With spring approaching, along comes increasing chances of severe storms and heavy rain in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Although the intensified precipitation seems like a welcome change from the bitter cold, the associated rain leakage can be a detrimental issue, leading to the likelihood of water damage and mold.

Without rain leakage protection, you may be spending your spring cleaning wiping up mold and contacting a water damage restoration company. RestoPros recommends every Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowner to make ample preparations against rain leakage. Follow these tips below to ready your home for spring!

Maintain Your Foundation

  • Check along the foundation of your home for any cracks, chips, or any other degradation, as these problems can lead to leaks.
  • If cracks are larger than a hairline, clear out any debris using a screwdriver, and use an adhesive patch to seal the crack (Polyurethane, silicone, or latex concrete caulk is available at almost any department store).
  • Be sure to monitor the bricks and concrete around your doors and windows as well, as these are especially vulnerable to rain leakage when surrounding foundation is damaged.

Monitor Your Exterior Paint

  • After examining your foundation, you’ll want to monitor your home’s exterior paint for additional cracks and deterioration.
  • Receding exterior paint offers little defense against rainwater seeping into your home and should have a new coat added if in poor condition.
  • Generally, wood siding requires new coats every 3-7 years, while aluminum siding lasts about 5-6 years. Additionally, painted brick has a much longer lifespan of 15-20 years, but can still require the occasional touch-up depending on its condition.

Clear Your Downspout and Gutter

  • Rain leakage is no different than winter leakage when it comes to gutters and downspouts, as blockage and clogs can cause the same kind of damage.
  • Flush out any clogs in your downspout using a water hose or drain cleaning tool, and make sure your downspout has a clear passage before cleaning your gutter.
  • When cleaning your gutter, be sure to practice ladder safety: keep ladder legs on solid and level ground, never use the top step, and dry your feet before stepping on the ladder.
  • Using a water hose or drain cleaning tool, unclog any blockage on each of your gutters. Be sure to test your gutters with a pitcher of water after cleaning to ensure they have a clear passage towards your downspout.

Inspect Your Roof

  • While you’re up next to your gutters, be sure to give a quick examination of your roof to avoid rain leaking into the attic.
  • Your roof should be examined once a month for any damages or loss of shingles. Doing so will help you act accordingly to avoid an issue becoming too severe over time.

Seal Windows and Doors

  • Using weather stripping, seal any open cracks on your doors and windows to avoid moisture seeping into your home.
  • Weather stripping can be found at almost any department store and are used on both doors and windows to prevent drafts and moisture.
  • Additionally, you can purchase insulated covers for your windows, as well as door seals to maximize moisture protection for your home.

Rain leakage protection is important as we enter spring and should be practiced by every Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowner. However, do be aware if rain leakage has occurred to contact RestoPros to assess your home for any water damage or mold. Our water damage restoration and mold testing services help to guarantee safety and comfort for your home. Give us a call at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment and get started.