And Then The Rains Came

There’s nothing more upsetting to the homeowner than waking up in the middle of the night during a punishing rainstorm and hearing the soft drip, drip, drip of water coming from the ceiling above. We’ve all been there. You bolt out of bed, flashlight in hand, searching for the leak, hoping that it’s just your imagination. And if it is a leak, you hope it’s a small one – not a large leak that might ruin your walls, flooring, carpets, furniture, and electronics.

Since the dawn of the first thatched-roof hut, thousands of years ago, water has been the enemy of the homeowner. Fortunately, home building technology has seen many advancements since the days when thatching was employed to shelter our heads from rain, sleet, and snow. But, the water still manages to get inside the home from time to time. Doesn’t it? And, when water gets into the house – through leaks in the roofing, gaps in the siding, or improperly-sealed windows and doors – the homeowner is often left cleaning up quarts (or gallons) of water. If the home sustains damage from water seepage, it can be expensive to clean up and repair the damage to prevent mold growth and maintain the value of the home.

No home is 100% protected from water seepage. Even those with a high structural integrity can be affected by the force of wind-driven rain. So, it’s safe to say that water will always be a concern for homeowners. BUT! There is something that every home owner can do to reduce the risk of water seepage due to rainfall and snowmelt. And it usually starts with your roofing, doors, and windows.

Most new homes are built to industry standards that help ensure gaps and seals around doors and windows are minimized to a specific degree. In other words, a new home is a lot more resistant to air and water seepage around windows and doors than an older home. At the same time, a new roof is also fairly water tight. But, with age comes change. Yes, as a home begins to age and settle, gaps around doors and windows sometimes begin to widen. Each of these gaps is an opening that can let in wind-driven rainwater that can damage your home. Additionally, wind and other weather elements (harsh sun, heavy snowfall) can impact the integrity of your roofing, creating spots where rainwater can seep in. Some of the other areas where water gets into the home through the roof include air vents, ridge caps, flashing, dormer valleys, and around gutters and downspouts.

So, what can the homeowner do to help prevent water seepage and damage? The first thing to do is have your home inspected by a professional. They’ll tell you where your doors, windows, and roofing may be failing you. And if you’re in need of replacement windows, storm doors, entry doors, or a new roof overhead, you can count on Continental Siding to show you a wide selection of materials that’ll help keep your home dry.

This article was brought to you by Continental Siding in Kansas City, a leading provider of home improvement products and services that aim to help them keep homes looking great and performing well. Ask us about our wide array of roofing products for your home!