Water Is An Important Ingredient Of Life,

Why isn't it? For most people, its lack of understanding of the whole problem. In many new construction houses I look at, they actually install an underground piping / drainage system to receive the outflow from the down spouts and direct it to the curb. On some lots, it requires aggressive use of sub-surface drains (called "french drains") or construction of a "swale" or artificial ditch, often lined with concrete, to direct the water around and away from the footings. Damaged or missing flashings create conditions very hospitable to mold and termites. The sad thing is it is usually easily handled. Means© Illustrated Construction Dictionary:Flashing; A thin, impervious sheet of material placed in construction to prevent water penetration or direct flow of water. S. While not always possible, the same condition can be artificially created. It's what I'm looking for. (the wind fairies steal them) Missing chimney cap or spark arrestor with proper rain cover. Very good idea but not always possible. Things like mold, fungus, termites and other critters need it or are enabled by its presence, to destroy your house, either quickly or slowly. Most jurisdictions do not allow you to make your problem someone else's problem by simply allowing your drainage to flow onto their property. Aging composition shingles displaying loss of granule coating, deteriorated "ridge" caps. Where do you think this rain water is going? Right off the roof onto the ground about 12 inches from your foundation! Wonder why your foundation is settling and the doors in your house no longer work freely or you have water in your basement? Lack of proper gutters is most likely the problem. These defects cause millions of dollars of damage every year. As with most things, if you don't control it, it can cause problems. The list is extensive and none of its effects are good. Check for missing, out of place (slipped) shingles, wind damage, snow / ice damage, cracked clay or concrete tiles. One mistake I see often is that there are actually gutters on the house but the downspouts are dumping all the water collected right into the very nice planter right along side the foundation and concentrating it there. This is called "day lighting to the curb".Inspector Dana. Duhhh! Simple fix; install a "rain leader" or extension on the down spout to direct the water away from the planter to an area where it will drain away from the foundation.As you can see, this is a very important part of any structure's protection system.The number one "issue" or defect that I find during inspections is improper drainage or control of environmental water around the structure. Improperly installed, rusted, or damaged flashings can lead to hidden damage inside walls and such that may not become visible until much damage is done.Check your roof every year and make sure there are no areas of concern such as damaged or corroded flashings. So why is it an enemy of your house? Water is one of the most powerful solvents in nature.Let me state here ROOFS REQUIRE REGULAR MAINTAINENCE!Surprised? It's a fact. While more aggressive measures such as french drains and swales can be expensive, the payoff comes in the fact that your house does not sink into the softened soil that unhandled drainage issues will produce.Water is an important ingredient of life, right? Right! Without it you will die in a few days. Given enough time, it will dissolve almost anything. In order for you to get the longest and most trouble free life out of your roof, there are several things.