Applying sealant on the roof, Photo by Maura Taylor

The summer season in Zihuatanejo means a lot of things to its residents, on the one hand it’s a chance to relax from the high season tourism, and enjoy practically empty local beaches and restaurants. On the other hand, it’s a time of preparation for the rainy season—which dominates the months from June through September, turning streets into rivers and the brown hillsides into the lush green of the tropics.

While rain is the source of our beautiful surroundings, for homeowners it can be a time of battling the elements, if the right steps are not taken early on. One architect who worked on a home in La Ropa, repairing damages caused by water seepage, offered a few preventative measures that can help eliminate sources of leakage in your home. The best way to prevent damage is to investigate, identify and repair all leaks and cracks, and to make sure that exterior materials are properly constructed and maintained.

Areas to check for leaks and cracks:

Windows and Doors:
Check for peeling paint or discoloring, it can be a sign of water getting into the wood.

Roof:
Leaks are particularly common around plumbing vents, make sure the impermeable materials have not become rotten.

Foundation and Exterior Walls:
Seal any cracks and holes in external walls and foundations, in particular, areas where wiring extends through to the outside walls.

Plumbing:
Check for leaking faucets, or dripping pipes.

Damaged Material:
Check for termite damage in wood materials, especially if they are exposed to the outside.

Other preventative measures:
Paint your exterior walls. A good exterior impermeable paint layer can act as a protective covering for your outside walls. Properly maintain or replace the impermeable layer on the roof. Add a small overhang along the eaves to divert rainwater away from your home.

-Originally Published in July/August 2007