How to Keep Your Home Dry and Protected During Heavy Rain

Rain brings freshness and cools the air, but for many homeowners, it is synonymous with problems like mold infestation and water leaks. If you ignore moisture issues caused by rain, they can spread throughout your home. Moisture issues can also lead to flooding or foundation deterioration, which can be expensive to fix later on. Your home is your investment, and you need to protect it against rain and flooding to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. In this article, we will share some useful strategies to help save your home during heavy rain. 

Tips to Protect Your Home During Rain

From foundation repair to maintaining your roof, walls, and floors, here is a list of useful tips to protect your sanctuary from rain:

1. Waterproof Your Basement

Basement waterproofing is the foremost step towards protecting your home against heavy rainfall. Seal the gaps and cracks in any foundation walls. Install a drainage system to redirect any moisture that enters. Make sure water does not accumulate around your home’s foundation. Consider installing a sump pump to channel water away from your basement. These solutions keep moisture out of your home, preventing issues like high humidity levels, wood rot, mold, and more. 

2. Ensure Gutters are Functioning Properly 

Gutters and downspouts must be functioning optimally, especially during heavy rain. Gutters collect and drain rainwater away and protect your home from water damage. When the gutters are not working properly, your home could undergo damage, particularly when rain is heavy. If they are not directing water away from your home, it will pool around the foundation of your home and may seep inside. During a storm, dirt, debris, leaves, and tree twigs can accumulate in the gutters and clog them. Therefore, clean your gutters thoroughly to make sure they keep working properly. You may need to extend the downspouts to redirect water far enough away from your home. 

3. Seal Around the Windows 

Apart from keeping potential pests and dangers away from your home, windows and doors help keep your home dry. If gaps around the windows are not sealed properly, air and water can seep through the gaps present around the window frames. Air leaks disturb the efficiency of your air conditioning system whereas rainwater seeping in increases the humidity levels in your home. As a result, moisture accumulates and leads to problems like mold infestations and structural damage. If you notice small cracks or gaps around your windows and doors, consider filling them up using a sealant or caulk. Also, consult waterproofing experts to assess for further damage. 

4. Inspect for Leaks

Search the interior and exterior of your home for leaks. Do not wait until rain has begun to notice the signs of water leaks in the attic, basement, or crawl space. Common signs of leaks include a musty smell, sagging, and discoloration. Look for signs of leaks throughout your home and get the leaks fixed before the rain worsens them. Waterproofing experts can identify the potential leaks in your home, find their root cause, and fix them quickly.  You may need to repair your foundation to prevent movement that is causing cracks to develop or grow. 

5. Install a Dehumidifier

When moisture and humidity in your home are high, it can lead to many problems, such as:

• Mold growth

• Structural damage

• Higher energy bills

• Health issues like allergies and respiratory illnesses

• Poor air quality

Consider installing a dehumidifier in your home. A dehumidifier is a cost-effective way to maintain humidity levels and maintain a drier and healthier home. A drier home means reduced risk of mold build-up and allergies, improved air quality, and lower energy bills. 

6. Waterproof the Exterior  

Start looking for leaks and problems around the exterior of your home. Waterproof the exterior walls of your home. Apply waterproof coatings to the exterior walls, use weather stripping for your garage door, and completely seal the gaps around your window and door frames. You may also need to improve your gutters or landscape grading in order to direct water away from your home. 

7. Maintain the Roof

Your roof is the first line of defense that protects your property against damage. Check for loose or broken shingles every year and get them replaced as soon as possible to avoid further damage. Also, inspect your roof for flashing problems and gutter issues. Address roofing problems right away to keep your roof waterproof and prepared for rain. 

8. Do Not Ignore Standing Water

Standing water in your basement or attic is a warning sign of serious moisture issues. If you notice standing water in your home, it’s important to get it removed right away and find the cause of the moisture issues. If left ignored, it can cause mold infestations, wood rot, and high humidity levels. This can affect the air quality in your home and may cause issues like mold to spread throughout your living space. 

9. Seal Any Cracks

Cracks and gaps can appear in the walls of your foundation over time. Water can seep through these cracks and enter your home, leading to structural damage. Thoroughly inspect the interior and exterior walls of your basement or crawl space for cracks. If you notice any, cover them with a sealant or caulk. Call a waterproofing expert to identify the root cause of the damage and get it fixed to avoid future problems. Cracks might be caused by bigger issues such as hydrostatic pressure or bowing walls. If that is the case, you may need other solutions, such as drainage systems, wall anchors, or foundation repair. 

Contact Waterproofing Experts to Protect Your Home From Rain!

Heavy rainfall and storms can wreak havoc on your home. Water from heavy rain can enter your home through the gaps and cracks in the walls, windows, and door frames. Make sure to thoroughly waterproof your home to prevent moisture issues. Contact waterproofing professionals to make your home water-resistant and protect it against the potential hazards of heavy rainfall.