Essential tips to keep your home safe and dry this rainy season.
With spring rains transitioning into summer storms, it’s important to make sure your home is protected from water damage. Whether you’re experiencing a flash flood reminiscent of 2018 or 1983, when rainfall seemed endless, maintaining a dry and safe home is of the utmost importance. Here are four essential tips to protect our home during heavy rains:
1. Check and Clean Your Gutters. Your gutters are your home’s first line of defense against water damage. Keep them free of debris to function correctly. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow, leading to potential damage to your home’s foundation and walls. Regularly inspect and clean your gutters, especially before and after rainstorms.
2. Ensure Proper Drainage and Slopes. Proper drainage around your home is needed. The ground should slope away from your foundation to prevent water from seeping in. A good rule of thumb is to maintain a slope of six inches over six feet. This practice, once the standard before the widespread use of gutters, remains highly effective in directing water away from your home.
“Your gutters are your home’s first line of defense against water damage.”
3. Check Your Windows. Windows, including egress windows, should be inspected regularly to ensure they aren’t clogged. Check the weep holes on your windows to ensure water can drain away efficiently. Proper window maintenance prevents water from overflowing channels and damaging your interior trim.
4. Test Your Sump Pump. Your sump pump is important in keeping your basement dry. Regularly test your sump pump by pouring water into the sump pit to keep it activated so that it drains water away from your foundation. This simple test can prevent water damage during heavy rains.
By following these four tips, you can protect your home from water damage during heavy rains. Regular maintenance and inspections are key to keeping your home dry and safe. If you need further advice or assistance, feel free to reach out via call or email.