Spring is here, and with it comes the rain—lots of it. For many homeowners, this is the time of year when they start to notice all the little things that need to be fixed around the house. But before you start making a list of home improvement projects, take a step back and ensure you’re prepared for the rainy season. A bit of preparation now can save you a lot of time (and money) down the road.
1. Inspect Your Roof and Gutters
The first step in preparing your home for the rainy season is ensuring your roof and gutters are in good condition. If your roof is over 20 years old, you should have it inspected by an expert. They’ll be able to inform you whether it needs to be replaced or repaired.
Your gutters should be cleaned out at least once a year—preferably in the springtime. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and spill over onto your roof, leading to leaks or water damage inside your home. They can also cause pools of water to form around your foundation, which can lead to serious flooding issues. If you think your gutters need replacement or repair, now is the time to do it. Hire a professional gutter installation company to ensure the job is done correctly.
2. Check for Leaks
Once you’ve taken care of your roof and gutters, it’s time to check for leaks inside your home. Start by checking all the rooms with plumbing—the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, etc.—for any signs of water damage. Pay close attention to ceilings, walls, under sinks, and around toilets. If you see any cracks or peeling paint, that’s a good indication of a leak somewhere.
If you’re unsure how to fix a leak, don’t hesitate to call a professional. Ignoring a small leak now could turn into a much bigger (and more expensive) problem down the road. You should also make sure your insurance policy covers water damage—just in case.
3. Seal up Any Cracks or Gaps Around Your Home
Cracks and gaps around your home—in the foundation, windows, doors, etc.—can let water and moisture inside, leading to problems like mold growth and wood rot. So take some time now to seal up any cracks or gaps you see with caulking or weatherstripping. This is an easy and inexpensive way to protect your home from water damage during the rainy season (and all year long).
You should also ensure your windows and doors are in good condition and fit snugly in their frames. If you see any cracks or gaps around them, it’s time to replace them. Old windows and doors are more likely to let water and moisture inside and are also less energy-efficient, which means higher utility bills.
4. Protect Your Outdoor Furniture and Decor
If you have any outdoor furniture or decor you want to keep in good condition, now is the time to start thinking about how you will protect it from the elements. Outdoor furniture can be covered with tarps or stored in a garage or shed until the rain subsides.
Similarly, delicate items like vases or art should be brought inside until it’s safe to put them back outside again. A little effort will save you a lot of money (and heartache) later down the road. You should also take steps to protect your deck or patio from the rain. If it’s made of wood, ensure it’s properly sealed and waterproofed.
5. Prepare Your Landscaping
Your landscaping should be designed to prevent water from pooling near your foundation. Ensure your gutters are clean and functioning properly, so they can redirect water away from your home. You should also grade your yard so that it slopes away from your foundation. This will help ensure any rainwater drains away from your home instead of pooling around it.
You might also want to consider investing in a sump pump. This can be a lifesaver if you live in an area with a lot of rainfall. A sump pump will help to pump any water that does pool around your foundation away from your home, preventing serious flooding issues.
Preparing your home for the rainy season doesn’t have to be complicated—or expensive. You can prevent big problems from developing down the road by taking care of simple maintenance tasks like cleaning out your gutters and sealing up cracks and gaps around your home. So don’t wait—get started on preparing your home for spring today!
