Spring is here, which means warmer weather, longer days—and, unfortunately, rain. While a little rain can be a nice reprieve from the winter blues, too much of it can spell trouble for your home. From leaks to flooding, there are several ways that heavy rains can damage your house.
That’s why it’s important to take some time before the rainy season to ensure your home is as prepared as possible. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry; here are six tips to get your house ready for rain.
1. Check Your Gutters and Downspouts
One of the first things you should do to prepare your home for rain is to check your gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters can lead to several problems, including leaks, foundation damage, and even mold growth. To clean your gutters, remove any accumulated debris and rinse with a hose.
You should also ensure that your downspouts are pointing away from your house; if they’re not, water will pool around the foundation and increase the risk of flooding and leaks. If you have gutter guards, check them to ensure they’re in good condition and not blocking any water flow.
2. Inspect Your Roof
When it comes to keeping water out of your home, your roof is one of the most important components. That’s why it’s important to inspect it regularly and repair any damage you find. Look for missing or damaged shingles and ensure that all flashing—the metal components that seal the gaps around vents and chimneys—is intact.
If you are not comfortable evaluating your own roof, you can always hire a reliable gutter and roofing company to do it for you. You may also want to consider installing gutter guards to help prevent leaves and debris from clogging your gutters.
3. Seal Any Cracks or Gaps
Although your roof does a good job of keeping water out of your house, there will always be small cracks and gaps around doors and windows through which water can enter. To help prevent this, seal any cracks or gaps with caulk or weatherstripping.
Not only will this help keep water out during a storm, but it will also improve your home’s energy efficiency by preventing drafts from coming in. You can also use door and window seals to help keep water out during a flood.
4. Check Your Trees
Trees can provide much-needed shade and beauty to your yard—but they can also pose a danger to your home during a storm. Dead branches can fall and damage your roof or break windows. At the same time, overhanging limbs can scrape against the siding and cause expensive damage.
Before the rainy season hits, prune any dead branches and trim back any overhanging limbs. This will help protect your home from storm damage and keep your yard looking neat and tidy at the same time.
5. Clear Your Yard
The heavy rains of spring can quickly turn small puddles into large pools—which means that anything in your yard that can collect water should be removed before the storm hits. This includes toys, lawn furniture, grills, garbage cans—basically anything that isn’t attached to the ground or too heavy to move should be brought inside or stored in a shed or garage until the rains have passed.
Otherwise, you risk having these items float away or become entangled in power lines during a flood (not to mention being more difficult to clean up). So, take the time to clear your yard before the rains come.
6. Prepare for a Power Outage
Last but not least, it’s essential to prepare for a power outage. Heavy rains can cause flooding and downed trees, leading to power outages that last for days or even weeks. You can qualify for a power outage by stocking up on batteries, flashlights, and non-perishable food items.
You should also have a plan in place for how you will stay safe and communicate with your family in the event of a power outage. For example, you may want to designate an emergency meeting spot in case you get separated. This is especially important if you have young children. So, take the time to prepare for a power outage before the storm hits.
By taking some time before the rainy season hits to prepare, you can help safeguard your home against potential damages. From checking gutters and downspouts to clearing yard debris, there are several simple steps you can do to help protect your home from the rain. So, don’t wait—get started today!
