A heavy rainstorm can trigger a series of problems for homes. Downpours, especially during unexpected times, can reveal that wear and tear has gone too far. Signs of vulnerability may include stains, damp odors, or mold growth. Left unchecked, these intrusions can compromise the structure of your home and your family’s health.
Cursory checks of specific areas in and around a home can help spot water trouble early. Identifying where water is getting in is the first step to solving the problem. We’re sharing seven spots you might not think to check—but should—after a hard rain.
Places to Check for Water
Routinely inspect these essential locations to stay one step ahead of storm and water damage.
1. Windows
Windows are obvious sources of water infiltration, but sometimes water doesn’t come through the panes or sills as one might expect. Instead, wind can push water through cracked caulking or damaged seals, allowing water to creep along the trim and into the walls. There, it can remain undetected for a long time before mold takes hold. Get ahead of costly remediation by inspecting windows. Touch the sill to check for dampness, and scan for new discoloration. Try a moisture meter if you can’t see any changes, but you can smell dampness.
2. Closets
Closets along exterior walls are good hiding spots for leaks. These spaces are dark and usually packed with items that can absorb moisture, such as coats, papers, and linens. Since closets aren’t used frequently, moisture changes can go unnoticed for a dangerously long time. Don’t wait until there’s a musty smell to inspect. Instead, check the corners of the ceilings and floors after every heavy rain. Look for warped shelves or damp carpet. These are just as serious signals of water infiltration as pooled water or brown streaks. Remove all items from the closet before dehumidifying and sealing any cracks.
3. Attics
The attic is the first place to look for roof trouble. If the wind has torn off shingles or gutters are clogged with branches, rain can enter the attic. Water that seeps beneath flashing often collects in the corners or trickles along beams, eventually staining insulation and wood. Like some closets, attics are rarely visited. This is why it’s important to make a deliberate check with a dust mask and a flashlight after a storm hits. Leaks that aren’t properly repaired can create costly and dangerous problems in the future. Identifying signs of water quickly helps address roof issues before they worsen.
4. Recessed Lighting
Lighting fixtures are also good places to spot water damage. The top floor, nearest the attic, may show signs of leaks sooner than other areas of the home. Look for a ring of discoloration around a fixture. Otherwise, if you hear crackling sounds when you flip the switch or see flickering bulbs, there may be moisture overhead. Electrical systems are sensitive to water, so if you see these signs, don’t try to DIY the diagnosis or the remedy. Your efforts could put you in danger and your home at risk. Contact a general contractor or a licensed electrician to ensure it’s safe to remove the lighting components, fix the leak, and replace any fixtures.
5. Basements
Like attics, basements are places where water naturally sits. During a storm or heavy rain, water can seep through the foundation, causing structural problems throughout the home. Check under any enclosed basement stairs for any pooling water. Check for peeling paint, swollen wood, or a musty smell from damp soil. Even without visible standing water, lingering moisture is a red flag. Those conditions can cause wood rot, attract bugs, and mold or mildew growth. Look for visible cracks in the walls and around windows or exhaust fans. If your basement has a crawlspace, check there too.
6. Foundation
Cracks in a foundation facilitate water intrusion. During a downpour, even small fractures can cause severe damage to your home. Watch out for damp streaks or chalky white residue, both of which may appear after stormwater has dried. Check the base of the house from the outside to see if there are any separations between the yard and the foundation. Then check inside, particularly along any drainage pipes from household appliances such as washers, dryers, or HVAC systems. Inspect after every storm.
7. Attached Garages
An attached garage can be a surprising source of leaks. If the driveway or sidewalk slopes toward your home, heavy rain may easily run into the garage, pooling near doorways, corners, and other stored items. Look for hairline cracks in the concrete, which can compromise the house’s structure over time. As with any other interior part of the home, look along lower walls, open storage containers, and notice any wood warping. Head off these leak problems before they reach your doorstep. Work with a garage expert to install a tough threshold seal that keeps rainwater at bay.
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