The monsoon season brings relief from the scorching summer heat, but it also poses significant difficulties for homeowners.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department, the monsoon rains in India have been increasingly erratic, with some regions experiencing up to 30% more rainfall than average. This can lead to waterlogging, leaks, mold growth, and structural damage.
To help you protect your home from rain during this season, we have compiled five easy and effective ways
1. Inspect and Repair Your Roof
The roof is one of the most important parts of your home as it provides shelter in all seasons, especially during the rain. It becomes vital to keep the roof of your house in good condition to protect the house from rain. First of all, inspect the roof of your house thoroughly for any damaged or missing shingles, cracks, or leaks. If there are any cracks or leaks, address them with a suitable filling or a waterproof sealant. Apart from this, ensure that during heavy rains there is a scope for the water to drain out the pipes properly, such that the roof remains clean, and dry and does not get waterlogged all the time.
In case your house is an old construction, make sure to meet a professional to address the issues in your house’s roof.
Also Read: How to get your car monsoon-ready with Car Insurance
2. Clear out the gutters & downspouts
To protect the house from rain, another important aspect is making sure your gutters and downspouts are clear as a blockage in gutters could cause a water overflow, leading to damage to your roof, walls, and house’s foundation. During the rainy season, make it a habit to regularly clean out leaves, debris, and dirt from your gutters to ensure proper water flow. One can also install gutter guards to prevent the buildup of debris and check that downspouts are directing the water away from the home, safeguarding the foundation of your home from excessive rainfall.
3. Seal Windows and Doors
During heavy rainfall, the windows and the doors become common entry points for water, damaging both them and other belongings inside the house. To protect the house from rain, it is important to get the windows and doors sealed wherever possible or the loose ones could also be repaired, ensuring the water doesn’t come in even in strong winds. Storm shutters or window well covers can also be installed to keep the water out and safeguard the home.
4. Maintain Your Yard and Trees
One of the most important tips to protect a house from rain is maintaining your yard, balcony, trees, or terrace, to prevent possible damage during rainfalls. It is important to trim the overhanging branches, remove the dead trees that can fall during rain, cover the balcony with shades, and ensure a proper water drainage system on the roof. Also, the windows shall be covered, to ensure no breakage of glass during the rain.
Also Read: Top 5 Monsoon/Rainy Season Diseases
5. Protect the interior of the home
During the rains, water intrusion inside the home is very common, to avoid that few things must be kept in mind to protect the house from rain. Using dehumidifiers during monsoon can help control the humidity inside the home and prevent mold growth. One can also put absorbent mats at entryways to catch water from wet shoes and help keep the home clean from rainwater and mud inside. All electronic items should also be kept away from windows, to protect them from possible damage from rain. Houses with a basement can also consider installing a sump pump to keep it dry.
To Conclude…
Protecting your home during the monsoon season requires preparation and regular maintenance, but the effort is well worth it. By following these five easy steps, you can ensure that your home remains safe, dry, and comfortable throughout the rainy season. Additionally, having a comprehensive home insurance policy can provide an extra layer of security; covering unexpected damages and helping you recover more quickly.
Stay proactive, review your insurance policy, and enjoy the monsoon without any worries about the monsoon season!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. For how many times, are the gutters and downspouts to be cleaned?
A. To protect the house from rain, clean the gutters and downspouts at least twice a year, especially before and during the rains.
Q. During rains, how can one ensure that the rainwater drains away from the house’s foundation?
A. To protect the house from rainwater drainage, use the downspout extensions and ensure that the yard slopes away from the home.
Q. What does a gutter guard mean and how does it help?
A. A gutter guard ensures the smooth flow of the water, by preventing the debris from clogging the gutters.
Q. How is a sump pump useful during monsoon?
A. A sump pump can be very useful to protect a house from rain as it removes the excess water from basements and prevents flooding effectively.
Q. What measures should be taken into account to protect the interior of the home during monsoon?
A. To protect the interiors of the house during rains, one can use dehumidifiers, & absorbent mats and move the valuable items away from the windows and off the floor.
Q. Why is pre-monsoon home maintenance essential?
A. Regular home maintenance ahead of the monsoon can greatly help in preventing possible damage to the house by rainwater, save on repair costs due to rain aftermath, and promise a safe, dry, and robust home all through the season.