Gutter maintenance is often overlooked by homeowners until it’s too late and costly damage occurs.…
Protect Your Gutters & Home From Heavy Rain
As the weather starts to change and we move into fall, it’s important to start thinking about how to protect your home from heavy rain. One of the main ways heavy rain can damage your home is by flooding your gutters and causing them to overflow.
In this article, we will discuss some of the best ways to protect your gutters and home from heavy rain.
How Heavy Rain Damages Your Home and Guttering
Heavy rain can wreak havoc on your home if you’re not prepared. If your gutters flood and overflow, the water can seep into your walls and cause severe damage. It can also lead to foundation problems and even mold growth.
Your roof can also be damaged by heavy rain as the downpour can cause leaks. If you have an old or damaged roof, the rain can easily come through and cause water damage to your ceiling and walls. In extreme cases, it can even collapse your roof.
Flooding in your basement or crawl space can lead to mold growth, rot, and structural damage. And if the water rises high enough, it can even enter your living space and threaten the health and safety of your family.
If your home is damaged due to heavy rain, it can be extremely costly to repair. That’s why it’s so important to take steps to protect your home before the rain comes.
How You Can Protect Your Gutters and Home
You can do a few things to protect your gutters and home from heavy rain. Consult a professional for these tasks to ensure your home is fully protected against the elements.
Trim Back Trees and Foliage
As the rain begins to fall, you may find yourself scrambling to clear gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris. However, if you have trees or foliage near your home, there is another important step you should take to prepare for the rain: trimming back overhanging branches.
Overhanging branches can damage your gutters and even cause them to come loose from your home. They can also block the flow of water, causing your gutters to overflow.
Have Your Gutters Professionally Cleaned
Gutters are an essential part of the home’s drainage system. They channel water away from the foundation and prevent it from pooling around the base of the house. However, gutters can quickly become clogged with leaves, twigs, and debris from the surrounding area.
When this happens, they can no longer drain water away from the home. As a result, rainwater can spill over the edge of the gutter, causing damage to the foundation or landscaping. To prevent this from happening, it’s essential to have your gutters cleaned before the heavy rains start.
Hiring a professional gutter cleaning service is the best way to ensure that your gutters are clean and free of debris. They will have the necessary tools and equipment to safely and effectively clean your gutters.
Check Your Roof
An intense rainstorm can do serious damage to a weak or damaged roof. Loose or missing tiles can be easily blown away in high winds, leaving your home vulnerable to water damage. In addition, cracks and other damage can allow water to seep into your home, leading to structural problems.
If you have any cracks or damage, now is the time to get them repaired. A professional roofer can assess the condition of your roof and make any necessary repairs.
Install a Sump Pump
If you live in an area prone to flooding, installing a sump pump is an excellent way to reduce the risk of damage. A sump pump is used to pump out water that has entered your basement or crawl space, preventing it from causing further damage.
Sump pumps are typically installed in a pit on the lowest level of your home, and they are connected to a power source so that they can be used in the event of a flood. When choosing a sump pump, it’s important to select one that is powerful enough to handle the amount of water you are likely to encounter.
By taking these steps, you can help to protect your gutters and home from heavy rain. However, if you experience flooding or water damage, call a professional immediately, as this can lead to further damage if not dealt with quickly.