11 Steps to Take to Prepare Your Home for the Rainy Season

Most regions that are closer to the equator have a rainy season each year. Beginning in May, the weather can become extremely rainy. And through November, can be impacted by tropical depressions, tropical storms, as well as hurricanes.

If you experience a heavy rainy season, you will want to read over this list. Here are eleven steps, which deserve your attention. They will help you prepare your home for the rainy season.

1. Know Your Budget and Accordingly Plan

Money should be set aside for home maintenance. Put aside one percent of the total purchase price. When able, opt for environmentally friendly products. When it comes time to file your taxes, you could be eligible for extra deductions. Have a list, too, of your needs and wants. Before you splurge on a purchase, always cover your musts.

2. Look for Existing Moisture

As you prepare your home for the rainy season, you need to rule out existing moisture issues. If you do find moisture in your home, go ahead and address it. Failure to do that on your end could cost you a lot of money. You also could negatively impact your health and the health of others that live with you. Mitigate your chances for issues like mold. You also want to prevent foundation and structural issues.

3. Inspect Your Roof

Even the smallest tear in your roof can lead to extensive damage. So, don't downplay any issues, which you notice with your home's roof. Schedule a credentialed team to inspect it, and you will be more prepared for the rainy season. If you have to make repairs, you might not have to repair the entire thing. Partial patching might be all that you need.

4. Clean Your Drains and Gutters

When was the last time your gutters and drains were cleared? If they need to be cleaned, don't put that off. If they aren't properly cared for, you might run into more issues down the road. During the rainy season, you cannot afford to have them clog. The backup in them can cause water to seep into your home's walls. Water also can end up flowing into your house's foundation. On your own, you might be able to clean your drains and gutters, If you go that route, be careful and pay attention to the necessary safety measures. To reduce your chances for injury, and/or less-than-stellar cleanings, hire a reputable company to handle it.

5. Check Your Window Seals

If during the rainy season, storms with heavy winds arrive, your windows are one of your first lines of defense against water. Failure to have sturdy windows with strong seals might cause your home to experience flooding. Even if your house isn't flooded, water can gather around the window. When that happens, you can have mold issues. The walls and foundation of your residence can negatively be impacted. You also increase the likelihood of pests making your house their new home. Don't run these risks!

6. Pay Attention to Your Doors

Like your windows, your doors need to be ready for the rainy season. Make sure that all of your doors fully close. Also, check for cracks and other signs of wear and tear. All of your home's doors should feature weather stripping, too. Without breaking the bank, you can source quality doors and weather stripping. Also, know that you can easily handle the installations.

7. Don't Neglect Patios and Porches

Many homeowners insist on patios and porches. With the amazing weather there, the environment is perfect for them. As the rainy season approaches, though, know that these property features also deserve your attention. You might want to consult with a porch or lanai repair company. Cover all corners of these spaces and better enjoy your living space outdoors.

8. Examine the Foundation of Your Home

Always stay on top of the condition of your home's foundation. Even the smallest crack can lead to very costly repairs. If you have neglected foundation issues, you run an increased risk for flooding. But not just that, the overall structural safety of your house can come into question.

9. Remember to Clean Your Garden Beds

Unkempt garden beds can become breeding grounds for various pests and rodents. Those critters can make their way into your home, too. Weeds and unnecessary growth expedite those chances. Before the rainy season arrives, attend to this. Vegetation quickly grows in when it is warm, and it's no surprise that rainy months expedite growth.

10. Keep an Eye Out for Loose Limbs

When was the last time that you checked the trees on your property? Should you notice limbs, which are cracking, and/or waterlogged, act now. Remove those loose limbs. Failure to do so on your end could potentially harm your house, items on your property, and people, too.

11. Consider Flood Insurance

Some homeowners aren't legally required to have flood insurance, depending on the state. Don't run the risks, though. Even if your property doesn't sit in a designated flood zone, you still can experience flooding. The available maps might not reflect new construction, which impacts flooding probability. Also, due to foundation and structural issues, weather, and natural disasters, too, your home might experience unforeseen flooding. Look into affordable flood insurance.

Don't Forget These Steps

Each of these suggestions should be remembered. In fact, you should go ahead and bookmark this page. This information can serve as your go-to reference. With these tips, you can be certain that your home will be prepared.

And don't underestimate the importance of these recommendations, either. These eleven steps are tried and true recommendations. Incorporate these suggestions, and you can better enjoy your home. The rainy season will not negatively impact you. In the long run, you will save money, too, and you also protect the value of your property.