Skip to main content

January 29, 2024

Watch Out For Water Intrusion

water

We’ve been getting our fair share of rain so far this year, and it’s a great time to evaluate the home—or the one you’re thinking about buying—for signs of water intrusion.

Whether you’re a homeowner or a home buyer having a property inspected, here’s a checklist of things to monitor.

Roof leaks. Check for staining or wetness around vents, exhaust fans, and skylights. Make sure your flashing is not corroded or in disrepair. If you have an attic, it’s a good idea to get up there and make sure everything is dry.

Damp areas on garage floors. Water can enter underneath doors and overwhelm interior drains, leading to standing water that can do damage. Make sure all drains are cleared. You also might notice cracks in the concrete where water is coming up through the ground. There are many reasons for this activity, but I recommend consulting a contractor who knows his or her way around a foundation.

Pools of water at the back of the building. Many homes in San Francisco are on hills or inclines. Water can run toward the house as a result. It’s important to have adequate drainage to divert water away from the building so it doesn’t ultimately undermine the foundation or get through doors.

Dry rot around windows and doors on the interior and exterior. Most leaks happen at the joints and corners. This can be an easy fix with caulk or another type of waterproof sealant.

Explore All Posts

Blogging Since 2008

Posts by Neighborhood

Posts by Category

Posts by Year