Most likely, the largest investment Orlando residents will make in an entire lifetime is that of a house. Preventing damage to that house is an important factor in maintaining its value. Water damage is one of the things that can cause the most problems to a home. Water damage occurs in a variety of ways. Although of us may routinely check our roof tops for evidence of intruding water problems, there are some places we do not think of at all until it is maybe time to paint.

These places are our doors and windows. Besides the roof and outer walls of our house, our doors and windows are exposed to many elements all the time. Our windows and doors are beaten by rain, sleet, hail, wind and snow. Water leaks can occur from caulking which is old and disintegrates from any spaces that are open around the doors and windows.

Water damage to doors that are used frequently probably will not go unnoticed for very long. This might not be the case with infrequently used doors and windows that are not opened very often. Sometimes, in Orlando water damage can occur slowly over time and escape our notice. It is important to add windows and doors to your routine checklist. Make sure you take the time to go through your checklist on a regular schedule.

If you find a window or door that is water damaged your actions depends a lot on how the damage has already occurred. When doors are exposed to excessive moisture or dripping water, it can cause a wood door and the surrounding doorjambs to swell. This will eventually cause the door to stick and not open and close properly. Water can be dripping down the outside wall and getting on the door in bad weather. You will need to locate the source of the water and repair whatever is necessary to stop it. Water can cause rust on metal doors and frames over long periods of time. A little prevention by an Orlando homeowner or professional is a lot easier than letting the problem go and having to replace an entire door and door jamb.

Windows exposed to water can end up with the same results as doors. Wooden windows can also warp and swell so that they are hard or impossible to open. Leaking gutters can sometimes be the culprit that exposes your windows and doors to excessive water. It is important to keep your gutters in good working order to prevent this and other forms of water damage.

With wooden windows, damage can happen pretty quickly. They can swell shut and not open at all. Caulking that is old can shrink away, turn loose from the building and window or door and allow water in. Keeping windows and doors caulked with weatherproof caulking can prevent water from getting in around the installation areas. Metal windows also need to be caulked to prevent rust from starting around the edges. It is known that many older homes in Orlando have wood windows with the more recent one's being made of metal. It may take longer to damage a metal door or window but it can damage the woodwork around them quickly. Take care of these issues as soon as you find them and you will save your house from unwanted water damage.