A Comprehensive Checklist to Keep Your Home Dry this Rainy Season
As we bid farewell to winter and embrace the vibrant energy of spring, it’s time to ensure your home is ready to withstand the inevitable April and May showers. Rain brings life to nature and beautiful blooming flowers—but on the flip side—it can also wreak havoc on our homes if we’re not prepared. But fear not! Here at Larson & Keeney Home Services (LKHS), we’ve compiled a comprehensive checklist to help you protect your home against water damage and other seasonal challenges. From simple preventative measures to essential maintenance tasks, let’s dive into how you can protect your home this enchanting season.
Larson & Keeney’s Spring Showers Checklist
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Check Gutters and Downspouts
Ensure your gutters and downspouts are clear of any debris. When they’re clogged, it causes water to overflow when it rains, which can damage your home’s foundation and landscaping.
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Inspect Roof
Look for missing or damaged shingles, cracks, and leaks to prevent costly repairs later on. Make sure you use safe practices when inspecting your roof such as having someone to help you with a ladder and using a flashlight to better see any potential damage.
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Seal Windows and Doors
Check around your windows and doors for a draft or leak. If you come across any, seal any gaps or cracks to prevent water from infiltrating your home.
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Clean Yard
Clean your yard by removing debris like fallen branches and leaves that could block drains or cause water to pool around your home’s foundation.
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Test Sump Pump
Ensure your sump pump is in good working order, especially if you have a basement. A faulty sump pump can cause flooding and heavy water damage. You can test your sump pump by pouring water into the sump pit and making sure that the pump turns on and removes the water.
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Check Basement for Leaks
If you have a basement, look for any signs of water damage or leaks. Hidden moisture can breed mold which then can lead to structural damage in your home.
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Trim Trees
Trim branches close to your home’s roof or siding to prevent them from falling into your house and causing damage during heavy rain and wind.
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Inspect Outdoor Drainage
Ensure your outdoor drainage systems, such as French drains and catch basins, are working properly and clear from dirt and debris to prevent yard and foundation flooding.
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Install Rain Barrel
Consider installing a rain barrel to collect spring shower rainwater from your gutters to use in your garden and plants.
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Check Foundation
Inspect the foundation of your home for cracks or damage to prevent water seepage into your basement or crawl space.
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Consider a professional inspection
If unsure about completing any of these tasks or find something worrisome when you do, call a professional to perform an inspection. One of our roofing experts at LKHS can help you prepare and protect your home this spring season.
Need Help Preparing & Protecting Your Home?
Make sure your home is well-prepared for the spring shower season by following our comprehensive checklist. Don’t wait too long—you can start your preparations today to safeguard your home against water damage and potential issues.
If you need assistance in getting your gutters or roof ready, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team offers trusted roof repair services in Waukesha, Wisconsin and will help you protect your home against the elements. Schedule an appointment to receive support.
