In times of heavy rain, your house becomes your storm shelter. However, if this home is not properly shielded against water penetration, the storm can find its way inside, resulting in damage that may be both expensive and stressful.
The good news is that with home-appropriate waterproofing solutions, you can keep your building safe from the weather and leave it as a haven free from moisture.
Whether you have experienced flooding before or are preparing for your first rainy season, a few active measures can make all the difference in securing your building. Here are some professional and practical home waterproofing tips to help you secure your abode during heavy rains.
- Roof Check: First Line of Defense
Pursue regular checking and scrutiny of your roof, which bears the full brunt of all storms. Locating damaged or lost shingle pieces is integral, and so is their prompt repair. Additionally, adding a waterproof membrane or sealant is a must, which is applied during the construction phase, as it helps to curb potential leakages while also extending the life span of your roof.
- Gutter Maintenance: It’s Okay to Keep the Flow Going
Obstructed gutters are a problem that should be avoided at all costs. Ensure that rainwater drains effectively without pooling around your home. If you are not comfortable with climbing up the roof often, installing gutter guards can prove to be very helpful.
- Seal Windows and Doors: Leak Stop
Windows and doors are commonly known as weak links that can allow water to penetrate a building. Check joints and sealants, and then apply a new coat of sealer wherever it is necessary. Other protective measures that are especially helpful in cases of heavy rain include the installation of weather stripping or waterproof seals.
- Sump Pump Installation: How to Stop Basements from Flooding
In case your existing waterproofing measures are not sufficient, installing a sump pump is a must. It is used to disperse water that is collected in the sump basin to make sure there is no flooding. Determine that you have a well and working sump pump, and arrange for having an emergency source of power for the same in case there is a power failure during storms.
- Smart Landscaping: Manage Water Streams
Ensuring that your yard has a slope that can drain properly so that water does not collect near your property is an important measure. You can also prevent extreme cases, such as basement flooding, by having a French drain professionally installed around your house.
- Exterior Upkeep: Protection of the Shell of Your Home
Check your building’s exterior, especially the siding, stucco, and even brickwork, for any indication of cracks and chips. Prompt repair whenever needed is essential so as not to let water seep into your building. If you need to paint your house with a brick façade, then the first step is to apply a masonry sealer to avoid any water retention.
- Plumbing Check: Control Water Where It Is Supposed to Be
Having good plumbing is necessary for any property. Make sure there are no leaks, and if you are living in an area that experiences frequent rainfall, have a backflow valve fitted. This simple addition will help to prevent any sewage flooding that is forced to flow backward, through your pipes, and into your home, especially during the rainy season.
Final Thoughts
Before the rains arrive, spend some time ensuring that your building is properly waterproofed. If not, dealing with the damages can incur a lot of expenditure, including money and time, to get things fixed. With these home waterproofing tips, you will be ready to face all the forces of nature. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring one’s house is secure and free from moisture, especially during a heavy monsoon.