Midwest weather is notorious for bringing heavy rains and winds. Along with producing power outages and temporary hazards, such wild weather can cause long-term damage to a home. When you are shopping for a home in Indiana, it is crucial to assess the house thoroughly for water drainage and damage. Here is what to look at.
- Location and landscaping. Indiana is fairly flat, but it does have some rolling hills. When you are home shopping, avoid houses that sit at the base of a hill where water would drain down toward the house. Favor those that have a downslope away from the home instead. Evaluate the features of the landscaping on the property as well. Check whether features like retaining walls will protect the home from water or expose it to pooling. If you see issues with the grading or soil erosion, you’ll have to decide if fixing them is within your budget, or if you should move on.
- Basement or crawlspace. Some homes in Indiana feature basements or crawlspaces. These can be useful features, but they can also be weak points in home design when it comes to water. As you inspect the basement or crawlspace, check for moisture signs, cracks, leaks, and the overall condition of the space.
- Existing solutions. In the basement or crawlspace, you might encounter some existing solutions to address moisture. These could include sump pumps, moisture barriers, ventilation systems, fans, and insulation. A well-designed system can help prevent leaking and pooling. If no such system is in place, or if a system is imperfectly designed, these issues are more likely.
- Foundation integrity. Regardless of whether or not the home you are looking at has a basement, a crawlspace, or neither, you should inspect the foundation. If you find any cracks, you should have them assessed to see how serious they are and what it would require to repair them. Some small cracks may be filled for a relatively modest cost, but other foundation repair jobs can be very pricey.
- Roof design and gutters. The shape of your roof can impact drainage, so it’s worth considering. Water can pool easily on flat roofs. A roof with a steep incline is more likely to shed precipitation efficiently. Of course, you should also look for any signs the roof has leaks. While you are checking out the roof, you should also take a look at gutters and downspouts. Make sure they both lead water adequately far away from the house. When gutters and downspouts aren’t well-designed, water can end up pooling and causing damage. This can also happen if debris has been jamming them for too long. Modifying the gutters and downspouts yourself is an option, but it’s important to make sure that issues with either haven’t already compromised the home.
- Signs of water damage. You should look for signs that the home has already been compromised by water both on the exterior and the interior.
Here are some things to be on the lookout for:- Soft spots in wood, which may signify wood rot.
- Paint peeling close to the floor. This can mean that there is water leaking down through the walls.
- If you smell mustiness inside the home, that suggests it is humid. In some cases, that might suggest the presence of moisture and/or mold.
- Look for efflorescence on the white walls, which takes the form of white residue, similar to chalk.
- Discolored spots on the ceilings, walls or floors may be signs of water damage.
- Sometimes you can see water damage directly in wood. Look for warped or deteriorating surfaces.
- You may sometimes spot mold or mildew directly. These do not always mean there is a leak, especially in a humid climate, but they suggest moist conditions that could still result in damage. The mold itself may also contribute to damage.
You do not necessarily need to run at the first sign of water damage, but you should consider some additional, specialized inspections before you proceed. Sometimes the damage is minor. Other times, it may be catastrophic.
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