10 things to check before the rain hit your home

10 things to check before the rain hit your home

Rainy season brings pleasant weather but it can also bring a series of problems if your home is not ready to handle the hardness of weather that might be there. Use the checklist below to make sure that you won't have to worry about the problems when the rain hits your home.

1. Check leaks in roofs and walls

Check your roof and terrace floors to see if there is any leakage and fix it before the rain starts. You can apply waterproof coating after initial repairs are done to fill up the cracks in terrace floor. Replace loose or missing tiles to prevent roof leaks. Any debris which blocks the mouth of rain water pipes should be cleaned occasionally for smooth flow of rain water from the roof. The undersides of the roofs should be checked for any water condensation. Also repair leakage in foundation walls to avoid any loss of the contents of the house.

2. Install ventilators to remove dampness 

Install ventilators in high humid areas of the house to avoid dampness which causes harm to the health of inhabitants and contents of the house too. Make sure there is enough cross-ventilation and the fresh air comes to the house before the rain hits to your home.  

3. Check electrical fittings

Check outside electrical switches if they are exposed to rains. Cover them immediately to stop penetration of rainwater and fix water seepage in electrical room and in generator room to avoid electric shock. Any damaged electrical cords should be replaced without any delay. If you feel uncomfortable while making additions or changes in electrical supply, consult a professional or electrician. 

4. Destroy termite infestation

Termite infestation is a major problem where water leakage or high humidity exists. As the rainwater creates moisture, check all damp places to find out termite invasion in the house.  You may need to take professional help to destroy termites completely.   

5. Clean carpets and rugs regularly

Carpets get damp and create musty smell during rainy season. They are vacuumed regularly with carpet cleaners to remove dirt and moisture.  The rugs should be rolled up and wrapped in polythene sheets during rainy season to protect them from water and insect infestation.  

6. Protect wooden flooring from moisture

Rainwater spoils the shape and quality of wood articles in the house. Check all wooden items and wood floors if they are properly waxed (polished) to protect them from moisture since the moisture content in hardwood floors tends to make them warp.

7. Protect wooden cupboards, desk drawers

The moisture of rainwater can reach your cupboards and drawers and destroy inside articles. To protect clothes and other valuable things, put camphor balls in your closet. Alternately you can place Neem tree leaves in cupboards since it also protects clothes and furniture from silver fish, a common problem during rainy season. You can sprinkle a few cloves among clothes to keep insects at bay.  

8. Clean rain gutters

Ensure rain gutter are clean to protect foundations, basements and roof from water damage before the beginning of rainy season. If the gutters are not clear of leaves and any debris, drain outlets will be blocked and rainy water will overflow them and eventually spread on roads or pathways.

9. Do regular house cleaning

Regular house cleaning can protect your home from moisture content in the air. Air conditioners and dehumidifiers are good options to reduce humidity levels inside your home.  Expose upholstery and rugs to sunlight to protect them from moisture.  
 

10. Don't renovate home during monsoon

It is better to do renovation works like painting walls, waterproofing etc. before or after the monsoon. If you find out any problem during rainy season, get professional help to fix it. After the renovation is over, you can take up decoration project.  

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