7 Quick Ways to Prep Your House for Rain
There are, no doubt, a truckload of other things you'd rather do on your weekend than chores around the house. Hey, we hear that.
We're grownups though, and we take care of our investments—in this case, our domiciles that keep us safe and dry in the rain. So let's batten down the hatches before inclement weather causes kind of water damage that will make us want to give up adulting for good.
1. Inspect the Roof
Check for obvious areas where the roof's integrity has been compromised. Look for missing, curling, or cracked shingles. Overhanging branches can cause storm damage so keep them trimmed and away from the house. This will also keep leaf litter from accumulating and locking in moisture that can damage the roof.
This is also a good time to get rid of the moss that's been waiting for a good rainstorm to wreak havoc on your haven of domesticity. Large patches of moss can restrict water from properly flowing off the roof, creating a dam that can lead to leaks and moisture damage.
And while you're up there, inspect the skylights and any other places where leaks can happen. You may spot evidence of a leak inside your home as water stains, a musty smell, or patches on interior walls that bubble or bulge.
2. Clean the Gutters
And the downspouts, too. If you simply can't bring yourself to climb the ladder and dig into the muck, at least hire someone to do it for you.
Keeping your gutters clean and free of debris not only prevents backup of rainwater that could damage your roof, it prevents rodents and other pests from setting up shop in the collected leaf litter.
Once those gutters and downspouts are clear, ensure the now free flowing water is directed away from the house to prevent erosion of the foundation or flooding in the basement.
3. Get In the Street
Cleaning out the grates and drains that lead to the sewer is one of the quickest and simplest things you can do to maintain the safety of your home. Neglected leaves and other rubbish that wash into the sewer can cause blockages that create hazardous conditions when the streets flood or (ewww) when sewage backs up into homes. No thanks.
4. Prepare for Flooding
We don't want to sound so negative, but history tends to repeat itself, and if you've been flooded in the past, then it can happen again. So prepping for it will hopefully give you some peace of mind and also keep you safe and your stuff dry.
Pay special attention to areas where flooding has already occurred i.e. the garage, the basement, or the backyard. Use risers or shelves to get things off the floor. Move vulnerable items to other areas of the house. And consider adding a sump pump installation to your to-do list this year.
5. Check Weatherstripping
Proper weatherstripping saves energy and is essential to keeping leaks around windows and doors from creating conditions that can cause mold or wood rot. Replacing weatherstripping around the doors or windows isn't difficult, but does require some patience, especially when you've got lots to replace.
Take your time, enjoy the moment, no matter how mundane the task. Yeah, we know, probably easier said than done, but perhaps that means it's time to consider installing a dedicated meditation space to help you cope with the stresses of daily life.
6. Protect Outdoor Furniture
That includes not only your lovely teak patio set, but also the neatly stacked firewood, yard tools, and the like. Expensive teak, though durable, still requires some maintenance and may need to be resealed to ensure its longevity.
Rattan and other outdoor furniture will last several more seasons if protected with waterproof coverings. And since you're already perusing the outdoors section on Amazon (or else strolling through your local home improvement store) you might as well pick up a grill cover while you're at it.
Now that we mention it, here's a grill cover on Amazon.
Any patio cushions should be tucked away in a storage bench and your firewood protected with a weighted tarp to keep it nice and dry for the winter.
7. Get Covered
Nobody likes to talk about insurance—except maybe insurance people—but the fact is, if you value it, you must protect it. That goes for your home, your belongings, and your life. Go over your policy with your insurance agent and make sure you're adequately covered for whatever mother nature decides to showcase this year.
Done with your to-do list? Grab yourself a cold, refreshing beverage worthy of your grownup endeavors and congratulate yourself on adulting well done.
