Home Improvement: 6 Tips to Prepare Your Home for the Rain
People spend a hefty amount in home improvement. This usually includes the paint job, yard work, and exterior designs of the house. As you might have noticed, all of these are the outer appearance of the home. When it comes to fighting the natural elements like the rain, most homes end up dilapidated and damaged. So how can you protect your own house? Here are a few tips that you can do to ensure that your home won’t get any leaks or damage from the rain.
Checking For Existing Damages
The first step that you should take is going to the house to check for any damaged areas. It’s a basic rule to start from the inside then proceed outwards to save time. Ask for help to cover more ground. Knowing where you need to work and what you need to repair is important so you don’t end up wasting money. Checking first will also let you know if you can fix things yourself or if you need to hire a professional.
Pipes and Drainage
Most people tend to forget about their water pipes. When they’re clogged up with dirt or leaves, it can cause leaks or flooding in some areas of your house. Clean your pipes out regularly and check for any punctures. Get help from a plumber if you notice a clog in any of your pipes that you can’t clean out. It’s better to do this even before the rains come so you won’t have to deal with it then.
Look Out for Molds
Molds become a nightmare for any homeowner. They can grow in various places around the house like the ceiling, the roof, the walls, and crawlspaces which can lead to leaks. There are three ways why mold can grow – spores, food, and moisture. Out of the three, the last one is something that can be managed. When it comes to molds, you need to gear up so you won’t end up getting sick. Wear protective equipment if you’re planning to clean molds.
How To Clean Molds:
- You’re going to need protective gloves, goggles, brushes, detergent, and warm water.
- Wash the molded area with the cleaning solution and brush gently.
- The warm water will kill most of the molds, preventing them from spreading the spores.
- Rinse thoroughly and discard your gloves and goggles as they may contain some leftover mold spores.
Termite Infestations
Compared to molds, termites are even worse. If you see termites gnawing on your house, it’s a must that you take action quickly. Ceilings and walls are common places where termites enjoy chomping. If you leave things as is, your house may end up in shambles. It’s your choice if you want to fix the problem yourself with some DIY and a couple of tools like a good framing hammer, a power drill, and some wood to replace the damaged areas. But it’s also a good idea to leave this one to the professionals. Another good thing to note is that you can also purchase termite damage insurance which can cover your home in about a year or so.
The Proper Roofing
The roof is the first line of defense when it comes to rain. And since it’s the most exposed part of your home, it’s also the most susceptible to damage. You have to remember that it’s not just raining your roof is handling – it also deals with the other elements like the heat, the snow, and for some areas, even hail. Choosing the right roofing type is important to shield your home from the rain and prevent any leaks. A safe bet for most homeowners is asphalt shingles since they’re affordable and easy to install while still being sturdy. While it looks good, clay tile roofs are not ideal against the rain since they can get easily damaged and expose your roof to moisture.
Electrical Wires and Power Supply
Damaged electrical wires are the weakness of most homeowners. If you’re not handy with electrical equipment, it’s better to call the professionals. While many think that it’s expensive, hiring electrical contractors lets you save money if you know you need. This is your safest bet since you won’t have to risk injuring yourself through amateur electrical work. Do this early since it’s even more dangerous to deal with electrical problems when it rains.
Conclusion
Rain makes your home susceptible to damage. Preparing your home for the rain is more of a pre-emptive rather than a reactive action. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so dealing with it before a storm comes is way better.
Hi! I’m Emma Clark from The Art of Home Renovations, an interior designer with one true passion: home improvement. With my experience and skill, I want to help you make your home into a revolutionary & magical work of art through easy, inexpensive, and innovative ideas that you can DIY!
