Rain in East Texas isn’t just a seasonal concern—it can come in bursts, sometimes intense enough to put even the sturdiest homes to the test. As your local home inspector in East Texas, ensuring your home is prepared for rainy seasons (or sudden showers) is crucial for avoiding water damage, mold, and costly repairs. Here’s a guide to help keep your home safe and dry during East Texas storms.
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Start with the Roof: A Home Inspector’s Perspective
- Inspect Shingles and Flashing: Damaged or missing shingles are an easy entry point for rainwater, leading to leaks and interior water damage. Flashing, the metal around chimneys and vents, should also be intact and rust-free.
- Clean the Gutters: Gutters direct water away from your home’s foundation. If they’re clogged, water can overflow, spilling down walls and causing both foundation and siding damage.
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Foundation and Grading Check by Your East Texas Home Inspector
- Keep Water Away from the Foundation: Improper grading around your home can cause water to pool near the foundation, potentially leading to cracks and leaks. Ensure that the ground slopes away from your home, not toward it.
- Check for Cracks: Small cracks can expand with time and water exposure. If you notice any cracks around the foundation, consider sealing them to prevent water intrusion.
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Sealing Windows and Doors: Essential for Rainy Days in East Texas
- Inspect Weatherstripping: Worn or missing weatherstripping around doors and windows can let rain and moisture in. Replacing weatherstripping is a small investment that can prevent significant damage.
- Use Caulking for Gaps: Any visible gaps around windows or doors should be caulked to seal them against water intrusion. This also improves energy efficiency by reducing drafts.
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Keep an Eye on Landscaping: Tips from Your Local Home Inspector
- Trim Overhanging Trees and Bushes: While trees add beauty to your yard, overhanging branches can drop debris onto your roof, clog gutters, and damage shingles. Trim back any trees or large bushes that could become problematic in a storm.
- Clear Drainage Paths: If your yard has drainage channels, make sure they’re clear of leaves and debris. Clogged channels can cause water to pool and lead to soil erosion around your foundation.
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Consider Basement and Crawl Space Solutions for Rainy Seasons
- Invest in a Sump Pump: For homes with basements, a sump pump can prevent flooding by diverting water away from the house. Regularly test the sump pump to ensure it’s in good working order.
- Crawl Space Ventilation: A damp crawl space can lead to mold growth. Ensuring your crawl space has proper ventilation and a vapor barrier will help manage moisture levels.
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Regular Inspections Matter: Trust Your East Texas Home Inspector
- Having a professional inspection can reveal small issues before they become big problems. During a home inspection, an inspector like me will check these crucial areas, providing you with a clear picture of your home’s defenses against the weather. If you want to ensure your property is storm-ready, an inspection is a smart first step.
Conclusion
Preparing your home for the rainy season can feel like a chore, but a little prevention can go a long way. Whether it’s cleaning the gutters, checking for foundation cracks, or sealing up windows, these small steps will help you avoid big problems down the road. If you’re uncertain about any areas of your home, consider scheduling a professional inspection to make sure you’re covered.
Book Your Home Inspection With Kubara Inspection Services
Looking for a home inspection in Jacksonville, TX, or the surrounding East Texas area? Kubara Inspection Services provides expert residential inspections in Tyler, Rusk, Palestine, Athens, Nacogdoches, Canton, and Lindale. Michael Kubara (TREC#26495) takes pride in empowering homebuyers to make informed decisions. We inspect homes within a 50-mile radius of Jacksonville, TX. Book your inspection today!
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