How to Prevent Summer Water Damage in Minneapolis

Posted on by Homes Reinvented by Satin Touch

Water damage during the summer months are commonly the result of torrential rains, damaged rooftops, gutter overflows, or faulty air conditioning units. Water and storm damage to residential or commercial properties average $2,665, but can exceed $13,000 depending on the true extent of the damage, according to HomeAdvisor.com.

Also, property owners must consider the additional, long-term problems that flooding can cause, including mold, mildew, and wood rot from clean sources of water and health or quality of life issues when unclean water enters the home’s drywall, carpeting, and wood flooring. Continue reading to discover ways you can prevent summer water damage in Minneapolis.

Keep Gutters Clear of Debris

Gutters can be the cause of interior water damage during heavy summer rains when leaves, sticks, dirt, and grime are allowed to build up. Water overflowing from gutters can enter a home by seeping beneath the siding or ponding at the home’s foundation. If you notice the landscape around your home is eroding, the basement walls are wet after a heavy rain, or the fascia boards on your eaves are starting to rot, you should have your roofing system, gutters, and downspouts inspected, cleaned, and repaired.

Fix Leaky Bathroom Fixtures

Your bathroom or kitchen plumbing is often a source of water damage either by accidental events or hidden pipes that are leaking or broken fixtures. The most damage occurs over time, where a slow leak behind a wall can weaken flooring members. When this occurs, homeowners may require a major bathroom restoration to shore up structural elements. A large increase in your monthly water bill and these other signs may point to leaking fixtures in the kitchen or bathroom:

  • An earthy or musty smell in the bathroom
  • Signs of mold around windows and outside tub
  • Bathroom flooring seems weak or bouncy
  • Discoloration on ceiling below the bathroom

Inspect AC Units for Standing Water

If the AC unit is leaking water from drain lines or the condensate pump, your home can suffer water damage, mold and mildew growth and even the possibility of electrical wires becoming wet and causing a short circuit. If you AC unit shows signs of leaking above and beyond the normal condensation you would expect to see, it is important to stop the leak before water damage occurs. Check for a blockage in the drain line and make sure the AC unit is level so that excess water does not flow into the home. Summer is the perfect time to have your AC unit inspected and tuned up.

Foundation or Grade Problems

Look for the signs of a bad grade on your property which would cause rain water to flow towards the home and penetrate the structural foundation. Noticing these early warning signs can save your home from major water damage after heavy rains:

  • basement wall cracks
  • sagging floors
  • wet crawl space
  • high indoor humidity
  • basement smells musty
  • doors that stick
  • pooling water near home

Broken Windows or Frames

A more obvious way to prevent summer water damage is to have broken windows replaced or frames repaired. The combination of a faulty frame and rain that is driven by the winds can turn a small amount of water infiltration into a more serious problem. Water forced through window and frame cracks can discolor wall paint, destroy wall papering, and cause floor damage and wet carpet. Any moisture that is hidden has the potential to damage the home’s framework and subflooring.

Summer is the perfect time for a home inspection for hidden water damages and sources of water infiltration. Contact Satin Touch to discuss our full service offerings for water damage and restoration in Minneapolis homes and businesses.