Central Oregon and Severe Weather - Tips to Keep Your Biggest Asset Safe

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

They say that if you don’t like the weather in Central Oregon, wait 15 minutes. And while our weather doesn’t change that often, it can be unpredictable and intense. This year is no different. 

We've seen it all, from heavy rains and flooding to hail and thunderstorms, and it is only July. Despite our dry climate, we are highly prone to mold in Central Oregon homes and businesses. Mold can be dangerous, so it is essential to familiarize yourself with how water often makes its way into our beloved homes so you can prevent it from entering yours.

1. Perimeter Drain - Does your home have proper channels around its perimeter for water drainage? These channels are critical for diverting water away from your home’s foundation. These are located underground, and all homes today are built with them. That said, they can become clogged with dirt, roots, and underground debris, leading to flooding in your crawlspace. Sometimes you can see signs of perimeter drain issues—for example, water pooling in your yard or against your home.
2. Clogged Gutters - Fall leaves and other debris not cleared from gutters can lead to water flooding the home. Here’s how, during a heavy downpour, the gutters overflow with water; this can cause a trench to form next to your home, putting pressure on your foundation and walls. Clogged gutters can also result in roof damage, siding damage, erosion, and ice dams in the winter. 
3. House Wrap Moisture - Most homes built today are wrapped to protect them from various problems by preventing the air and water from getting inside your home. Some home wraps are less permeable to moisture vapor, which can lead to mold, mildew, and rot. This can trap water against your home in the event of a leak or flood. 
4. Moldy Crawlspace. Crawl space and basement mold are two of the most common areas in a home with mold growth. And at SERVPRO of Bend and SERVPRO of North Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson Counties, we see a lot of it in our local homes. Mold is everywhere and can hitch a ride into your home from unsuspecting pets and humans. But it can also enter through windows and your HVAC. Mold can enter your crawl space if it is not vented, sealed, or if a moisture barrier isn’t present. Mold needs moisture to thrive. As long as there aren’t any water issues in your home, mold is benign. But in the face of a storm or after water damage, trapped water can lead to mold growing and spreading. We recommend that homeowners have their crawl space inspected annually. Doing so will allow you to first and foremost know if you have mold. But it will also let you know if any issues could attract mold growth, such as leaking pipes, cracks, and decayed wooden joists and beams. 

Your home is your most significant investment. Treat it as such by taking the preventative measures mentioned above. If you identify issues that need to be addressed, the experts at SERVPRO are ready and willing to help, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.