attention is important!

–Remove rain-soaked rugs and wash & dry them yourself … or call a professional.

–Wall to wall carpeting should be pulled up so there’s no contact between the web fibers and the floor. Remove and replace any wet padding underneath, and use a wet/dry vac and several fans to dry the area quickly and thoroughly.

–Hardwood floors will warp if they absorb too much water. Sop up standing water using mops & towels. Open doors & windows to create cross-ventilation, and point multiple fans at the wet area. Run a dehumidifier if you can.

Second, Inspect your Attic. Even the strongest roof can be compromised by heavy rains like what we’ve experienced recently. Destructive winds can rip off shingles, sideways-blowing rain can pass right through ventilation panels, and falling trees can cause structural damage. Visit your attic and look for the following:

–Wet insulation. It can hold moisture, creating an ideal breeding ground for mold and bacterial. Wet insulation on a wood sub-floor can lead to rot. If you locate a wet portion of insulation, pull it out and dry out the affected area thoroughly.

–Finished attics. Same issues as the rest of the house. Remove any wet items and dry thoroughly.

Third, Examine Your Walls. Believe it or not, walls can be water damaged from severe storms. Leaky Windows are major culprits, but water can enter from other places too. If you see stains or discolored walls, bubbling paint or peeling wallpaper, you have probably sustained water damage. Call in a professional to find the source of your leak, and repair it.

Finally, Double Check Gutters and Downspouts. Clogged gutters can backflow and cause damage to the roof and attic. Most homeowners check their gutters and downspouts a couple times a year for clogs, but it’s worth it to check them after heavy rains. Remove leaves, twigs & other debris from your gutters, make sure openings to downspouts are clear and use a garden hose to check the water flow.

If you discover water damage, contact your house insurance company right away to inquire about your coverage and next steps.

Although we can’t control the weather, diligent inspections after heavy rains can help control how our home is affected. Pay close attention!

Resource: Liberty Mutual – Master This (you worry less when you know more)

Information provided by the Seay Realty Group, dedicated to service and exceeding your expectations. Call us today!