Make an informed decision.

Keep the rainwater out

As GTA is continuing to deal with the record-breaking rainfall, I wanted to suggest you these simple steps that will ensure that the rainwater stays out of your home – where it belongs.

Clean your eavestroughs (roof gutters) of debris. You can do it in few different ways.

Why: Debris in the gutter will block the flow of water towards downspout and eventually to the drain. As a result, it may overflow, damaging fascia board, soffit and/or roof sheathing and end up in the living area through the attic. Lack of proper gutters is also a major factor in the moisture related issues. In order to do their job properly, gutter downspouts should have splash blocks or flexible downspout extensions to prevent ponding, puddling and splash-back near the foundation. You should arrange to clean your gutters twice a year. If the gutters are full of leaf debris, pine needles or shingle grit, rainwater will overflow and cascade over the under-eave structures, possibly causing moisture related damage.

How:

  1. Cheapest but labour intensive method: place an extension ladder at the edge and remove debris by hand or brush. Make sure to wear good quality gloves. Be safe and always work in team when using a ladder.
  2. As an alternative, use a Rain Gutter Cleaning Tool available on Amazonsimilar to this telescopic watering wand attached with a garden hose or pressure washer.            
  3. Get the help of a professional eavestrough cleaning company.

Maintain the grade around the house.

Why: The grade should slope down away from the house on all sides. A general rule of thumb is 1/2″ to 1″ for every foot. The grade sloping toward the house is the leak waiting to happen through the foundation wall. Many basement leaks can be corrected by just improving the grade. Newly built houses are more susceptible to grading issues because of the settlement during first few years. (Photo courtesy: InterNachi)

How: For new house owners, your builder is responsible for final lot grading but you are responsible to maintain that eventually. For older houses, it is strongly recommended to get assistance from a professional unless you are a handy person experienced in lot grading.

Ensure proper exterior caulking around the house

Why: exterior caulk prevents moisture from seeping in through the joints and corners. A good quality, properly done caulking can last as much as 5-8 years at which time it needs to be re-done. Look for caulk around windows, at dissimilar joints and at corners.

ext-caulking-cracking

How: You need to redo the caulking if it is shrunk, has developed cracks and turned brittle. New house owners should ensure that their builder has caulked at all required areas on exterior (and interior). exterior caulking requires more skill than interior because of the height and/or size. In case of larger gaps, you may also need foam backer rod to support the caulk.

It is very important to note that different types of caulk are used in different locations and that some knowledge is required when selecting the correct caulking product.Be aware that some types of sealants are not designed for exterior exposure. If caulking compounds of an improper type are applied where they are exposed to sunlight, heat and weather, relatively early failure of the applied sealant should be anticipated. If interior-type sealants are inadvertently applied to exterior exposure, they should be removed as soon as the first indication of deterioration becomes evident.

So just by following these 3 simple steps, you can minimize any likelihood of rainwater leaking in the house.

If you already suspect a leak but cannot figure out the location or amount of damage, thermal imaging is a very powerful tool that can assist you. For the negligible cost, it can help you determine the location of the issue and suggest a resolution.

Here is an example of moisture that is not visible with naked eye but detected by thermal imaging camera.

For any home inspection needs including Tarion warranty inspections, remember to contact your neighbourhood home inspector at 416.315.5737. Visit www.prismhomeinspections.com for more information.

Ash Bhatt

http://www.prismhomeinspections.com

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