AT HOME WITH STEPHANIE: Are spring showers hurting your home? – Wicked Local Medford

By Stephanie Vanderbilt

Q: Weve had a lot of rain this spring and Im concerned about the exterior of our home. Do we have to be concerned about mold growth and other damage?

A: While spring rain helps your garden grow, it can also hurt the exterior of your home. Excess moisture can open a costly can of worms that leaves New England homeowners shelling out hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs.

In order to keep more money in your wallet, it pays to be prepared on how spring rain can hurt your exterior. This includes knowing how to prevent mold growth on places such as your roof. Find below some insight on exterior water damage to watch out for during the warmer months:

Water damage on windows

Your windows have a big task to tackle. Theyre responsible for keeping your home dry while lowering your utility bills. Over the years, spring showers can take their toll on your replacement windows from an aesthetic and performance perspective.

When youre looking for water damage on windows, it will be most prevalent on windows made from wood. Wood window frames are very susceptible to moisture damage as well as mold and mildew growth -- especially when theyre not properly maintained. Youll want to look for signs of damage such as excessive peeling and rotting.

Vinyl replacement windows are resistant to springtime water damage. Windows are designed with either weep holes or sloped sills to help drain water. Sloped sills are often found on higher-end windows as they are more expensive to manufacturer.

Watching out for mold

If youre experiencing excess moisture around your windows, keep an eye out for mold growth. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, if wet areas on the inside of your home dry within 24 to 48 hours, youll generally avoid mold growth. If water pools or surfaces stay moist beyond that time frame, however, mold could begin to grow.

Condensation is another water-based issue that you could come across during the spring and summer months. Some level of condensation is normal, especially when the humidity is high. According to Energy Star, window treatments that allow air to flow over the windows surface can help reduce indoor condensation. If you have condensation between the glass panes, reach out to a window professional as you might have a seal failure. Read more about condensation on windows at mycoastalwindows.com/condensation-on-windows.

Overflowing gutters

Too much rain can overwork your gutter system. Rainwater is heavy and too much weight can cause your gutters to sag and even pull away from your home. If your gutters are clogged with leaves and other debris, this will become an even more serious issue.

If you notice gutter problems during heavy rains, youll need to quickly address the issue before you find yourself facing costly repair bills for your siding or roofing. Secure sagging gutters with new hangers, clear out debris and consider installing gutter guards. This will help filter rainwater through your gutter system while blocking out unwanted debris.

Leaky rooftop

A leaky roof is one of the biggest frustrations of owning a home. The best way to prevent leaks and mold growth is by investing in a sound roofing system. Unfortunately, mold and mildew can grow on asphalt shingles that are primarily covered in shaded areas under trees. Excess rainwater will drip down from the leaves even after a rainstorm has cleared, which adds even more water and moisture to your rooftop.

In addition, mold can cause stains that are permanent, which downgrades your curb appeal and quality of your roof. Mold can also completely compromise the shingle over time, which can lead to exposing the interior of your home and mold growth inside. If you can see mold growth, no matter how small, you should take immediate action.

A high-quality roofing system possesses several key elements to dramatically reduce the probability of mold and water damage, including:

-- Leak barrier protection. A protective leak barrier system is critical to keeping moisture out of your attic. This barrier creates a seal against rainwater when you need it the most.

-- Synthetic roof deck protection. This is a second layer of protection that prevents roof rot.

-- Ridge and soffit vents: These roof components also help control moisture by helping air circulate throughout your attic.

Dont live in fear of water damage and mold growth on your homes exterior.

-- Stephanie Vanderbilt, owner of Coastal Windows & Exteriors, would love to answer any questions that will help you make your home beautiful, warm, safe and energy-efficient. Ask her at svanderbilt@mycoastalwindows.com or call 978-304-0495.

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AT HOME WITH STEPHANIE: Are spring showers hurting your home? - Wicked Local Medford