Water Intrusion Detection

If you’re not familiar with the term water intrusion, you may think we’re only talking about when a major storm floods properties throughout a community. Of course, flooding is one source of water intrusion. Anytime water enters your home or business in a way that it shouldn’t, that’s water intrusion. In the areas we serve, water intrusion is often the result of leaks through openings in the exterior. Common types of exterior leaks include:

• Basement leaks. When the ground around your property becomes saturated, water comes inside through foundation cracks or as water vapor through concrete or brick walls.
• Roof Leaks. Broken or missing shingles, damaged flashing, or blocked gutters are common problems that can cause your roof to leak. Unfortunately, you may not realize you have a roof leak until the water has caused significant damage. Often, by the time a ceiling leak makes you aware of a roof leak, there may be structural damage in the attic and excessive mold growth.
• Other exterior leaks. Another place to watch for exterior leaks is near doors and windows. Over time, the pieces of the caulking around doors and windows can come out. The gaps where caulking should be give water a place to come inside.

For roof leaks and other above grade leaks, fixing the leak is the first step. If you can’t tell where the water is coming from, give us a call. We specialize in leak detection and repair. After we fix the leak, we can repair areas the water damaged.

Basements leaks are a little more complicated. Sometimes, water intrusion in the basement can be solved by keeping water away from the foundation. Here are some steps you can take:

• Clean gutters. Clogged gutters cannot send water to the downspouts and away from your building.
• Redirect downspouts. Their openings should be in a direction that diverts water to flow away from the building. Consider adding downspout extenders if downspouts release water less than five feet from the building.
• Look at your yard. Is it graded to direct water away from your home? If your yard slopes toward your home, you may need to dig a swale (shallow ditch).

Finding gaps in the foundation can be a challenge for homeowners and business owners. We can help. We’re experts in slab leak detection.

It’s a smart move for homeowners and business owners to inspect their properties regularly. We suggest doing this at least every four months. You’ll catch problems early when they are easiest (and cheapest) to fix. Your inspection should include these important areas:

• The Roof. Don’t worry, we’re not suggesting you climb up there. You can do your inspection from the ground. (Binoculars can be useful.) Loose, cracked, or missing shingles require prompt repair. Loose or corroded flashing also has to be addressed. Check to see if there are any gaps around vents or the chimney.
• Gutters. You’re looking to see if your gutters have become clogged again.
• The Attic. Sometimes, a roof leak is hard to see from outside. Wet insulation, mold growth, or a musty smell are signs of a roof leak.
• The Basement. Your foundation is the most important part of your home or commercial property. If you find signs of water intrusion like damp walls, mold, or water stains, it’s important to find the cause quickly.

With Twin Home Experts, you receive the benefit of our decades of experience dealing with water intrusion, leaks, and water damage. Contact us today to have one of our experienced professionals come out to your home or business.