Winter Rains Are On Their Way, Is Your Home Ready?

      Wintertime is upon us, along with its rains and winds. Fortunately, this is about as bad as it gets in Southern California. Unfortunately, for many homeowners, it is a time when they find out for the first time that their new home is not as weatherproof as it seemed to be during the rest of the year.
      Following the recent construction booms in California, there is an increasing chance that homes may not have been built according to codes and applicable construction standards. Big residential developers or the sub-contractors they hire sometimes cut corners or violate California building codes for different reasons: sometimes to save money or sometimes because they just weren't taught the proper methods of building.
      Some common problems in newer homes in California have to do with windows, especially window leaks. However, other problems also include fogging windows and windows that are difficult or impossible to open and close.
      One major concern around this time of year is water damage from rains. Window leaks are worrisome because leaks can cause damage to the framing inside the walls or damage to the drywall around the windows. Window leaks can also cause water to infiltrate into areas inside the walls and may give rise to the growth of mold or fungus. Some molds and fungi have been linked to health problems.
      Window leaks can be obvious or, sometimes, not so obvious. Many times leaks are apparent in the window itself (as when it rains), or from stains in the paint and drywall underneath the window sill or at the corners of the window framing. The staining may appear when the rains come, or may be delayed by days or weeks after rain has leaked its way through the window, framing, and then down through the drywall. Such leaks and staining may be caused by a few things. First, poor window installation. Second, unsealed window sills. Third, improper metal or paper flashing around windows. All three can leave gaps or areas of moisture entry between the window and the wood framing of the house. This can ultimately damage the framing and, if the source of water entry is repeated, can cause mold growth.
      Sometimes such leaks are not obvious. Some window leaks may only leak into the interior of the wall itself. These kinds of leaks can cause rotting of the framing and mold growth even without the owner knowing anything is wrong. If a homeowner suspects he might have a problem, a professional may have to be called in to investigate.
      Fogging (when the window becomes cloudy between the dual glazed panes) is another fairly common problem in some homes in California. Most new windows are double-paned for energy conservation. Sometimes, as a result of poor manufacturing, storage, or installation of the windows, moisture becomes trapped between the window panes and causes them to fog up. If such fogging occurs, the windows may have to be replaced by the manufacturer or by the window installers.
      Lastly, windows in new homes are sometimes very difficult to open or close. Usually, this is just due to the newness of the window. However, it may also be a symptom of poor framing or of poor installation of the window. If the problem persists or if the window is extremely difficult to operate, a professional contractor may have to look at it.
      With the approaching wintertime, rains and winds are certainly on their way. Luckily, this winter is not predicted to be one that will bring the El Nino rains of winters past. However, this is a good time to check how weatherproof and how well built your home is. For many homeowners, the first rains bring the first signs that there may be problems, especially around their windows. However, a brief inspection of your home and a prompt call to a local contractor will go a long way to heading off any major damage to your home over the coming years.

Disclaimer- These materials prepared by Shinnick & Ryan LLP are for informational purposes only and are not legal advice. Transmission of the information is not intended to create, and receipt does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Online readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional counsel.  [Full Disclaimer]

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