Prevent Home Damage From Harsh Weather

Rain storms that are common in many areas of the country in the spring could wreak havoc on your home if you don't take the necessary precautions to prevent damage.

High winds and rain that are common in spring could damage roofs and infiltrate the house in other ways, such as through poorly sealed door and window frames, say experts. All it takes is a few inches of water to severely damage walls, flooring and other areas of your home.

If you didn't do a routine check of your home prior to the winter season, it could pay to inspect and repair certain items before the spring rains hit. Here's what to look for.

* If you have an attic, venture up there to check for any wet spots.

* Check the chimney and any vents for cracks or leaks in the flashing.

* Look in the eaves for water backup from ice dams.

* Check the roof for peeling, buckling or missing shingles. You may need to replace the entire roof or do patch work.

* Look in the gutters for leaf accumulation or excessive amounts of granules from roof shingles. Clean out the leaves. Granules could indicate your shingles are worn out and may need to be replaced.

* Check for discoloration around windows and door frames. This could indicate a leak or condensation accumulation that has dripped down onto woodwork or sheetrock.

* Inspect your property to see if any grading changes have occurred from winter snow and shoveling. Look for pooling areas of water. A change in property grading could cause water to flow toward your house instead of away from it.