Winter may be over, but the rain has only just begun. Although you are anxious to get back outside in that beautiful spring weather, there is one enemy that will not disappear with cold weather: rainwater damage. If you want to protect your home from the elements, there are simple steps that you can take. Here are nine tips to help you get started:
1. Use Gutters with Downspouts
One of the easiest ways to protect your foundation is by making sure that your gutters have downspouts. If water isn’t being directed away from your foundation, it will eventually seep into cracks between bricks or other weak areas and cause damage or leaks that create even more problems. Always make sure that roof gutters are adequate for the size of the building and pitched properly for maximum efficiency, as well as maintaining them regularly, so they don’t overflow during heavy rains.
2. Add a French Drain
This is a good option for directing water away from your structure. A French drain consists of gravel surrounded by piping that directs stormwater toward the mainline. When considering adding one, make sure that you look into where the water will enter and how it can be directed to avoid obstructions like trees or bushes.
3. Inspect Your Foundation
Take some time this spring to inspect the foundation of your home. Look for cracks in exterior walls, bulging brick, mortar joints coming loose — all things that may indicate damage due to heavy rains or flooding. If you notice any problems, take action before it leads to more expensive repairs later on down the line. This could mean replacing faded mortar between bricks on your chimney or installing sealant to weatherproof any cracks in your foundation.
4. Look at Your Gutters
Another important exterior job, check gutters for obstructions like leaves or debris that might block them up and cause overflows. You should also clean out drains around your home, so they don’t overflow either during a storm, which may cause water damage to the foundation of your house. If you have rubber ones, make sure they are replaced with aluminum to avoid deteriorating due to high levels of pH in rainwater.
5. Seal Your Driveways
If you have a concrete driveway, sealing it is a good idea for protecting it from water damage. Water can seep into cracks and freeze, causing them to expand and cause more damage when they thaw. By patching cracks in your driveway’s surface and applying sealer, so water doesn’t penetrate deeply, you will be able to avoid any dramatic changes when temperatures fluctuate between seasons.
6. Carefully Clear Your Roof
When you are clearing your roof of snow, pay close attention to where the runoff is going. Make sure that it isn’t being directed directly against your foundation. Also, watch out for icicles — they can cause damage if they fall on a vehicle or other object below, as well as because of their weight alone.
7. Install Hydroseeding
Hydroseeding is an excellent way to help prevent water damage by covering damaged areas with new growth that will hold back any runoff until it can soak into the ground. This may be something that you want to consider after major flooding events or if you live in an area prone to heavy rains during certain seasons, like springtime thunderstorms. Use native grasses and plants, so your lawn doesn’t turn brown and become susceptible to erosion.
8. Get Necessary Exterior Repair Work Done
In some cases, water damage is so severe that exterior siding has to be replaced. When this is the case, it’s best to call a professional siding repair service since they will be able to do the work quickly and properly, so water isn’t allowed to seep inside. Make sure you take care of any interior issues as soon as possible once exterior repairs are finished by checking for insulation or ventilation problems that could allow cold air inside and cause costly heating bills.
9. Get Panting Done
Panting can keep your foundation strong and stable — and powered correctly between seasons. If you aren’t familiar with what panting does, it basically stops up crawl spaces or basements from losing heat during warm weather months and prevents them from getting too humid in wintertime, protecting materials like insulation from damage due to high humidity levels. It also allows for any moisture to drain, preventing it from seeping inside and causing damage.
Taking care of your home’s exterior is important to protect it from rainwater damage. By following the tips in this article, you can keep your home up to date and well-protected through all the changing seasons.
