Rain Check: How to Prepare Your Home for the Rainy Season

It’s the time of year when we normally experience a lot of rain. Especially here in the Philippines, we are vulnerable to heavy storms that flood our streets and damage our homes. In fact, according to Time.com, Philippines is the most storm-exposed country on Earth as of 2013. So regardless of how much it has or hasn’t rained recently, we know more water is headed our way.

Here are ways to prepare your home for the rainy season:

• Clean your home’s surrounding

Make sure to keep your yard clear from possible trash , scraps, and debris that may clog your drainage.

• Inspect your roof

The roof is quite possibly the most weather-beaten part in our home. Check the roof twice a year to avert costly problems.

Check along the ridges of the roof (the points where the shingles are folded over) because any cracks you see can easily turn into leaks if not caught in time.

Inspect the valleys of the roof (the area of your roof with a downward slope) and make sure there are no holes or rust spots.

Look for missing, curled or loose shingles. Replace these as quickly as possible. Moisture leaking in from these areas can weaken walls, sheathing, and ceilings.

Check out the gutters. Little granules means the roof is losing its coating and needs to be resealed. Also make sure that the gutters drain well because if they don’t, they may back up and cause water damage to the lower shingles.

• Check your home internally

Check the ceiling to ensure that there are no signs of leakage. It’s best to fix a leak early on, as leaving it to worsen could result in flooding, mold and mildew, and even collapsed ceilings. Scan your ceilings for water marks and look for peeling paint.

• Work on the doors and windows

Aside from your roof, your windows and doors are also ways that water can enter the home. Make sure that both close and seal properly, and make any repairs or improvements to any damage to window sills, doors and exterior siding as necessary.

• Prepare for flooding

It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the potential of flooding. Make a few adjustments to the inside of your home so if the worst does happen and water gets inside your home, the damage is minimal. Electronics should be high off the floor and placed far away from windows. Consider mounting your television if it’s not already. Keep laptops and tablets stored on shelves that won’t be affected by water that might find its way inside your home. Also make sure to keep mops within reach.

• Stock up on sandbags

Consider the use of sandbags to put into the low areas around your house to help keep flood water at bay.

• Know where the fuse box is

Know how to turn your electricity off in the event your house gets flooded. Make sure not to turn it back on until everything has dried out.  Also make sure you have an emergency kit put together in an easy-to-get-to spot.

The rain can bring a soothing and peaceful vibe. It will be easier to appreciate the beauty of it by sitting back and relaxing, knowing your home is protected from the elements of rain. Start today and give yourself peace of mind!

Do you have other tips? Share your ideas in the comments.