How to Protect Your Home from Rain

A grey sky, a whistle of wind, a consistent patter—for most, these are not uncommon to witness when it rains. While one can appreciate rain for its role in replenishing the environment, it can also be a destructive force on our homes. As it makes its way inside and settles there, it can harm the integrity of a house’s components and lead to the proliferation of moisture-loving pests. It can also ruin our possessions and render them unusable. Therefore, every homeowner should act to keep rain outside. Here’s how to protect your home from rain.

Maintain the Roof

When rain falls, it hits your roof first. Even sturdy roofs can wear down as the years go by, so you should check for any damages that might’ve popped up without your knowledge. Look for broken or missing shingles. These are relatively easy to replace when compared to the water damage that could occur if they’re left alone for too long.

Clean the Gutters and Downspouts

Gutters and downspouts are the unsung heroes of your home’s rain defense. Plain and unassuming, they quietly move water away from your roof and exterior walls where it can’t do harm. But when they are left unmaintained, they can become backed up with debris from nearby trees and dirt that was blown on top of your house. Clogged gutters and downspouts are ineffective, and your home becomes susceptible to rain-related damage. Take the time to clean them before they become seriously obstructed.

Seal the Windows and Doors

The windows and doors of your house let in fresh air, sunlight, and sometimes even people on nice days. But on rainy days, they may be equally obliging to water. Check for cracks in and around them and repair them before the next storm rolls in so that you can keep your home dry. Proper weather stripping around their frames and sealants for cracks are effective in closing them off to the elements. Re-applying some fresh paint can also help make frames and doors more water-resistant.

Waterproof the Basement

Sitting adjacent to the soil, your basement can quickly become a pool for water to collect in. Any dampness, condensation, or cracks you find there may be an indication that water is exerting pressure on it and seeping inside. More than just resulting in a wet room, this can weaken the foundation as it’s broken and shifted out of shape. And every time it rains, this pressure only gets stronger.

You should seek out a basement waterproofing company to fix up leaks and install countermeasures to halt water’s progress inside. One effective device to put in place is a sump pump. This can collect water that would otherwise come inside and push it out and away from your basement with a motor. With your basement protected, you can rest assured that your home won’t become dangerously fragile even under heavy rain.

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