For more than 20 years, Octagon Cleaning & Restoration has been serving homeowners across Maine and New Hampshire. During that time, we have responded to thousands of water damage calls. Through all those visits, one thing has become clear: water damage rarely happens at a convenient time.
And in New England, that unpredictability is even more intense. With heavy snow in the winter and prolonged rainfall, homes in this region are constantly under pressure. As a result, even small structural weak points can turn into serious water problems over time.
This guide is Part 1 of a two-part series, and it focuses specifically on the external and environmental causes of water damage. In other words, we are looking at the problems that start outside your home and slowly work their way in.
After two decades of hands-on experience, we have narrowed these down to four weather and structural issues that cause the most damage in Maine and New Hampshire. We’ll walk through each of these issues step by step.
Flooding From Storms Or Groundwater
New England’s Unique Vulnerability
New England’s climate makes storms and groundwater flooding more common. Heavy rain, melting snow, and frozen ground often happen at the same time, and when the ground cannot absorb water, it has to go somewhere. As a result, that water starts moving toward homes, causing damage.
On top of that, many homes in Maine and New Hampshire are built on sloped land or dense soil that does not drain well. Because water cannot soak in quickly, it tends to collect around foundations. Over time, this buildup increases the chances of basement flooding and hidden moisture problems inside the home.
What We’ve Learned in 20 Years
After thousands of restoration calls, we have noticed that storm-related flooding usually follows the same pattern. Most of the time, the damage does not come from one major storm, but from water building up little by little over several storms.
We saw this during a severe rainstorm in Auburn, Maine, when Court Street Baptist Church suffered significant water and mold damage. Our team at Octagon Cleaning & Restoration handled the cleanup, and it showed how quickly stormwater can take over a building. As the client shared:
Court Street Baptist Church in Auburn, Maine had extensive mold and water damage as a result of a severe rainstorm. Octagon of Windham did the remediation work. Jimmy Brown was an excellent worker and supervisor of the crew. He was very willing to lead by example and was respectful with his crew and with those of us who were in the building. His work ethic was outstanding and his desire to complete the job with quality workmanship was commendable. – James
Ice Dams and Clogged Gutter
Why This is So Common in ME and NH
Ice dams and clogged gutters are another major source of water damage we see across Maine and New Hampshire. The reason this issue is so common is largely due to the climate. Long winters and heavy snowfall cycles create ideal conditions for ice dams to form.
During the day, warmer temperatures cause snow on the roof to melt slightly. Then at night, when temperatures drop, that water refreezes before it can fully drain away. Because this cycle happens again and again, ice slowly builds up along roof edges and inside gutters.
What Your Roof is Trying to Tell You
In many cases, your home shows warning signs before a major leak occurs. For instance, water stains on ceilings, peeling paint near exterior walls, or icicles forming in unusual spots are often early indicators that water is not draining properly.
Because these signs do not always look serious at first, many homeowners ignore them. However, when left unaddressed, that trapped water can lead to mold growth, wood rot, and repairs that are far more costly than early prevention.
Our Prevention Checklist
To prevent ice dams and gutter damage, it is important to manage how water moves around your home.
– Regular gutter cleaning keeps water flowing freely
– Proper roof ventilation and enough attic insulation help reduce uneven melting.
It is also important to watch for early warning signs. By acting early, homeowners can fix small issues before harsh winter conditions make them worse.
Leaky Roofs
Why This Remains in Our Top 4 Most Common Issues After 20+ Years
Even with better roofing materials available today, leaky roofs remain a common problem because the weather itself hasn’t changed. Homes are still exposed to heavy snow, strong winds, and frequent freeze-thaw cycles, and roofing systems slowly wear down year after year.
At the same time, roof damage usually happens gradually. Shingles loosen little by little, flashing around openings wears down, and seals weaken over time. Because these changes are not always visible from the ground, leaks can go unnoticed until water reaches ceilings, walls, or insulation inside the home.
Common Roof Failure Points
Roof leaks usually start in the same places. Flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights is a common problem area, especially as materials age and shift with temperature changes. Roof valleys are another trouble spot, since they naturally collect and direct water.
Missing or damaged shingles are also a frequent cause. Once water slips beneath the roofing layer, it can spread quickly, following gravity and the structure of the home into areas far from the original leak.
When to Act
If you notice:
– Ceiling stains
– Musty odors
– Peeling paint
– Unexplained moisture after a storm
These are signs it’s time to take a closer look. To prevent small leaks from turning into costly repairs, address these issues as soon as you notice them. Taking action early is one of the best ways to protect your home from long-term water damage.
Basement Issues (Drainage, Foundation Cracks, Sump Pump Failures)
The Foundation of Problems
Basement water issues are some of the most stressful situations homeowners face. Because basements sit below ground level, they naturally collect pressure from surrounding soil and groundwater. When heavy rain, snowmelt, or rising water tables come into play, even well-built homes can experience sudden and unexpected flooding.
Because these issues develop slowly, they’re easy to overlook. However, once water begins entering through the foundation, it rarely stays contained to one area, which is why early detection is so important.
Poor Drainage, Foundation Cracks, Sump Pump Failures
Basement flooding is not caused by just one issue. Poor exterior drainage can send water straight to the foundation, cracks allow water to seep inside, and sump pumps can fail due to power outages or mechanical problems.
We have seen this firsthand, including a recent lake house case where a sudden rise in the water table caused severe basement flooding. Even after decades without issues, the sudden change overwhelmed the system.
As the homeowner shared:
“We experienced some serious flooding in our basement this past Spring at our lake house. It was an extraordinary water table rising event. In 48 years of living in this home we never had such an experience.
Matt from Octagon, who helped us understand Octagon’s full range of services, was attentive and efficient. We knew we were in good hands from the start.
The process took longer than Octagon had originally estimated for the entirety of the process, however, their team did not consider their work completed until our basement was back to a dry, clean and live-able condition. We are very impressed by their professionalism and the positive results.”
What All 4 Have in Common
The Earlier We’re Called, The Better
Timing makes a huge difference. When homeowners reach out at the first sign of trouble, damage is often easier to contain, and restoration can move faster and more efficiently.
On the other hand, waiting too long often means water has already reached hidden areas. At that point, cleanup becomes more involved, drying takes longer, and repairs become more costly.
Why Professional Assessment is Necessary
Another common issue homeowners face is water damage that is not immediately visible. Surfaces may appear dry, but moisture can remain trapped behind walls or under floors. Without the right tools and experience, these hidden problems are easy to miss.
Having professionals assess the situation early gives homeowners a clear picture of what’s happening beneath the surface. That insight helps prevent future issues and ensures the restoration process addresses the full scope of the damage.
Knowledge and Preparation are Protection
After more than two decades of helping homeowners across Maine and New Hampshire, one lesson stands out above all others: knowledge and preparation make a real difference.
The four external causes covered in this guide are not rare events, and they are not going away. In fact, with changing climate patterns, many of these issues are becoming more frequent and more severe.
That’s why understanding how and why water damage happens is so important. When homeowners know what signs to watch for and how their home responds to weather, they’re better prepared to act quickly and protect their property.
And this is only half the story. External forces are just one side of water damage risks. In Part 2, we’ll take a closer look at the internal system failures we see just as often, like burst pipes, appliance leaks, and other unexpected disasters that can happen inside the home
As always, if you’re a property owner in ME or NH, reach out to our team, we are here to help.
Contact Our Maine Team: 603-239-2100
New Our Hampshire Team: 207-893-0002
