There are basic maintenance measures you can take to protect your home from rainwater damage. With extreme weather becoming more frequent in the UK, as a consequence of climate change, homes may be ill-equipped to handle heavy rain. Whilst leaks and burst pipes are beyond homeowner control, monitoring your home’s drainage system, roof integrity and gutter system can help you stay on top of any possible leaks, spotting them early on.
Maintaining your gutters and drains
- It is important to keep an eye on your drains and gutters to ensure there is no clogging. Consider cleaning gutters and downspouts at least twice a year to prevent leaks caused by rainwater. More so, if water is running down the exterior of your home from your gutters, this can also stain and cause mould on your home’s walls.
- If there are trees on your property, consider trimming them yearly if they grow close to your home. Trimming branches close to your roof can prevent the leaves clogging up your gutters.
- When assessing how your drains are performing, look out for water in your drains and gutters that is not moving. This stagnant water signals that your drains are not draining water properly. Consider adjusting your gutters so they slope downwards to promote water flow.
- Ensure the downspouts outside your home send water in the opposite direction of your home to stop water puddling around your home. If you do notice puddling water, this could lead to a leak in your home and foundation damage.
Ensure your roof is sealed and looked after
- A strong and secure roof is essential to fight against leaks and rainwater damage. Regular roof inspections and maintenance can help spot early problems in your roofing system.
- If you can safely access your roof, check for roof cracks, soft areas and loose slates. If water is entering home, mould will begin to grow, so keep an eye out for patches of black spores.
Weakened foundations
- Heavy rainwater can really take a toll on your roof, gutter system and foundations. Rainwater which gathers around your property can seep through the ground and damage your home’s foundations, as water makes the soil expand. As the ground proceeds to dry from the rain, this can cause the soil to retract and shrink, leaving lasting damage to your home’s foundations. In severe cases, this can result in your home sinking or moving in it’s foundations. Weakened foundations can be stopped through having an adequate draining system which directs water away from your home.
- The age and size of your home will also contribute to the likelihood of foundation damage. Older foundations will be less rigid, thus it is imperative to monitor your home’s structural integrity if your home is older.
When to call a professional
There are only a few preventative measures you can take when preparing your home against rainwater damage. If you do spot a leak in your home, the issue will need to be assessed by a professional immediately. Leaks signal a wider issue in your home, as water is travelling around your home’s structure permeating your ceiling or floorboards. If left unchecked, a leak will only become more severe and damaging to your home’s structural integrity.
If you have the unfortunate problem of realign with a leak, caused by rainwater, it is best to enlist a specialist. Specialists in water leak detection from Aspect, will be able to treat your leak quickly and with discretion. Traditional methods of leak detection resulted in expensive damage to homes, as carpet and flooring needed to be uprooted for access to pipes and ceiling cavities. Aspect professionals use modern technology to locate leaks caused by rainwater damage, with little to no damage to your home. After finding the source of the issue, Aspect experts offer support in home insurance claims, if the damage is extensive. Alongside this, experts will reseal the problem area, resecuring your home against the elements.