How to Protect Your Home From Heavy Rainfall

Rain is a wonderful thing and something we need. But as the saying goes, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. Since the weather is crazy and unpredictable, a smart homeowner must make sure their abode is ready to take on whatever nature throws their way.

Since water damage is one of the top causes of home insurance losses today, here’s a few tips to help you keep your home safe and dry.

Don’t Skip The Roof Inspections

There’s nothing worse than a leaky roof. Water can easily get through and into your home if you fail to replace deteriorated or missing shingles. It’s also a good idea to repair any cracks you see so that water is kept out when the downpour comes.

If you’re wise you’ll inspect your roof at least twice a year during good weather. This will give you plenty of time to inspect for damage and make the necessary repairs. Water that penetrates your roof can cause a host of issues, including attic damage, mold and mildew growth, fire hazard from electrical wiring, and wood deterioration.

Keep The Gutters Clean

Clearing the gutters of all the gunk that gets stuck there is one of the most procrastinated chores in America. There’s nothing fun about climbing up and scraping away all the gunk and slime that builds up over time. But unless you get rid of all those leaves and twigs, your gutters and downspouts won’t be ready when the heavy rainfall arrives.

Clogged gutters and downspouts during a heavy rain can cause everything from roof leaks to eroded landscaping. What would have cost you some time and a few dollars in maintenance will now cost you much more in major repairs.

Keep Electricals Above Flood Level

If you live in an area where flooding is common, it’s important that you keep anything electrical high enough so that it won’t be reached. Water and electricity don’t mix well, which is why you should make the necessary modifications so that your sockets, switches, wiring, and even circuit breakers are at least a foot higher than the average flood level where you live.

Doing so will minimize the chance that your home catches fire from water reaching the electrical parts of your home. Making sure your water heater and furnace are also above the flood level is recommended if you live in a flood-prone area. You should also move all electrical appliances upstairs or high above the ground in the event of a flood.

Have A Place To Store Garden Tools & Furniture

People who live in an area where rain storms are common know how powerful the wind can be. Everything from your patio set and garden tools can be tossed around when strong gales arrive. Floods are also capable of carrying your outside things to other areas.

When you know a rainstorm is approaching, secure any fences and heavy furniture while storing everything you can in a shed or garage. Otherwise, you might later find a shovel or garden hoe that was shot into your window or outer wall by 60 mph winds.

Make Sure Your Plumbing Is In Top Shape

The last thing you need during an intense rainfall is for sewer water to also join the party. As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to make sure that your plumbing is in excellent working condition from the property line to inside your home. A good idea is to hire a qualified plumber to install a backwater valve.

This device is designed to prevent water and sewage from coming back up into your home during a big storm. There are also water leak sensors and alarms you can buy that either alert you of a possible leak or even turn off the water automatically if they detect a problem.

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Want to learn more home improvement tips? Check out this article on how to protect your home from a natural disaster.