People living in different parts of Toronto know how a nuisance a heavy rainfall can be. In fact, anyone who lives in climates where the spring season brings in an incessant downpour can understand the level of destruction that comes along. There are too many jammed roads, flooded streets, damp basements, and mold growths.
That being said, rains are indeed a reason to worry. It not only obstructs your daily lives but also threatens the structural integrity of your properties. That is why you must take preventive measures and think of desired strategies to keep your house dry, saving those unnecessary repair costs later down the road. Here are a few tips to protect your home inside-out during the rains –
- Keep your Gutters and Downspouts Clean
During rainstorms, leaves and debris from all around can clog the eavestrough and gutters, causing water overflow and spills down the roof. This can further harm your walls and footings and result in so many other problems in your home.
So, it is smart to remove any heavy dirt, leaves, or branches from the gutters before the onset of monsoons and keep washing them in between as well when the rains halt.
- Inspect your Roofs
Checking your roof and skylights once a fortnight or a month is a must throughout the year. It becomes even more crucial during the rains to identify and block any entry points of water. You cannot even imagine how a small crack can quickly escalate your problem and lead to tremendous costs.
Hence, look into your roof for missing shingles, sagging, or ageing. If you have a chimney, inspect any cracks or missing tiles. Make notes and ask a roofing professional to fix everything.
- Prep Up your Basements
Houses with basements located in heavy rainfall or flood-prone areas are significantly at more risk of mold invasion than others. The moisture in the rain lingers around in compact spaces and makes an easy way for mold problems that can take days or even weeks to resolve by mold specialists.
Therefore, keep your eyes peeled on any major leaks or weak spots in the basement. Call the waterproofing experts and let them handle any structural issues before the rain starts. Also, check the sump pump to avoid any major issues in the future.
- Don’t Forget your Windows and Doors
Weatherstripping is a great way to tackle your outside windows and doors. It acts as a sealant and stops the rainwater from getting into the house. It also prevents any air leaks and makes your house better at handling the heating, cooling, and humidity.
Fortunately, replacing or adding sealing to your windows or doors isn’t that difficult or costly. So, go ahead with it and see a difference for yourself. But, do keep an eye on the quality of caulking and weather strips if you want them to look good and have high longevity.