June 6, 2024 - Weather Update: St. Paul's Precipitation Trends
As we step into summer this June, St. Paul residents continue to navigate through a season marked by fluctuating weather patterns. Year-to-date, the city has witnessed a total precipitation of 12.76 inches, surpassing the normal amount for this date, which typically stands at 9.83 inches. Despite this increase, we find ourselves below the record wettest year-to-date totals set back in 1906, which reached a staggering 16.40 inches of precipitation. While we're not breaking records, this year's precipitation levels still warrant attention, particularly in the context of ongoing water cleanup and restoration efforts. Let's look at a recent water damage cleanup project and what the implications are for St. Paul's residents and businesses.
*Click the image to be taken to the interactive version of the chart*
Project Highlight: Kitchen Ceiling Water Damage
Customer Report:
- Water entered the upper level of the home through the kitchen ceiling during a recent storm.
- Initial confusion about the water source led to a roof inspection.
Inspection Findings:
- Roof inspection identified a low-profile exhaust vent from the stove or oven range as the source of water entry.
- Direction of wind and severity of rain caused water to enter the vent and flow into the kitchen.
- This was a newish roof vent installed CORRECTLY! Just couldn't handle the severity of the storm.
Damage Assessment:
- Water damage observed on kitchen ceiling and surrounding areas.
- No structural damage reported, but mitigation required due to water saturation.
Mitigation Process:
- Water mitigation team initiated cleanup and drying process to prevent further damage.
- Drywall cut to assess extent of water damage and ensure thorough drying.
- Moisture readings taken to determine moisture levels in affected areas.
Recommendations:
- Avoid running the hood vent during rainy and windy conditions to prevent similar incidents.
- Consider replacing the low-profile exhaust vent with a commercial-grade alternative to prevent water infiltration during storms.
Next Steps:
- Pending insurance approval, the rebuild process is scheduled to commence within the next week or two.
Lessons Learned:
- Even seemingly minor components like exhaust vents can lead to significant water damage if not properly maintained or replaced with suitable alternatives.
- Timely mitigation and restoration efforts are crucial in preventing secondary issues like mold growth and structural damage.
Stay tuned for more insights and updates in next the Weekly Water Damage Cleanup Update!
