Home repair after Harvey: Act now to prevent future damage

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – While the deluge of rain has passed along with Hurricane Harvey, your home may just now be showing signs of water damage – or may now be more susceptible to future damage.

Woodlands Online visited with Greg Kapitan, president of Texas Home Exteriors Inc. for more information on what to watch for when it comes to damage – and who to look for when it comes to repairs.

Q: How do I know if my roof has been damaged?

A: The first obvious sign is shingles have been blown off or torn up. But even if you can't see visual damage, you can and should still check for other signs. Water can make its way underneath shingles, especially when we have wind-driven rain. If water has seeped between roofing shingles and the decking, or penetrated through nail heads, it can cause rot. Shingles are designed to block moisture, but if it's overloaded it can cause rot to your decking. Go into your attic to check for a moldy, mildew smell. Look at the plywood for stains or black streaks. Those are tell-tale signs that water has gotten underneath the shingles.

Q: OK, I see signs of water damage, and clearly it's time to call in the pros. What should I look for before choosing a company?

A: Look for one that has good online reviews and is willing to give you references. But here's the key – look for references with local, verifiable phone numbers. The other thing to look for is a company with current liability insurance, and here's an example why: If they're working on the roof, the roof is now open to the weather. All of a sudden a downpour occurs. Now there's water coming through the sheetrock, onto your electronics, appliances, furniture – the company’s liability insurance should cover that. Look for a company that has at least $1 million liability coverage, and that the insurance policy is current.

Q: We've talked about roofs, but what about siding?

A: Hardieplank and SmartSide siding has become very popular, but we still have homes in the area that have wood siding. When we have a catastrophic event like we did with Hurricane Harvey, and water cascades down the side of your house, it can enter the nooks and crannies of wood siding. The studs of the home, which are wood, and the insulation of the home are at risk for water damage.

Q: What are the signs of damage to wood siding?

A: Outside, look for swelling of the siding itself, or bubbles in the paint. Sometimes, people will repaint over rotted or mildewed siding. When we get a heavy rain, and water gets behind the paint, it will bubble. Inside, the first sign is a mildew smell. The other telltale sign is staining in the sheetrock around windows and doors.

For more information about Texas Home Exteriors, visit texashomeexteriors.com.

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