Rainy Season Ahead: Major Home Maintenance You Should Do

Regardless of whether you believe in climate change or not, the fact remains that the weather is changing. And as the Earth becomes warmer, we see more extreme weather conditions, including longer and stronger rainy season

NCEI has stated that in 2022, there have been nine weather/climate disaster events in the United States, with losses of more than $1 billion each. 1 drought event and 8 severe storm events were included in the count. Overall, these events claimed the lives of 8 people and had significant economic consequences for the regions impacted.

This is a worrying trend with far-reaching implications. We must take action to protect our families and homes from the dangers posed by extreme weather conditions. Here are the best ways to prepare your home for the rainy season before it hits:

Outdoor Maintenance

Clean out your gutters

Don’t forget to check your gutters for any blockages. This will cause rainwater to back up and damage your roof, walls, and foundation. In time, debris, leaves, and pine needles can cause blockage.

And to make it worse, damp mildew and other molds can build up in this area over time. The best thing you can do is hire professional gutter cleaning services regularly to ensure that they are completely clean. You won’t need to climb up your ladder or onto your roof just to do it yourself; leave it to the experts! They can provide other cleaning services, such as window washing, deep cleaning, and pressure washing.

Fill in any holes in your yard

Holes in your yard can become pits of water during a rainstorm. This can lead to flooding, which can damage your home’s foundation. To avoid this, fill any holes in your yard with dirt or sand. You can use a garden hose to wash away loose soil or sand that might have settled into the spot.

If the hole is too big to fill, you can place a heavy object (like a rock or piece of wood) over it. This will help to keep the water from pooling in the hole and causing problems.

Trim trees and shrubs around your home

Trees and shrubs that are too close to your home can damage your roof and siding when they blow in the wind. They can also cause foundation problems if their roots grow into and under your foundation. To avoid these problems, trim any trees or shrubs within 10 feet of your home. This will help to reduce the chances of them causing damage to your property during a severe storm.

Check the grading around your home.

This is the sloping of the ground away from your foundation. If the grading is incorrect, water will pool around your foundation and seep into your basement or crawl space. This can cause severe damage to your home’s structure.

So, ensure that the ground slopes away from your foundation at a rate of about 6 inches for every 10 feet. If you need to, add more dirt to the area around your foundation to correct the grading.

Indoor Maintenance

Check for leaks in your roof

Roof leaks can lead to water damage to your ceilings, walls, and floors. Water damage might be costly to repair and can also cause mold and mildew to develop, which might contribute to respiratory issues.
To avoid these problems, check your roof for any leaks before the rainy season starts. You can try to pour a bucket of water on different areas of your roof to see if any leaks develop. If you find a leak from inside your house, you can either patch the hole yourself or hire a roofing professional to do it for you.

Fix any cracks in your walls or windows

Cracks in your walls can worsen over time and eventually lead to water damage. Inspect both the interior and exterior surfaces of your walls for any cracks. Fill minor gaps with caulk, while larger ones must be repaired with mortar or concrete.

As for windows, check the sealant around them. If the sealant is cracked or missing, water can enter your home and cause damage. You can either replace the sealant yourself or hire an expert to do it for you.

Inspect your plumbing for any leaks or damage

The rainy season can cause a lot of damage to your plumbing if it’s not in good condition. Inspect all the pipes in your home for any leaks or damage. If you find any, repair them immediately. Having a plumbing service inspection before the rainy season starts is a good idea to avoid major problems.

If you have an outdoor faucet, cover it with a faucet cover. This will help prevent water damage if the outdoor faucet leaks during the rain.

Monitor your electrical system

The rain can damage your electrical system if it’s not in good condition. Inspect your electrical panels, wiring, and outlets for any damage. If you find any, have an electrician repair them before the rainy season starts. You should also invest in a surge protector to protect your electronic devices from power surges caused by lightning strikes.

All in all

Now that you know what maintenance tasks you should do before the rainy season, it’s time to start. By taking care of these things now, you can help to prevent any water damage or other problems that might occur during the rains. So, don’t wait – start preparing your home today!