Heavy rain has a way of exposing problems with a home that may otherwise go unnoticed.
A small opening, drainage issue, or problem with the exterior of your home can quickly lead to water entering basements, walls, ceilings, and other areas. Knowing the most common entry points can help homeowners identify the source and prevent repeated water damage.
Foundation Cracks
Cracks in foundation walls are one of the most common ways rainwater enters a basement. During periods of heavy or prolonged rain, the soil surrounding the foundation becomes saturated and places additional water pressure against the walls. Water can then work its way through cracks that may have remained dry during normal weather.
Even a small foundation crack can allow a surprising amount of water into a basement during a severe storm. Repeated water intrusion can also damage drywall, insulation, flooring, and other finished materials and create conditions that support mold growth.
Poor Grading Around the Foundation
The soil surrounding a home should slope away from the foundation so rainwater naturally moves away from the structure. Over time, soil can settle and create low areas where water collects against the house.
When large amounts of rainwater repeatedly collect beside the foundation, that moisture can eventually find its way through cracks, joints, and other openings. Correcting drainage and grading problems is often an important part of preventing the water damage from returning.
Clogged Gutters
Gutters play an important role in controlling the large amount of rainwater that comes off a roof. When gutters become clogged with leaves, dirt, or other debris, water can overflow instead of being carried to the downspouts.
That overflowing water may run down siding, collect near the foundation, or enter around fascia boards and other roof components. During heavy rainfall, clogged gutters can contribute to both basement water problems and water damage higher up in the home.
Downspouts Too Close to the Foundation
A gutter system can be working perfectly and still cause water problems if the downspouts discharge too close to the house. Large amounts of roof runoff being released directly beside the foundation can quickly saturate the surrounding soil.
Downspouts should direct water away from the structure to an appropriate drainage area. If you repeatedly notice water in the same area of your basement after heavy rain, checking where the nearest downspout empties is a good place to start.
Roof Leaks
Rainwater can enter through missing or damaged shingles, deteriorated flashing, roof penetrations, valleys, chimneys, vents, and other vulnerable areas of a roofing system.
One of the challenges with roof leaks is that the visible water damage may not be directly below the actual leak. Water can travel along roof decking, rafters, or other building materials before eventually reaching a ceiling or wall. This is why locating the actual source is important before repairs begin.
Windows and Doors
Windows and exterior doors are another common source of rainwater intrusion, particularly during storms involving strong winds. Failed caulking, deteriorated seals, damaged flashing, or improper installation can allow water to penetrate around the opening.
Water entering around a window or door can also travel inside the surrounding wall cavity. In some cases, homeowners don’t discover the problem until drywall becomes stained, paint begins bubbling, trim deteriorates, or a musty odor develops.
Basement Windows and Window Wells
Basement window wells are especially vulnerable during periods of heavy rain. They are designed to drain water away, but clogged drains, poor drainage, or improper covers can cause the well to fill with water.
Once water rises high enough, it can leak around the window frame or enter directly through the window. A flooded window well can introduce a significant amount of water into a finished basement in a very short period of time.
Siding and Exterior Penetrations
Rainwater can also get behind siding or enter around exterior penetrations such as plumbing lines, electrical components, exhaust vents, utility connections, and other openings in the building envelope.
These leaks can be particularly difficult to identify because the water may remain hidden inside the wall. Over time, trapped moisture can damage sheathing, insulation, drywall, and wood framing and potentially contribute to mold growth.
Finding the Source of Rainwater Intrusion
Cleaning up visible water is only part of solving a rainwater intrusion problem. If the source isn’t identified and corrected, the same area may become wet every time there is another significant storm.
If you notice staining, damp building materials, musty odors, bubbling paint, damaged drywall, wet carpeting, or other signs of water intrusion after heavy rain, the affected areas should be properly evaluated. Mold Solutions & Inspections can help determine the extent of water damage, identify areas where moisture may be hidden, and develop the appropriate drying and restoration plan.