How rain impacts your home - and what to do
Category Advice
Rain can do more than just dampen your mood - for homeowners it can wreak havoc on your property. Whether it's short showers or flash floods, water damage can quickly make its mark felt on your most prized possession. Here are expert tips to ensure every part of your property rises to the challenge of wet weather.
Roofs and ceilings
Your roof is your primary line of defence when the rain comes. Take time to inspect your roof and ceiling for signs of damage, sagging, mould, cracks, and distress of any kind. If you can see daylight coming through cracks or feel a slight draft, it's likely rain will be able to pour in too.
Take action: The best fix is to repair skew, lose, damaged, or missing roof tiles. Remember, your roof will need to be entirely replaced by a professional in 20 to 25 years.
Gutters
Your gutters play an important role in collecting and funnelling away any water that lands on the roof. Don't neglect them! Without proper maintenance, rain can create a water build-up which can impact the structure of your home, soak into walls, and damage your foundation.
Take action: The immediate task is to clear debris from your gutters. You should also ensure downspouts are aimed in the right direction. Installing gutter guards will also prevent any debris from collecting in your gutters.
Walls
Besides water coming through your roof, the rain can stream in through cracks in your walls. Your walls will often show the first visible signs of rain damage. Look out for damp walls, bubbling paint, and fungal or mould growth.
Take action: Fungal or mould growth can pose a serious health risk for your family or tenants. These should be removed with cleaning agents. Any cracks should be filled with a sealant and your walls repainted with a waterproof paint.
Foundation
If rain is severe, it can do a number on an already compromised foundation. Water can seep into the ground and create cracks in your foundation. This can harm your home's structure and leak out onto floors.
Take action: A key move is to ensure you are funnelling water away from your home and have proper drainage systems in place. Having your foundation periodically inspected can be pricey but it can save you a bundle in the long run.
Windows and doors
Windows and doors are hotspots for water damage. If they aren't closed during wet days or have holes and gaps in their structures, they can let the rain in. In particular, poor maintenance or attention to these parts of your home can allow rain to damage your floors, interior walls, and furniture.
Take action: Keep the rain at bay by closing open doors and windows. Cracks and gaps should be closed with a quality sealant. You can also block moisture with a fresh coat of waterproof paint. If rain is a serious problem, you can even consider installing window shades or awnings to further protect entrances and windows.
Garden
While it's true that your garden can benefit from rain, you must ensure it doesn't become a breeding ground for disaster. Sturdy outdoor furniture won't be harmed by wet weather but they could collect water which could encourage mosquitoes. Softened soil can cause trees to tip over onto your structure. Plant roots can clog up drains. All types of vegetation can even muck up your gutters.
Take action: Your garden should improve your property value, not diminish it. Make time for changes or hire a gardener to prune trees and remove unwanted plants. Your outdoor furniture should be stored away or wiped down if wet.
Rain-proof your home with De Lucia Group
Your property is your pride and joy. While the weather can be unpredictable, you can take assured steps to protect it. De Lucia Group are your partners in overcoming bad weather. Our property management services can help you take measures before a rainy day and deal with any unforeseen issues. We can even help you source an appropriate home contents insurance to cover you when you need it the most.
Send a message to De Lucia Group, call Michael De Lucia directly on 082 493 1089, or email michaeldl@delucia.co.za to get started.
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Author: De Lucia Group
