H-2-Oh no!

Water is the number one cause of damage in all homes, especially older ones. Look for missing or damaged roof shingles, rotted or loose trim boards, and disconnected or plugged-up gutters and downspouts.

Problems with gutters and downspouts are the biggest cause of water damage - they must be cleaned and checked regularly. If you're looking to buy an older home, check the condition of the gutters and downspouts - they're big clue to finding hidden water problems elsewhere in the house.

As the ground around a home settles naturally, it can slope in toward the house and begin directing water at the foundation wall. Modern waterproofing systems can delay the subsequent damage for a while, but older homes don't have sophisticated waterproofing systems - if they have any at all. Many very old homes have porous stone foundations that have no ability to repel ground water.