Examples of water damage on structures

1. WATER DAMAGE
E x a m p l e s a n d p r e v e n t i o n
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2. WATER DAMAGE
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Welcome to our slideshow showcasing the effects of water damage on
buildings. As you browse through these photographs, you'll witness the
consequences of unchecked water flow on structures and landscaping.
In each one of these situations, gutters could have prevented or
mitigated this damage by managing and redirecting water flow.
Over time, water can erode any matrial - including
rock.

3. Cracked or uneven sidewalks are often the first sign of water damage you'll see on a home.
Water erodes the surface of concrete as it drips down from a roof, but also causes the
concrete itself to shift and crack as the soil underneath the sections begins to erode.

4. A fairly extreme example of a sidewalk cracking and shifting. This
presents a tripping hazard.

5. On new homes without grass or landscaping, erosion is
dramatically accelerated.

6. Excessive moisture can also cause concrete to mildew, especially in areas without lots of
sunlight. In this example, water is being funneled onto the sidewalk from the roof into this
semi-enclosed area. You can expect these panels to crack and dislocate with time.

7. In the winter, this would also present a safety problem. Water from the roof would melt and
then freeze on the concrete steps.
Ideally, water would be directed away from this area with gutters and a downspout.

8. When gutter is not installed, water will will drip onto the ground, and "splash" against the sides of
the structure - carrying moisture and dirt with it.
Splashback on this elevated deck is causing mildew to build up on both the deck and the siding.
With enough time, the wood on the deck will start to rot - causing a serious safety issue.

9. Splashback has caused this siding to mildew. This wood is soft and starting to rot. In
addition to being unsightly and structurally weak, damp or rotting wood can attract
insects. It will need to be replaced.
"Splash line"

10. Splashback against the frame of the door is causing the wood to rot.

11. Splashback has caused this garage door to mildew. A powerwasher can be used to
clean the surface.

12. Unfortunately, some garage doors can't simply be cleaned. This garage door is made
of wood. Splashback has caused the wood to swell and rot. While the section may be
replaced, the entire door will need to be repainted to match.

13. Here you can see the impact of splashback on new siding. With time, the moisture will
attract green mildew. In the meantime, the landscaping is beginning to erode around
the home. This is a precursor to serious (and expensive) foundation issues.
"Splash line"

14. "Splash line"
Over the years, water will carve a channel on the exteriors of home much like this.
This particular channel may have formed while the home was under construction,
before the landscaping and grass had a chance to grow in.

15. "Splash line"
Here you can see how water spilling from a valley into the yard has dramatically
eroded the landscaping. Areas beneath roof valleys are especially prone to water
damage.

16. From time to time, you'll see homes with water seeping into the basement. Gutters can help prevent
this situation from developing by preventing the buildup of hydrostatic pressure.
Leaks liks this can also be caused by water following an incline into the foundation of a home, or a
cracked or poorly constructed foundation.

17. Just because a home has gutters doesn't mean they are functioning properly. In fact, a home
with failing gutters can actually be more prone to water damage - the failing part of the system can
collect and dump water into vulnerable parts of the home's exterior.
Areas beneath failing gutters should always be inspected.

18. THANK YOU
You're ready to move onto the next lesson!