Last month’s relentless rain left many parts of Mpumalanga under a South African Weather Service (SAWS) Red Level 10 warning — the highest alert possible. What started as severe weather quickly turned into a natural disaster, with heartbreaking loss of life, extensive damage to homes and infrastructure, communities forced from their properties, and everyday routines suddenly disrupted.
At Kellaprince Properties, our thoughts are with the families and neighbourhoods now rebuilding, repairing, and finding their footing again. Experiences like these are a reminder of how vulnerable a home can be to excess water. As property specialists, we’d like to share some practical guidance on what to do if your home has suffered water damage, and simple steps you can take to help prevent future incidents during the rest of the wet season.
Making a comeback after water damage
Water damage isn’t always obvious. A damp patch or musty smell might be the only warning signs. Left unchecked, these small issues can quickly turn into costly repairs and major headaches. In the Lowveld, where storms often bring sudden, heavy downpours, it’s especially important to act quickly. According to advice from RevivePro, recovery should follow a three-pronged approach:
Mitigation: assess and stop the damage before it spreads
- Do an assessment to pinpoint all affected areas.
- Take photos or videos for insurance documentation while the water is still present.
- Shut off utilities (electricity/gas) in affected areas if it’s unsafe.
- Remove waterlogged materials, extract standing water, and begin proper drying.
- Open windows and use fans or dehumidifiers to ensure hidden spaces are dry.
Remediation: clean, sanitise, and prevent hazards
- Clean up thoroughly to remove dirt, debris, and contaminants.
- Dry furniture and fabrics outdoors when possible to freshen them and reduce mould risk.
- Treat all surfaces to prevent mould and bacterial growth
- Inspect hidden areas, walls, flooring, and ceilings for lingering moisture.
Restoration: bring your home back to life
- Start permanent repairs, including replacing drywall, insulation, flooring, and repainting.
- Address structural concerns such as warped joists, studs, or beams.
- Match finishes carefully to restore your home’s appearance.
- Re-evaluate fixtures and furnishings that could be redone or repurchased with water-resistant materials.
Planning for the unexpected
For Nelspruit (Mbombela) residents, the recent storms have been a clear wake-up call. Weatherproofing is essential, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, practical fixes can make a big difference in keeping your family and your most valuable asset protected.
Check your roof regularly: A quick look can save a lot of headaches later. Inspect for cracked, loose, or missing tiles, rusted metal sheets, or damaged flashing. Early fixes keep leaks and structural damage at bay during heavy rains.
Keep gutters and downspouts clear: Leaves, twigs, and debris can quickly turn gutters into a water trap. Clearing them seasonally ensures rainwater flows away from your home, protecting walls, ceilings, and foundations from damage.
Seal windows and doors: Even small gaps can let water sneak in during a storm. Check weather stripping, caulk cracks, and seal properly to keep your home dry and cosy.
Protect electrical systems: Storms can cause power surges that damage appliances. Turn off geysers during outages and install surge protection to keep your home safe and dry.
Plant soil-saving greenery: Use hardy indigenous plants like Cape Honeysuckle, Spekboom, and Milkwood to prevent erosion and reduce water runoff.
Manage surrounding vegetation: Branches and debris can become flying hazards in strong winds. Trim overhanging trees, remove dead limbs, and secure outdoor furniture to prevent damage.
Ensure proper drainage: Water should never pool near your home. Slope soil away from your foundation, install perforated pipes or a sump pump if needed, and keep water moving safely away.
Understand your insurance: Review your home and contents policies to ensure coverage for storm damage repair and water damage restoration, so you’re prepared for future inclement weather.
Water damage FAQs
1. What are the damages caused by rain?
These can include roof leaks, damaged or blocked gutters, water intrusion through windows and doors, and damp or discoloured ceilings and walls. Over time, this can lead to mould and mildew growth, warped floors, rotting wood, compromised insulation, and structural issues. In severe cases, flooding can damage electrical systems, appliances, and personal belongings, creating costly repairs and health hazards if left unaddressed.
2. Can rain cause leaks in a house?
Yes, rain can cause leaks in a house. It typically happens when water penetrates weak points in the building envelope (shell), such as cracked or missing roof tiles, damaged flashing, clogged gutters, or poorly sealed windows and doors. Heavy or prolonged rainfall can exploit these vulnerabilities, allowing water to seep into ceilings, walls, or foundations, leading to damp, mould growth, and structural damage if not attended to.
3. Does rain damage a house under construction?
Yes, if the construction is not properly managed. This can take the form of wood rot, mould growth, and weakened foundations. Water can ruin materials, cause structural issues like foundation cracking, and delay construction timelines, although many materials can withstand limited exposure before the building is "dried in".
4. What insurance should I get for home water damage?
A building insurance policy protects your home’s structure against damage from events like burst pipes, geyser leaks, or stormwater flooding. This covers walls, ceilings, floors, and built-in fixtures. To cover your personal belongings, it’s also wise to have contents insurance. This can help replace furniture, electronics, appliances, clothing, and other valuables in the event of water-related damage.
Care for your home now. Benefit from it later.
A well-cared-for home creates a comfortable place to live, but also preserves its value. Regular upkeep can make a real difference when it comes time to sell or rent, attracting the right buyers or tenants and supporting a stronger price.
That’s where Kellaprince Properties comes in. Our dedicated seller and landlord services are designed to help you present, manage, and market your property with confidence. Get in touch with our team.
