One of the primary reasons to purchase a property is that it keeps you protected from harsh weather conditions. Whether it is the burning summer heat or the chilly winter breeze, while you stay in, you know that you are safe.Â
However, it is essential that you also take steps to keep your property protected from these harsh weather conditions. According to the First Street Foundation reports, approximately 14 million properties get damaged every year due to heavy rainfall.Â
Obviously, you don’t wish your beloved house to get damaged due to rainfall or even under any circumstances. Therefore, you should take some measures to protect your home.
Keep reading to learn more about the measures you can take to protect your home.Â
Maintain your outdoors for protection against strong winds
Generally, heavy rains bring along strong winds. These winds can damage the exteriors as well as the surrounding of the property. That’s why you need to ensure no lightweight furniture or items can cause damage. Keep all the outdoor things tidy and well organized, preferably in a storeroom or nursery.Â
In addition to this, if you have a tree, make sure to park your vehicle away from it. The reason is that strong winds can cause branches to fall, which can damage your car. In fact, do not keep any valuable item near the tree.Â
Nonetheless, it is better to trim the trees for better protection. Also, you can contact an arborist to check the roots of the tree. It can help in identifying any root damage, so you can take timely action.Â
Pest control for protection against insectsÂ
The rainy season invites insects such as ants, mosquitoes, spiders, stink bugs, cockroaches, or termites. These insects can cause several health issues as well as damage the property. Therefore, it is essential that you get pest control in the house before the season starts.Â
But what if you couldn’t get pest control and the rains began? Don’t worry! As most of the pesticides are insoluble, they will not get washed away by rainfall. Therefore you can still get pest control inside the house.
Clean the gutter and drains to prevent any blockage
Gutter, drainage systems, and downpipes are your best defense against heavy rainfall. It helps in channeling the water to avoid rot, mold, or any other rain-related issues. Generally, fallen leaves and debris cause blockage in the gutter and downpipes. This blockage results in overflowing of the water, which further damages the property.Â
Therefore, you need to keep the pipes and gutter in and around your house clean. It’ll ensure that the water will not enter the home or damage the wall or footing. Not to forget that you should do it after every rain, especially after the storm.Â
Also, check whether the gutter or downpipe is loose, leaking, or sagging. If they need repair, do it without any delay.Â
Check the windows and doors to keep the place cozy and dry
After that, you need to check whether your windows and doors are properly sealed or not. Especially if you have wooden doors or windows. Generally, water causes the windows to swell up; thus, it can make it hard to shut or even open them.Â
In fact, swelled doors and windows are among the most common complaints of people living in humid places such as Asheville, Michigan, or Charlotte. So, in case you also reside at any of these places, you can take help from professionals.Â
How? The best way to do that instantly is to play with the internet using terms like charlotte window company or Michigan window company. They can also help in repairing any cracks or splits. Or even replace the door or window if the water is seeping through them. It’ll ensure that your place stays cozy and dry during the season.Â
Repair your roof to prevent unexpected leakage
Whether it is the rainy season or not, you should inspect the roof. If there are any broken tiles, fix them immediately. Similarly, you should remove the build-up dirt on the roof as it might cause water blockage and lead to leakage. If you see any light shining through the roof, it probably means that the sarking (waterproof insulation membrane) or the roof sheet is damaged. Therefore, you should get it repaired immediately.Â
Nonetheless, this work can get dangerous. Therefore you need to be very careful. Or, you can also take help from professionals.
Inspect your basement to prevent floodingÂ
Water can cause basement walls to get moist, create structural weak spots, and also leak. Therefore you need to inspect the basement and make it waterproof. The best way to do this is by creating a drainage system in the basement. For that, get in contact with your city water department. Â
Also, after the season is over, you need to keep your basement clean and disinfected. An easy method to do this is by mixing 8 spoons of liquid chlorine bleach with 1 gallon of water and spraying it around the basement. It will ensure that the area is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.Â
Note: In case you have a sump pump in the basement, ensure that it is in good condition and working properly. Also, look for any electrical damage. Nonetheless, be careful while doing so.Â
Bonus: If you live in a flood-prone area!Â
Create a home emergency planÂ
In case of any uncertain situation, you should know what to do and whom to contact. For that, you should create a home emergency plan. Write down the contact and helpline numbers. Also, take a look at the home insurance and see what type of property damage it covers. Keep in mind that you need to prepare for every circumstance. Also, make sure that every family member is aware of this home emergency plan.Â
In addition to this, you should also have an emergency kit prepared. It should contain a first aid kit, clothes, and essential items. There are Best CPR Courses in Toronto that can help you acquire skills that would be helpful in times of emergencies.
To sum it all up!
Even though the rain is a beautiful season, it can cause severe damage to the property. However, with the measures mentioned above, you can take timely measures to prepare your house for the heavy rains.Â