Heavy rains can take a toll on your property. Without proper preparation, your home will incur serious and irreparable damages in a week. Fortunately, you can take precautions now while the sun is up. Here’s how you can protect your living space for the rainy days to come:
Step 1: Window and Door Sealing
It’s hard to keep your living place dry and warm during the stormy days when the doors and windows aren’t sealed properly. Rainwater will not only find a way to enter your home, but the heat from inside will also leak out. As you prepare for the rainy season, don’t forget to check the windows and doors.
Look for drafts by holding a candle against closed doors and windows. If the flame moves as if it’s being blown, air from outside flows through a leak. This won’t happen if the sealing is intact.
In case you do find drafts, you can install new glaze, apply new caulk, or use foam tapes to block the leaks. Perform this inspection during summer, so you’ll have enough time to reseal and let the treated window or door dry in the heat.
Step 2: Gutter Cleaning
When it comes to protecting your place against storms, gutters are in the frontline. Catching and channeling water away, they save your home from mold, rot, and structural damage brought by rain.
Keeping your gutters storm-ready isn’t rocket science, but it can easily slip your mind. Many property owners often overlook the task until water starts to creep under the roof and, worse, into the foundation. If this sounds like you, no judgment, but you have to take action now.
Gutter maintenance starts with cleaning, and you should do it at least once a year. Mark your calendar if you must. Gutters won’t be able to do their job if they’re clogged. What’s more, they become susceptible to rust and other issues when they are constantly full of debris.
While you’re up the ladder, look for signs of damage as well. Sagged, loose, and leaning gutters require repair right away. For serious cases, rain gutter replacement is the best solution, whether you live in Salt Lake City or one of the rainiest cities like New Orleans.
Step 3: Roof Inspection
Extend your gutter cleaning to the roof. Remove debris and dust that accumulated over time to see if there are missing or broken shingles. When the rain comes, water will penetrate the cracks between damaged shingles, causing rot and mildew buildup.
Step 4: Anticipate Flooding
Not trying to make you panic, but when it comes to preparing for the rainy season, you have to expect the worst. By worst, it means floodwater getting into your home. Before storm days approach, place electronics far from doors and windows and off the floor.
Also, do a quick search for delicate items, such as documents. Move these to a safer place. In case of a power outage, batteries, flashlights, and power banks come in handy, so make sure they’re within reach.
Storms come and go as they please. No one can prevent them, but you can prepare for them. Remember the steps above to keep your home in good shape in the times of rain. However, if the local government advises people from your area to evacuate, cooperate. Nothing’s more important than your safety.
