Moisture intrusion happens year-round, but fall and winter bring a lot of wind, snow, rain and ice, making the signs more noticeable and easy to spot and fix. Staying on top of potential water damage can maintain your home’s structural integrity and prevent costly repairs.

One of the best ways to catch problem areas is to regularly inspect your home during specific seasons. If you always check the gutters in the early spring, inspect your roof in the fall and watch for leaks in the winter, this routine will become ingrained, and you’ll have a well-maintained home that lasts for generations.

Here are the signs of water intrusion and moisture damage to look for during the cooler seasons and the checks you should do to spot them.

1. Check the Ceilings and Walls for Water Stains

Catching water damage early can save you thousands of dollars. The average national cost is between $1,300 and $6,000 for restoration after moisture.

Check your ceilings during fall rains and when snow and ice begin to melt and refreeze throughout the winter. Issues can arise in the middle of the season due to moisture getting into crevices, expanding as it freezes and causing damage.

• Look for yellow or brown stains on the ceilings and high on the walls.
• Pay attention to any damp patches that continue to grow.

Be sure to check in winter when ice melts, as water can intrude even more and make the problem more pronounced.

2. Survey Windows for Fog and Condensation

Another sign of ongoing issues can appear around windows. If you notice any of the following, you will want to take action to reduce the moisture in your home and prevent issues with wood rot and mold growth:

• Condensation between window panes
• Water sitting around window frames

The first step is to determine the issue. Your window could have a broken seal and need to be replaced. Alternatively, water could be leaking around your window casing, which can cause other issues, including black mold.

3. Inspect All Doors

During winter, ice can build up and create damage and issues around entryways to your home.

• Look for pooling water caused by more than tracked ice and snow.
• Feel around the door for air leaks that might also let in the elements.
• Rain and moisture can warp garage door panels and cause wood rot. Survey the door and seal to ensure there isn’t any damage you need to address.

Watch for the simple signs that you may need to perform maintenance to prevent ongoing damage.

4. Monitor Your Roof for Ice Dams

In the winter, heat can escape through your attic. Snow on the exterior melts and refreezes, creating potential ice dams in and around gutters. Additional melt-offs back up into your home, causing leaks and damaging insulation. Left untreated, the problem grows. To prevent the issue:

• Check your roof for ice dams in the gutters and around the edges where the gutters connect.
• Look for water dripping in your attic after ice and snow accumulate outside.

If you find ice dams, you’ll need the right tools to remove snow accumulation safely. Gently rake the snow off your roof so the sun can melt the ice. Apply an ice melt solution to the dam. Pour hot water on it to melt it, but be careful not to burn yourself or slip while doing so. You can also hire a professional with equipment to steam the ice away. Some homeowners have heating elements installed to prevent future issues.

5. Analyze Your Foundation

Another issue people sometimes miss in the fall and winter is issues with their foundation. In the colder months, rain and snow can seep into flaws in the foundation and create further problems. 

• Look for any buckles or bowed areas in your foundation.
• Pay attention to cracks and fill them as needed to prevent ice from accumulating, expanding and damaging your home’s structure. 
• If the soil around your home pulls away from the foundation, you may have an expansion issue. 

If you find an issue, you should hire a professional to analyze it and make recommendations to ensure your home remains livable. Foundation issues can cause many problems over time, so it’s crucial to fix them immediately. 

Get in the Habit of Inspecting

It’s wise to establish habits of inspecting your home’s interior and exterior, especially in the colder months. Moisture damage is intrusive and can sneak in before you realize what’s happening. Regular maintenance can prevent costly repairs or unlivable housing situations. Check for the signs and fix any problems immediately so you and your house will have many happy decades together. 

Protect your home from costly moisture damage! Schedule a professional water intrusion inspection today to catch issues early and keep your home safe. Schedule online today!

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]