Your Partner in Preventing Losses
HARLEYSVILLE RISK SERVICES
SM
Managing Exposure to Water Intrusion
When water penetrates into a structure or behind outside cladding, damage
can result, as well as the potential for mold growth. And, the cost to repair the
structure and items damaged by the water intrusion can be expensive!
What’s the problem?
More than 60 percent of structures with a basement have
leaks. Mold can form as the result of water intrusion if the
affected area is not cleaned and sanitized within 48 hours
of occurrence.
One way to help eliminate damp basements and water
leaks is to mitigate exterior drainage problems,
waterproof the basement or install an interior French
drain system—but these resolutions often can be
expensive fixes.
Exterior waterproofing being installed
Your partner’s advice for controlling
your risk
Preventive maintenance to prevent basement water
intrusion at your facility can protect your belongings and
foundation from damage.
Here are steps to help reduce water intrusion
from outside your structure:
Inspect gutters and downspouts each spring to identify
any winter damage. Clean out
debris and leaves from these
areas each fall to ensure
rainwater drains away from
the building quickly—to
prevent saturation of interior
walls and floors that contact
the earth.
Extend gutter downspouts to
direct roof water runoff away
from the foundation.
Inspect the roof, including
flashings, for visible damage.
Check storm sewers, catch
basins and spillways to ensure
they are clear of debris.
Example of water damage
Possible leak spots in basement
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Your Partner in Preventing Losses
HARLEYSVILLE RISK SERVICES
SM
Managing Exposure to Water Intrusion
Ensure soil is sloped away from the structure on
all sides of the foundation.
Install window well covers or drain piping to
improve drainage.
Inspect all floor and footer drains to ensure they
are clear.
Patch cracked asphalt in driveways/parking areas,
as well as in areas around the foundation.
Check drainage around any concrete walkways,
driveways or paths that slope toward the
foundation.
Remove flower beds, bushes and trees from
around the foundation and replace them with
grass, maintaining a slope away from foundation.
Install a curtain drain around the building to
prevent surface water from reaching the
foundation.
Check lawn and landscape sprinkler patterns.
Example of water damage
Here are steps to help reduce water
intrusion and prevent mold inside your
structure:
Identify and repair any interior water leaks and
Risk Services Department
Harleysville Insurance
355 Maple Avenue
Harleysville, PA 19438-2297
Tel: 1.800.523.6344, ext. 8100
Fax: 215.513.5345
riskservices@harleysvillegroup.com
www.harleysvillegroup.com
© 2012 Harleysville Group Inc. All rights reserved.
moisture intrusion problems promptly.
Maintain the relative humidity of your building’s
interior below 60%.
Ensure papers, clothing or other“mold food”are
not stored in contact with basement floors or
outer walls.
Verify air conditioning units are the appropriate
Example Water damage in office
size for the building and/or room.
Insulate cold water pipes that“sweat”and become
visibly damp on the outside.
Verify sump pumps (if equipped) are in working order with the discharge of water directed
away from foundation of structure.
Ensure fine art and valuable papers are stored above ground level and not sitting on floors.
The Harleysville Risk Services team is available to answer any questions you
may have about these procedures. Call us at 1.800.523.6344, ext. 8100.
This information is designed to help users address their own risk management and insurance needs. Although we go to great
lengths to make sure our information is accurate and useful, we do not warrant its accuracy or completeness, and we recommend
you consult your insurance agent or other insurance professional to ensure that this information, and your interpretation of it, is
appropriate to your particular situation.This information does not address all conditions, and may not be in compliance with
Z-1661 02/12
federal, state or local laws.