What Are the Most Overlooked Areas During a Post-Storm Inspection?

After a storm, water can enter the attic through damaged roof vents, plumbing stacks, or chimney flashing. You might not see a ceiling stain immediately because insulation can absorb the moisture first. Over time, this dampness rots roof sheathing and fosters mold growth in the attic space.

Check for dark streaks on wood, damp insulation, or any daylight visible around pipes and vents. In San Bernardino's Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and winter rains, a small leak can dry slowly, hiding the problem. A thorough attic inspection is a critical step after heavy rainfall.

The thin metal or vinyl strips (flashing) around windows and doors are designed to direct water away. Storm-driven rain can force water behind loose, corroded, or improperly installed flashing. The water then travels into wall cavities, where it damages insulation and framing unseen.

From the outside, look for gaps, rust, or sections pulling away from the siding. Inside, feel for damp drywall or soft wood around the frames. Catching a flashing failure early prevents extensive and costly repairs to your home's walls and interior finishes.

• Check the sealant (caulking) at the top and sides of frames.
• Inspect the sill pan or slope under the window.
• Look for water stains on interior trim or walls below.
• Ensure kick-out flashing at roof-to-wall intersections is intact.
• Verify that door thresholds are properly sealed to the floor.
• Examine for any visible gaps where siding meets the frame.

The slope of the ground immediately around your foundation is a frequently overlooked defense. If soil settles or mulch washes away, it can create a slope toward your home, funneling stormwater toward the foundation. This puts constant pressure on crawlspace or slab seals, leading to seepage. In dry climates, intense, infrequent rains can overwhelm poor drainage.

Walk your property after the rain stops. Look for areas where water is pooling near the foundation or where downspout extensions are missing or clogged. Proper grading and clear drainage channels are essential to direct water away from your home's critical structures.

• Ensure soil slopes away from the foundation for several feet.
• Check that downspouts extend at least five feet from the house.
• Clear debris from window wells and drain covers.
• Inspect the condition of driveway and sidewalk expansion joints.
• Look for erosion near downspout discharge points.
• Verify that landscaping does not create dams against the siding.