Today’s Forecast…Rain
Fun fact: Officially, a trace or more of precipitation has fallen on 123 of 171 days in 2019 in Pittsburgh. That’s 72% of the days…only 28% of days have been totally dry. This according to Jeff Verszyla and WhiteBoard Weather.
To date, our longest streak of consecutive dry days has been (drum roll please) three days. Which is great for some residents of Pittsburgh such as fish, grass you’re unable to cut, and other wildlife. However, for you, a homeowner this can spell trouble for your home.
Besides an increased risk of flooding in areas of Southwestern Allegheny County and Washington County. Storms and precipitation can wreak havoc not only on the outside of your home, but inside as well. If you didn’t this Spring, whenever we finally get a break in the weather be sure to give the following things a look:
Missing Shingles
“Will my roof leak with one shingle missing?” Most of the time, when you see a missing shingle, you’re looking at one tab of a three-tab shingle. With a strong gust of wind, the shingle tab tore apart, then blew off your roof and landed in your yard. If that’s the case, where one shingle tab blew off your roof – you have a one in three chance that the missing shingle was sitting directly above an open seam between the shingles below.
Water will find its way into this gap and leak under your shingles. That doesn’t mean that you will immediately see water pouring through the ceiling into your living room.
Because, below the shingles and above the roof sheathing lies a layer of felt paper. This felt paper may repel some of the water…temporarily. However, even with a moderate level of protection provided by the felt paper, your roof needs immediate attention.
Because a missing shingle left unfixed, could lead to a much bigger roof leak – especially in heavy rain.
Gutters
Dirty and clogged gutters are a sure fire way to invite water damage into your home. When your gutters are clogged and overflow, water runs down the side of your home and eventually into your basement. In addition, when water runs over your gutters and down the sides of your home, it will eventually find its way into your home. You may not notice the damage water is causing behind your siding, in your window frames or under your flooring until significant harm is done.
One of the best ways to avoid a flooded basement is to keep up with gutter maintenance.
Proactive Steps Save Homes
When it comes to inclement weather, the best thing you can do for your home is be proactive:
- Checking regularly for damage.
- Check and clean gutters.
- Look for any areas that could lead to a water problem.
However, sometimes being proactive isn’t enough. When you come home to a flooded basement, kitchen, or anything in between. We’re here for you. Call Duckstein.
We can’t always predict the weather. But we’re always prepared for today’s forecast…rain.
— Henry D. Duckstein
Duckstein Restoration has been a family owned and operated business since 1971, we are Pittsburgh’s largest and most awarded restoration company. We are Pittsburgh’s water mitigation experts.
