The rainy season often brings heavy rainfall and strong winds. If you don’t prepare your home, yard, and furnishings properly, you might face more risks of damage, like leaking roofs, damaged plants, and broken outdoor furniture. So, it’s very important to prepare before the rainy season.
Keep your gutters clean
Gutters direct rainwater from the roof to the drains. If gutters are blocked with leaves, twigs, or other debris, water can overflow and seep into the house, damaging walls or even causing foundation problems. Before the rainy season arrives, check the condition of your gutters and downpipes. Clear away any debris and use a garden hose to make sure water flows smoothly. Don’t forget to adjust the direction of the downpipes.
Look at the roof to see if it is in good condition
The roof protects your home from rain and wind. Check the condition of your roof tiles, shingles, or other roof coverings to make sure they are not broken, cracked, or displaced. Don’t forget to check the roof joints for any gaps that could let water in. Also, clear away leaves, twigs, and other debris that have collected on the roof. If you find this difficult or the roof is too high, call a professional for safe and proper repairs.
Protect your outdoor furniture
Strong winds can damage furniture, pots, and other outdoor equipment. Before heavy rains hit, move these items to a garage or shed. If you can’t move something, tie it or cover it securely to prevent damage.
Look at the windows and doors
Rainwater can enter the house through small gaps in windows or doors. Check all windows, doors, and frames to make sure they are tight and there are no leaks. Use caulk to seal any gaps. If you have fragile glass windows, cover them with plywood or other temporary covers to protect them from strong winds. This step is especially important when heavy rain is predicted to prevent damage to the interior of the house.
Cut the branches of the trees
Strong winds can break fragile tree branches, which can then damage homes, vehicles, or power lines. Before the rainy season, check the trees around your home. Cut away any broken or dead branches to keep your trees healthy and stable. This is important to prevent injuries and damage from falling trees during heavy rain.
Protect plants
Heavy rain and strong winds can damage plants, flowers, or vegetables in your yard. Use a plastic dome or tarp to protect smaller plants. Place stakes at the corners of the tarp to keep it stable and prevent it from blowing away. If your garden is near a body of water, you can dig a ditch or build a barrier to direct water away from your plants.
–sh
