Attic

• Rainwater often finds it way into a home through damage to the roof shingles. Check your attic for any signs of water leaking into the house. The source of the leak may occur further up the roofline than where the water drips onto the attic floor. To find the source of the leak, go to the attic when it's raining and trace the leak to where its enters the home. Once you have pinpointed the damaged portion of the roof, you can have it repaired or, if it's just a bad shingle or two, do it yourself.
  
  

Windows and Doors

• Rainwater may also enter your home from faulty sealing around windows and doors. Perhaps the flashing was not installed properly when the home was built. Check flashing around your doors and windows for any signs of damage or deterioration. Look for peeling paint, as well paint or caulk discoloration, all of which may point to rainwater entering the home. Correct any sealing, caulking or flashing problems that you find.
  
  

Exterior

• Holes or cracks in your siding can allow rainwater to harm your walls. Inspect the perimeter of your house carefully for any damage to your exterior. Look for damaged wood or any loose mortar, if you have any brick siding, where water can leak through. Check locations where wires enter or exit through the siding and close these passages with sealant if necessary. Examine your foundation carefully, if you have signs of water damage on your basement walls.
  
  

Chimney

• A possible source of water in your house's walls, faulty flashing around the chimney can cause significant damage unless repaired promptly. Check to ensure your chimney's flashing remains tightly sealed. If the flashing is in good condition otherwise, simply close any vulnerable looking spots with a sealant. Inspect your chimney once a year to prevent any potentially serious problems.