Why Is Storm Damage Water Intrusion Worse in Older Homes?

Roof materials like wood shakes or old asphalt shingles degrade over decades. They become brittle and lose their protective granules, creating easy paths for water. Flashing around chimneys and vents, often made from older metals, can corrode and pull away. This compromises the primary barrier against rain and wind-driven water during a storm.

Even minor storm damage can exploit these weaknesses. A single missing shingle or a small gap in corroded flashing lets in a surprising amount of water. That water then travels along roof decking and into your attic. From there, it can damage insulation, electrical wiring, and ceilings throughout your home.

Original single-pane windows in older homes lack the tight seals of modern, insulated units. Their frames, often wood, can rot or warp, leaving gaps. Siding materials like wood clapboard require consistent maintenance to remain watertight. If paint peels or caulk fails, wind-driven rain can easily penetrate behind the siding.

Once water gets behind siding, it can travel far from the original entry point. It soaks into the wood sheathing and framing, which may lack a modern waterproof barrier. This hidden moisture leads to gradual rot and creates an ideal environment for mold growth within your walls.

• Single-pane glass lacks thermal and sealing efficiency
• Wood window frames rot and warp, breaking the seal
• Wood siding absorbs water if not perfectly maintained
• Missing or failed caulk around windows and trim
• Lack of modern housewrap or building paper behind siding
• Gaps where different materials meet, like siding and brick

If you discover storm water in your older home, act quickly to minimize damage. Move furniture and belongings away from wet areas if it is safe to do so. Contact local water damage pros for a thorough inspection. They can assess the extent of the intrusion and identify hidden moisture in walls and subfloors.