While the west coast isn’t known for its winters, homeowners on Vancouver Island need to watch out for heavy rain and wind. This time of year, water damage is a huge issue. So making sure your home is protected is a must. Let’s take a look at some of the ways in which you can protect your home during the rainy season.
Secure your windows
When it comes to your windows, small cracks can be a killer. Make sure your windows are properly installed and/or repaired before the rainy season. If you’ve ever noticed water seeping through, you may need a waterproof sealer, or, in more sever cases, professional help. Gradual water damage via unsecured windows or other apertures generally isn’t covered by your home insurance. Keep a close eye out for any seepage next time it rains. It could save you a huge headache later on.
Roof Maintenance
Your roof is the first line of defense from heavy rain and wind, so when it shows signs of wear, you could be in serious trouble. Most asphalt shingles last for fifteen or twenty years, but if you’ve seen them start to degrade, there could be cracks or holes that rainwater can come through. Bring in an expert who can make the call whether you should replace certain shingles or gut it completely. Although home insurance policies generally cover damage caused by storms, you may be hooped if it’s due to wear and tear.
Clean Out Your Drains
If you live in a wet part of the world, chances are you have an external drain. It could be on your balcony or below grade in your yard. As soon as your drain gets clogged up with organic material or other bits of debris, you have a ticking time bomb on your hands. With nowhere to go, water will begin to seep into your home. Unless you have broad home insurance coverage, there’s a chance you might not be covered.
Check Those Gutters
In the same way that your drains can cause disaster, your gutters are apt to overflow also. If you’re surrounded by trees, you should take extra special care to unclog them regularly. Gutters are designed to carry water away from your home, but if it becomes clogged, it could begin to pool on your roof or come cascading down the walls.
Trim Your Trees
Cut your problem off right at the root! If you trim your trees and maintain your yard, you’re giving your drains and gutters a better chance of staying clear. At the same time, by removing large branches and potential debris, you are preventing any damage you might expect in a windstorm.
Remove Any Items That Could Be Blown Away
During the winter months, we get a fair bit of wind, meaning that any unfastened items in the yard could become dangerous. Make sure to put away your patio furniture or other objects. Not only could they get damaged, but they could come crashing into your home or people passing by.
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