If you live in an area that gets a lot of heavy rain, it is important to be prepared for it. While the rain can be fun for some people, others deal with water damage to their homes. The damage to their valuables, structural elements, and the foundation can be expensive to repair, and that is if it is possible to repair the damage at all.
Luckily, there are ways to get ready for heavy rainfall. You just need to be one step ahead of the weather by preparing now. To help you get started, here are five ways to prepare your home for heavy rain.
Pay Attention To The Weather
The weather can be unpredictable, so it is important to be aware of gray clouds and dark skies. If it is nighttime and difficult to notice gray skies, pay attention to drizzling or the wind picking up. Once you notice the weather changing, be sure to check the weather alerts. It also helps to check the weather every morning to see if anything has changed overnight. This way, you have time to make last-minute preparations for your home before the rain arrives.
Clear The Drains and Gutters
You should regularly inspect and clear the drains, gutters, and downspouts to ensure you are always prepared for heavy rain. These elements need to be clear of twigs, leaves, and other debris to keep the water flowing in the right direction. If your drains are not flowing properly, this could lead to flooding around your exterior or even in the basement. Gutters and downspouts that are not channeling water away from your home could lead to water damage to the interior and foundation. Luckily, you can usually check and clear these elements yourself.
Check Your Home For Leaks
It is always important to check your roof and basement for leaks. Start by checking for cracks and holes in the attic or top floor. You may notice sunlight or water leaking into your home through a hole in your roof. If you notice the hole after the rain has started, cover it with a waterproof tarp until it can be repaired. You also need to inspect and seal the basement to prevent flooding. Additionally, you need to ensure your sump pump is working properly. A working sump pump paired with sealed elements can keep your basement from flooding during heavy rainfall.
Reseal Your Windows and Doors
You never want your home to feel cold and uncomfortable during heavy rainfall. This is why you need to check and reseal your windows and doors as needed. Sealing your windows and doors is essential to keeping the cold air out of your home. In addition, you can also prevent water from leaking into your home by sealing these elements. You can usually seal the windows and doors yourself, and the supplies for sealing these elements can be found in home improvement stores. Use weatherstripping, caulk, window film, or rigid foam insulation to seal the windows and doors.
Invest in Tarp For Extra Protection
When preparing your home for heavy rain, you need to think about the items on your porch or in your backyard. These items may include your outdoor furniture, grill, and firewood. If possible, move some of your outdoor items inside a safe place, such as an insulated shed. Otherwise, it is best to look into waterproof tarps for sale to cover the items that need to remain outside. The goal is to keep these items as dry as possible to prevent water damage, and a waterproof tarp can help to achieve this goal. You can also look into other heavy tarps to use during rainfall, but a waterproof tarp is your best bet for keeping items dry in the rain.
Heavy rain can put a damper on your home if you are not prepared for it, especially if your area frequently sees heavy rain. You may wind up with leaks, damaged items, or even damage to the interior itself. It can also lead to damage to your home’s foundation. This is why you want to prepare for heavy rain before it arrives.
When you consider and follow the above tips, you are taking the steps to protect your home from the damage that comes from heavy rain.
