April Showers Bring May Flowers: Steps to Ensure Your Home is Ready for the Rain

While spring and warmer temperatures may be a welcome change, homeowners need to prepare their homes for the potential water damage that can occur during heavy rains. 

By taking a few preventative measures, homeowners can ensure their homes are ready for the rainy season and avoid costly repairs down the line. 

Let’s at the steps you can take to protect your homes from the effects of heavy rain.

Get a roof inspection

Inspecting your roof is important in preparing your home for the rainy season. A roof that is in good condition can prevent water from entering your home. If you’re inspecting it yourself, look for the following:

• Damaged or missing shingles: Look for signs of wear and tear, such as cracked or broken shingles or shingles that are missing altogether.
• Cracks: Check for cracks in the roof, which can let water seep into your home.
• Leaks: Look for signs of water damage inside your home, such as water stains on the ceiling or walls, which can indicate a leak in your roof.

If you notice any of these issues during your inspection, it’s important to take action to prevent water from entering your home. If you didn’t have a professional inspection, set one up to confirm the kind of fix necessary. This may include repairing or replacing damaged shingles, sealing cracks, or patching leaks.

A professional roofer can identify any issues and recommend repairs or maintenance that can help protect your home from water damage.

Check your gutters and downspouts

Gutters and downspouts are crucial in directing rainwater away from your home. When they become clogged with debris such as leaves, twigs, and dirt, they can cause water to overflow and damage your home’s foundation, walls, and roof.

To prevent water damage from clogged gutters and downspouts, homeowners should take the following steps:

1. Use a ladder to access the gutters and downspouts.
2. Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp debris.
3. Use a hose to flush out any debris, starting at the end of the downspout and working your way back to the gutters.
4. Check the gutters and downspouts for any damage, such as cracks or loose fasteners, and repair them as necessary.
5. Ensure that the downspout extends at least five feet away from your home’s foundation.

To prevent debris from clogging your gutters in the future, homeowners can install gutter guards. Gutter guards are mesh covers that fit over the gutters, allowing water to flow through while preventing debris from entering.

Regularly cleaning your gutters and downspouts and installing gutter guards can help prevent water damage to your home and ensure that rainwater is properly directed away from your home’s foundation.

Seal windows and doors

Drafts around windows and doors can let water in during heavy rainstorms, causing damage to your home’s interior. If left unchecked, water can seep into small gaps or cracks and cause mold, mildew, and even structural damage.

To prevent water from entering your home through gaps:

1. Check for gaps or cracks around your windows and doors. Use your hand to feel for drafts, or use a flashlight to look for gaps in the caulking or weatherstripping.
2. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal any gaps or cracks. Weatherstripping can be applied around the edges of windows and doors to prevent drafts, while caulk can be used to seal gaps around the frames.
3. Add door sweeps to prevent water from entering from the bottom of the doors. Door sweeps are long strips of rubber or plastic attached to the bottom of the door to seal the gap between the door and the floor.

Homeowners can prevent drafts and water from entering their homes by sealing gaps around windows and doors and adding door sweeps. This can help prevent damage to your home’s interior and save on energy costs by insulating your home better.

Inspect your sump pump

A functioning sump pump is crucial in preventing basement flooding during the rainy season. A sump pump is designed to collect and remove water accumulating in the sump pit, a small hole in the basement floor that collects water from the surrounding soil.

To ensure that your sump pump is in good working condition:

1. Test your sump pump before the rainy season. Pour water into the sump pit to ensure the pump turns on and properly removes the water.
2. Replace your sump pump if it is not functioning properly or is over 10 years old. A malfunctioning or outdated sump pump can risk flooding your home.
3. Maintain your sump pump by cleaning the pit and checking the discharge pipe. Regularly clean out any debris or sediment that may accumulate in the pit and ensure that the discharge pipe is properly attached and free of obstructions.

Maintaining and testing your sump pump before the rainy season can help prevent basement flooding and protect your home from water damage. 

A properly functioning sump pump can provide peace of mind during heavy rainstorms, knowing that excess water is being safely removed from your home.

You worked for your home—keep it safe from the rain 

As mortgage professionals, we encourage all homeowners to take action to protect their homes and investments. 

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take the time to inspect your home and make any necessary repairs or upgrades before the rainy season arrives.

A cash-out refinance can be an excellent way to fund necessary home improvements before April showers arrive. This extra cash can be used to repair or upgrade your home before the rainy season, such as repairing a leaky roof, replacing old gutters, or adding weatherstripping to doors and windows.

At Homefinity, we offer the best refinancing options to help you get the funds you need to prepare your home for the rainy season. 

Reach out to one of our dedicated loan officers today and get the funds you need to make your home safe and secure for the rainy season.

Image by Barry D from Pixabay