Sea Isle has been a beautiful, lively beach town for years. Although this New Jersey city has plenty of entertainment options, it remains a beloved family-friendly town with pretty beachfront and waterfront homes. However, like any beach town, Sea Isle homes must be hyper-vigilant about water damage. Recent news reports suggest that the problem may get worse.
In September 2024, several areas of Sea Isle faced flooding at midday high tide. Authorities blamed a strong storm that built at sea and sent large offshore waves toward the city. With more such storms and subsequent flooding likely in the future, Sea Isle homes may need considerable repair work. An Army Corps of Engineers plan intends to elevate several homes along the Jersey shore to protect them from water damage.
In the meantime, homeowners should monitor closely for signs of water damage that can damage the structural integrity of their homes. The roof is at high risk of getting severely affected by storms. Unfortunately, roofing work can quickly become expensive if homeowners do not take immediate steps.
An increase in mold growth is usually the first sign of water damage to your roof. Roofs that sustain prolonged water exposure can become moldy and mildewy as these fungi thrive in moisture. Typically, your roof will have gutters to dispel the water regularly. However, they may get clogged with leaves and other debris after a heavy storm.
Extensive mold growth can create a characteristic foul odor. You may not see an associated water stain from the smelly area. But malodors almost always signify water damage. The US EPA recommends drying water-damaged areas within 24-48 hours to discourage mold growth. Unchecked mold can lead to health repercussions like nasal irritation and nausea.
The material of your roof affects its durability and resilience. Although affordable and frequently chosen, shingles may get damaged easily in adverse weather. On the other hand, clay or slate can last for much longer – close to 100 years with adequate maintenance.
Your roof will handle weather damage better with a fascia board between the gutter and the exposed areas. It creates a shield between the core structural components and moisture.
Another advantage of fascia is its stunning aesthetic impact. Since these boards have sharp edges and crisp lines, they can improve the curb appeal of your estate. It will be handy for a future sale if you decide to relocate to another property.
Another telling sign of water damage is the appearance of pesky pests like annoying silverfish, earwigs, and even rodents. These pests also appreciate moist environments and can quickly take over your house unless you attend to the damage.
The quick propagation of insects makes this problem especially notorious. Once the pests start eating through roofing materials and you are stuck with nests, it becomes challenging to regain control.
WebMD observes that these insects can also spread to other dampness-prone areas, like basements, and behind baseboards. Silverfish poison, usually a combination of insecticides, may not be enough. Moreover, some of these chemicals can have inadvertent side effects like allergic reactions.
You can assume something is awry if you see insect droppings or other remains on your roof. Chances are you need roofing repairs and subsequent pest management in the house.
One solution is to protect your roof with pest-resistant fascia boards that repel rot and insect damage. Belco Forest Products recommends prioritizing structural strength and moisture protection with a warranty cover for unexpected situations. Primed and preservative-treated materials can protect against pests for an extended period.
Have you noticed something amiss with your wall paint? Water damage can cause paint to start peeling or bubbling. The latter is when it seems to blister, becoming unsightly and distorted. These signs indicate water leaking from your roof and wreaking havoc on the walls.
Occasionally, you may encounter these signs due to excessive UV damage to the walls or incompatible paint layers due to a shoddy job. However, you can trust the culprit is roof damage if you also witness associated signs like malodours and pests. You may also spot grotesque water stains on the walls that grow with time.
We recommend scheduling a home inspection to identify the primary cause of the condition. Fixing the paint can seem like a tempting solution at the time. However, an experienced professional can gauge if the situation indicates aesthetic or functional damage.
According to House Beautiful, bubbling paint in kitchens and bathrooms usually indicates excessive condensation build-up. Paint troubles in other areas could be due to leaks in your HVAC appliances or plumbing.
As Sea Isle braces for the year’s surprises, homeowners can benefit from maintenance work to avoid future problems. Roofing issues have a notorious knack for blowing out of proportion. The arrival of more storms and heavy rainfalls won’t bode well for aging roofs with water damage.
