The ideal time to implement comprehensive water protection is during the design and building phase of any new home or major remodel. Orlando builders pay special attention to moisture barriers and other features that reduce intrusion risks. Homeowners planning renovations also stand to benefit by having similar safeguards incorporated alongside other project work. Some key construction and renovation strategies include:
- Appropriate exterior materials – Using water-resistant exterior finishes prevents saturation during driving rain. Fiber cement siding, brick veneer, and stucco facades all provide enhanced protection over basic vinyl options. These materials hold up better against wind-driven moisture as well.
- Window flashing and sealing – Properly integrating flashing and sealants at all windows, doors, pipe penetrations, and joints keep moisture from seeping inward. Detail work sealing off the building envelope is tedious but pays dividends in preventing leaks.
- Slope ground away from foundation – By sloping soil, landscaping, and hardscapes away from the structure’s foundation, surface runoff readily drains away from the home during storms. Even a few inches of fall prevents puddles and saturation issues.
- Gutter guards and maintenance – Keeping gutters clean and installing gutter guards prevents overflow incidents that send water cascading down the building’s exterior. Routine gutter cleaning should be part of standard homeowner maintenance as well.
- Sump pump backup system – For homes with basements or below-grade spaces, installing both primary and backup sump pumps provides critical redundancy against flooding. The secondary pump activates if the main model fails, preventing costly water accumulation.
- Water-resistant materials – Flooring, drywall, insulation, and other construction materials designed for damp areas better resist moisture saturation. While pricier than standard options, their water-resistant properties pay off significantly reducing structural risks.
Homeowner maintenance strategies
Alongside proactive construction efforts, homeowners have additional maintenance duties they must perform regularly to mitigate water risks. Staying on top of inspections, cleaning tasks, and seasonal preparation safeguards the property against intrusion and saturation. Key items every Orlando homeowner should address include:
- Inspecting exterior materials, seals, and caulk for any cracks or openings vulnerable to moisture intrusion
- Checking attic spaces after rain storms for signs of leakage around roof penetrations
- Clearing debris from gutters and ensuring downspouts direct water well away from the building’s foundation
- Grading soil or adding fill dirt to areas surrounding the home to promote drainage sloping away from the structure
- Trimming back tree limbs, plants, or shrubs touching the exterior walls that can provide moisture-wicking paths
- Installing protective storm shutters over windows and exterior doors before hurricane season begins on June 1st
- Confirming sump pumps are operating properly and secondary backup pump batteries hold a full charge
Having an Orlando water Damage Control-911 specialist periodically inspect the property also provides an experienced second set of eyes checking for vulnerabilities. They may catch issues hidden from plain sight that could enable moisture intrusion down the road. Whether preparing to build or remodel or just aiming to better safeguard an existing home, implementing at least some of the water intrusion prevention best practices we covered helps shore up vulnerabilities. Blending moisture barriers, system redundancies, and routine maintenance establishes a formidable defense keeping the property dry inside.
