Prepare Your Home For The Rainy Season
Ireland gets enough rainfall throughout the year but did you know that December and January are its wettest months? Preparing for the rainy season can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With these seven tips, you’ll be all set in no time!
Prepare Your Home For The Rainy Season #1
Identify Leaks On Your Roof
Now is a great time to have your roof inspected for any leaks. Roofs are the most vulnerable during the rainy season, so it’s essential to find out now if you need repairs done before they become too extensive and costly! In addition, if your roof is old and nearing the end of its useful life, then this would be a great time to replace it with a new one. You can head up onto the roof yourself or hire someone who has experience in doing so safely, as you don’t want anyone getting hurt while standing on such an unstable surface.
Further Reading: 3 Simple Home Improvements That Could Increase Its Value
Prepare Your Home For The Rainy Season #2
Clear Out The Gutters
Gutters and downspouts need to be cleared out so that they can do their job correctly. They keep water flowing away from the house, off of your roof and foundation, and also prevent erosion around the perimeters of your lawns. If you don’t clear them now, this task will become much more problematic as time goes on! Plus, it’s dangerous for kids or pets playing outside near gutters that are full of leaves and debris.
Prepare Your Home For The Rainy Season #3
Clear Away Debris Around Your Foundation
Little piles of sticks, leaves and other debris near your foundation can cause some severe problems. Not only do they look bad aesthetically speaking, but it creates a safety hazard as well. If the pile is wet enough after rain or snowmelt, then it becomes an attractive place for insects (ants) to take up residence. It also creates a lovely little home for rodents like mice and rats! Clean those areas now before you’re knee-deep in them this spring, trying to stop those infestations from happening!
Further Reading: 12 Ways Your Home Affects Your Health and Wellbeing
Prepare Your Home For The Rainy Season #4
Ensure Your Foundation Is Protected
Your house’s foundation is most susceptible to water damage during the rainy season. If you have a concrete or cinder block foundation, make sure that it is sealed with waterproofing material. This takes the brunt of the force from rain and prevents seepage through cracks in your walls which can cause mould growth! Of course, you’ll need some help from professionals when applying this kind of treatment, so get on it now before spring hits! In addition, if you have a home made out of wood, then be sure to check for any rot along structure perimeters. In these cases, an edging will also do wonders by preventing water infiltration into wall cavities.
Prepare Your Home For The Rainy Season #5
Consider Installing Awnings
If you have windows that are susceptible to the rain, then consider installing outdoor awnings. These can be both aesthetically pleasing as well as functional. Aesthetically speaking, they provide great shade from damaging sun rays while enjoying an afternoon out on your patio! Functionally speaking, they help protect wooden window frames and sills by keeping water away during rainy seasons. This helps lengthen their useful lifespan, which means more money in your pocket down the line!
Prepare Your Home For The Rainy Season #6
Apply Waterproof Sealant and Wall Coating
Just as your foundations need to be protected so too do your homes walls. Rain can penetrate the masonry walls of your home if it’s not protected against the elements, causing damp and moisture to travel from exterior walls to interior walls. Everyone’s worst nightmare. Issues like these need to be fixed immediately and usually involve the help of a specialist company or tradesperson. Once fixed you can apply a clear waterproof sealant that will act as a protective and proactive measure to prevent future damage.
Prepare Your Home For The Rainy Season #7
Store Away Plants And Lawn Furniture
One last thing to do before the rain starts is put your patio furniture, potted plants, and other outdoor décor inside. If you can store them in a garage or garden shed, for example, then keep them there until the weather clears up! This will prevent any water damage from occurring due to torrential downpours, as well as being able to enjoy your home more when it finally does stop raining! In addition, you’ll have a pleasant little surprise waiting for you when the sunshine finally comes out again!
- Article Photos by Kira auf der Heide – CCO Licence
- Feature Photo by Vlad Chețan – CCO Licence
PIN: 7 Ways To Prepare Your Home For The Rainy Season
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