When it’s raining five feet, there’s no way to keep a house dry. But even if heavy rains are becoming more frequent, you can protect your home from the increasing quantity of moisture by taking basic precautions.
The damage caused by heavy rain can be more troublesome than you believe. Several states, like Kerala, which recently experienced the Kerala Rains Havoc, have already witnessed worrying increases in rainfall due to the arrival of the rains. The soil surrounding your foundation can get saturated and degrade if you are hit by severe rain. Inches or feet of rain can fall. Despite having a waterproofed house, windows, doors, and attic vents can still leak.
If you don’t take action right away, a minor issue can become a big one that costs much money to fix. As a result, you must take steps to keep your house safe from floods. It’s easy to protect your home against flooding and severe rain if you follow these simple guidelines.
1. Spot Home Foundation Problems
If it rains heavily for an extended period, your yard can turn into a swamp. Excess water can seep into your house’s foundation and weaken it to the point of failure. Look for indications of degradation in your home’s foundation by walking around in a circle. Those minor fractures can be left alone, but larger cracks should be fixed right away.
2. Check Your Home’s Exterior
When it rains a lot, it can do much damage to a building’s outside. Your home’s interior walls showing signs of mildew are a sign of leaks or holes in the home’s outside walls. Keep an eye out for signs of deterioration in paint as you go about your home.
3. Inspect the Gutters
Unprotected gutters will get clogged by more than just rainwater. Clogs occur when dirt, leaves, and other debris get into your home’s gutter system. Situations when water spills over the gutter’s edge can lead to expensive and time-consuming issues like decaying. In addition, if the gutter overflows, it can harm the foundation and other structures nearby. Ensure your gutters are clear of debris, so it is best to install premium rain gutter covers before a storm hits.
4. Close the Windows and Doors
A thorough examination of windows and doors is required since these are high-risk areas. These places should be thoroughly inspected and closed off from the outside world. Closing your windows and doors is essential to keep the cold air out and make your home cozy. The sealant around the doors and windows has to be repaired in certain instances because there are cracks or breaches. Regular maintenance also helps to keep sealant degradation to a minimum.
5. Check Whether Power Is Available in the Are
There is a high probability of catastrophic failure when water and electricity are combined. As a result, it is necessary to hire a professional to inspect and repair any electrical equipment that has been contaminated by water or silt. The metal parts of your washing machine and dryer are at risk of corrosion due to rust. A malfunction of the appliance can lead to an increased risk of electric shock or overheating that could lead to a fire. Using these gadgets in the weather requires extra caution.
6. Keep the Air Vents Covered
A broken or open window is one of the most frequent entry points for rain into your home. Avoid flooding by covering these vents with plastic sheeting from the inside and outside when severe weather.
Our daily activities would be hampered if we didn’t use a significant amount of water. Household water is used for various purposes, such as toilet flushing, vehicle washing, and watering plants. Rainwater harvesting, often known as “rainwater collection,” is a standard method for collecting and later utilizing rainwater that has fallen on various surfaces. Installing a rainwater collecting tank can help you save money on water costs while also reducing trash.
7. Understand the Homeowners Insurance Policy
If you’re concerned about sewage or drain backups, you can want to consider adding an endorsement to your homeowners insurance policy. This coverage will also cover overflows from sump pumps and other water-draining systems installed around the foundation of your home. A backup of sewage or water won’t enter your home because of this addition.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your house dry and secure is critical when it rains. Before spending money on repairs, please keep these suggestions in mind and be on the lookout for warning signals. Before completing your home design, consult with a competent structural or civil engineer.
