To prepare your home for wet weather, you should consider the following steps:
1. **Inspect and Clean Gutters**: Ensure that gutters are free of debris to allow proper drainage of rainwater.
2. **Check Roof**: Inspect the roof for any missing or damaged shingles that could lead to leaks during heavy rain.
3. **Seal Windows and Doors**: Check for any gaps or cracks around windows and doors and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk to prevent water seepage.
4. **Clear Drainage Systems**: Make sure that all drainage systems, such as downspouts and French drains, are clear of obstructions to prevent water buildup around your home.
5. **Landscaping**: Trim trees and bushes near your home to prevent branches from falling on your roof during storms.
6. **Check Sump Pump**: If you have a sump pump, test it to ensure it is working properly in case of flooding.
7. **Inspect Foundation**: Check the foundation for any cracks and seal them to prevent water from seeping into your basement or crawl space.
8. **Elevate Items**: If you have a basement or storage area that is prone to flooding, elevate items off the floor to prevent water damage.
9. **Emergency Kit**: Prepare an emergency kit with essentials like flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, and non-perishable food in case of power outages.
10. **Insurance Review**: Review your homeowner's insurance policy to ensure you have adequate coverage for potential water damage.
This is just a basic list of things to check. if there is a substantial amount of debris in gutters, you may consider adding a gutter screen. We offer a couple off different solutions.
During the first heavy rain it is a good idea to do a visual inspection of all areas of concern and note them for future repair. When it is dry weather, it is not always apparent where the problems are.
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