Are you someone who loves storms? Whether you enjoy and embrace a heavy rain or impatiently wait for it to pass, big storms are a fact of life in this area.
What many people don’t realize is that a major rainfall can be more than a hindrance to your outdoor plans. It can damage your home as well, especially if you have problems with your gutters, basement waterproofing in Newmarket, or sump pump.
Fortunately you can prepare your home for a major rainfall and protect if from problems. Here’s what you need to know.
Check the Roof
Before storm season hits, make sure the roof of your home is in good condition. This is especially important in the spring because the ice and snow of winter can damage the shingles and tiles.
Pay attention to any missing tiles, sagging, or cracks that you can see from the ground. If it's been a harsh winter, you may want to go up on the roof to take a better look or hire a roof repair contractor to do so.
Clear the Gutters
The gutters gather rain and pipe it away from your home and foundation. It’s important these be clear before and after major storms. You’ll need to remove leaves, sticks, and other debris.
If you don’t, these items will cause the gutters to overflow, leading to water running down your house and right to the foundation. This puts stress on your home and can lead to cracks, leaks, and other problems.
Check the Sump Pump
If you have a sump pump, be sure it’s running. If you can, test it before a major storm hits your area.
You may also want to connect it to a generator so that it continues running even if your home loses power during the storm.
Look at Sealant Around Doors and Windows
When you live in an area with a lot of rain, you need to keep your windows and doors well sealed. Before the rain comes, check on the sealant and reinforce it with more if necessary.
Properly sealed windows and doors will keep the rain out and avoid you having water damage in your home after a storm. You don’t want to have water seeping in causing damage and mould in your house.
If your area is prone to heavy rain, consider contacting a company for waterproofing in Toronto like www.aalertdrain.ca so you can be extra sure your home is secure.
Pay Attention to Power
Hopefully the rain in your area doesn’t cause flooding, but if it does you want to be prepared. Store appliances upstairs where they are less likely to be impacted by rising water.
If the home has started to flood and you can safely reach the electrical panel, turn off power to affected areas. Never go through water to reach the panel, however, and keep yourself safe and away from any potentially electrified water.
If you know a flood is coming, cover your air vents both inside and outside. Cut power to lower floors, and be sure all outlets are covered and turned off.
When you take these steps, your home will be much safer during heavy rains. You can simply stay inside with a warm drink and a book and wait for the storm to pass!
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