As we march steadily back into the hot and humid season of summer, we Floridians know it’s time to begin preparing for the annual onslaught of tropical systems.

What’s more, this year we may need to prepare even earlier than usual. According to the Weather Channel, “the past six [hurricane] seasons have each gotten off to an early start,” and 2021 appears to be no exception.

But as we step into summer, what can you do about water that is stepping over the threshold of your home and into your entryway? Is it a matter of exterior damage and rainfall, or could it be something else?

Allow us to clarify…

Is There Water Damage In My Entryway?

Between general foot traffic, its proximity to the outdoors, and any other number of variables that are dependent on your individual household, one thing is for sure — your entryway may have accrued some damage over time.

The question you may be wondering now, however, is how to tell if your entryway has sustained water damage in specific.

Don’t worry, it’s more simple than you might expect; in fact, the Florida Department of Health recommends keeping an eye out for the following:

• Water stains
• Water leaks
• Standing water around the interior
• Condensation built up along the walls or door
• And more

Did The Damage Come From Outside?

Particularly with the brunt of the 2021 hurricane season hot on our heels, it is possible for outdoor elements to eventually creep their way inside, becoming a more costly concern than previously thought.

For example, flooding can easily cause water damage in your entryway.

“Hurricanes have the potential to dump enormous amounts of rain, sometimes as much as 10-15 inches, on areas they pass over,” according to the National Hurricane Survival Initiative (NHSI), “and this rainfall can continue long after the storm moves inland.”

That being said, flooding may not always reach your doorstep. However, exterior damage — like roof damage from hurricane-related hail or airborne debris — may create new openings for the elements to come inside and wreak havoc on your property.

What Else Could It Be?

“Okay,” you may be thinking. “But a hurricane hasn’t come this way yet, and the previous exterior damage my home has suffered wasn’t even that bad. So why is my entryway showing signs of damage?”

Simple: The inside of your home may already be contaminated with mold and moisture elsewhere.

Once water damage occurs inside of your home from a burst pipe, leaking window, or another source of moisture, it will gradually lead to mold growth and slowly spread with time unless immediately attended to. Thus, if you’re experiencing mold and moisture-related damage in your entryway, we suggest investing in an indoor air quality inspection.

And if you’ve been experiencing a barrage of seemingly unexplained indoor air quality problems, including water damage in various areas of your home or business, Luce Air Quality can help you to identify both the causes and the solutions!

As your team of local indoor air quality experts, you can trust us to perform professional inspections and provide reliable results. To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact us today by calling 904-803-1014 or emailing info@luceairquality.com!