Prepare your home for heavy rain

After a hot and dry Summer, the recent heavy rain has been a welcome change. At times it has felt as if all the summer’s rain has come in a single afternoon (or maybe several afternoons). And who doesn’t love a bit of puddle jumping?!  

But with the cost of living on the rise, the last thing we want is an unexpected bill because of damage caused by excessive rain. There are a few simple things that we can do inside and outside our homes to protect against potential damage.

Cleaning your gutters

When gutters are well maintained, they protect our walls, ceilings, and doors from water damage by directing rainfall away from our roofs and foundations and into drains. With rain often comes wind which can cause leaves and debris to get blown into your gutters and cause a blockage. It is a good idea to check you gutters to see if water is overflowing; if there is then the most likely cause will be a blockage. Cleaning your gutters is easy and will help protect your roof and prevent water flowing where it shouldn’t and causing damage to your home.

Make sure that you are safe and use proper equipment so you can avoid potentially serious injuries. If you don’t feel comfortable cleaning them yourself, you can always call a handyman.  

Cover and protect valuables such as bikes and BBQs

Summer BBQs might feel like a distant memory right now, it is important to make sure any outside furniture, BBQs or bikes are put away, or at least covered and secured. Even if they are made for outside use, protecting them from extreme weather will mean they will last longer.  

Clear storm drains

Whilst storm drains might not fall on your property, checking the drains on the street near your property can help protect it. Debris, leaves and rubbish can collect around the drains – especially when it is washed there by rain. This can lead to water backing up around your property and garden.  

At the very least it can cause a big puddle. Making sure the drains are clear will allow water to drain away more quickly and avoid damage to your property.

Check your roof on the inside and the outside

It is a good idea to check your roof regularly, but especially when the weather turns. When checking the outside, look out for loose tiles on the outside that might need replacing.  Don’t do this yourself – get a professional in!  

To check the inside, you’ll have to get into the loft. Look out for any leaks which will cause damp walls and potentially rot any wood it comes into contact with. Spotting a leak early causes less damage and costs you less in the long run. Puddle jumping is fun outside but the last thing you want is a puddle in your living room. If you can see daylight through any cracks, fix immediately!  

Welcome mats

Having a welcome mat (and wiping your feet!) is a simple addition you can make to your home to protect your carpets. After you’ve been playing in the rain, wearing your wellingtons, the last thing you want to do is bring all that mud and water indoors.

In the garden

Heavy rain, and clogged storm drains, can cause your lawn and soil to get waterlogged. When soil is saturated with water, it doesn’t have enough oxygen for plant roots to breathe and grow. In the Winter, when plants are dormant, they can survive quite long periods in water logged soil but the last thing you want to do is water your plants. You can probably give your hose a rest!

Keeping your garden, driveways and paths clear of fallen leaves will also help prevent your lawn getting waterlogged and keep your gutters and storm drains clear.

Water Butts

Why not make the most of the rain? Installing a water butt in your garden to capture water is a great way to prepare for the longer and dryer Summers. Most people think about installing water butts in the Spring. But when you really want to get one is right now – when there is so much rain! Whether you have a big garden or a small terrace, there are so many options of water butts to suit your needs.  Wet weather can become our friend if we are ready for it.

If you have a keen gardener in your family, why not make a splash and get them a water butt for Christmas! You can take a look at the range we have available here.  

These simple steps will help protect both your home and your pocket this Winter and the year to come. It is a good idea to be prepared for stormier conditions and more extreme weather. Avoiding expensive repair work is in everybody’s best interests and ensures you will be able to enjoy the best bits about Autumn, without the anxieties.