Before the cold weather arrives, have you put your gutters, roof and pipes through their paces? Are you ready for the rains that are on the way and do you know the warning signs of a leak before it is too late?
We at H&L Remediation can tell you from experience how fast winter water damage will make a nice home a source of stress. Our 15 or more years of combined experience as a local San Jose restoration firm has been put to use throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Should you require our services, we are at (408) 516-9131.
There is no better time than fall to get your house in order for the winter. The Bay Area does not see much by way of snow, but the wet season puts down enough rain to exploit any vulnerability in your home. Put in some work now and you will be sparing yourself thousands of dollars and a good deal of trouble down the road.
Why You Should Prepare in the Fall
Water damage has a habit of being stealthy. One might not see a slow leak under a floor or in a wall for weeks; when it is finally found, there could be mold and ruined materials to contend with. In the fall you have an opportunity to put an end to such matters prior to the heavy rains. For the most part, what passes for winter water damage is avoidable. Those who put in the time to tend to their property in the fall are not the ones making emergency calls come January.
Gutter Maintenance
Leaves and other detritus clogging up your gutters is a prime culprit of winter water damage. The blockage causes water to back up and run over the sides where it can make its way into the foundation, walls and roof. Before the first rain you should:
- Clear out all debris and twigs
- Use a hose to flush the gutters and downspouts and be sure they are flowing
- Make certain downspouts are directed from the foundation
- See if any sections are loose or sagging
- Check for rust, cracks and seams that have separated
- If water has a tendency to pool near the house, put in some downspout extensions
A Look at the Roof
Storms will drive water in through even a couple of bad shingles, so give your roof some attention. Examine the area around the chimney, vents and skylights for flashing that may have worked itself loose. Any softness or staining on an interior ceiling is telling you that water is already inside.
Windows and Doors
Cold air and water are one and the same when there is a gap in your windows or doors. Some new caulk and weatherstripping will put an end to moisture and do your heating bill some good as well. On a windy day you can put your hand to the frame and feel the draft.
Pipes
A burst pipe is about the quickest way to flood a place. We may be milder than most in the Bay Area but cold snaps do occur. To be on the safe side:
- Insulate any exposed pipes in the attic, garage or crawl space
- Drain and put away outdoor hoses
- Be sure you can find the main shutoff valve
- A dripping faucet will keep the water going in a hard freeze
- Seal off any cracks that would allow cold air to the pipes
Sump Pump
If you are equipped with a sump pump, test it this fall. Add some water to the pit and verify the pump is working and draining as it should. A storm and a pump failure can have a basement under water in hours.
Early Warnings
You can prepare as you like and still have issues crop up. Be on the lookout for mustiness, peeling paint, unexplained charges on your water bill or stains on a wall. They are usually the first indication of a leak you cannot see. Address it promptly to contain the damage.
H&L Remediation is Here to Help
Then again, water will sometimes get in despite your best efforts. When it does, you need someone you can put your trust in. We are that team for the Bay Area, offering 24 hour service and free estimates for everything from sewage and fire damage to mold inspection and removal. We are also pleased with our A+ rating from the BBB.
Make the call to us at (408) 516-9131 and let us put our experience to work for you this winter before a minor matter gets out of hand.