Hurricane Season 2023 Begins: How to Protect Your Home from Rainwater Damage

Hurricanes and tropical storms have several things in common: Gusty winds, rough seas, and unexpected lightning strikes. Most of all, these weather systems result in heavy rainfall that can cause serious damage to your property. This is how to protect your home from rainwater damage and avoid the worst of hurricane season 2023. 

Here are 5 tips on how to protect your home from rainwater damage:

1. Clean Your Gutters

Guttering accumulates debris, leaves and even dust that can block the free flow of water. Following a period of intense rainfall, the buildup in your guttering causes water to overflow to the base of your house. This can erode your property’s foundation if left unaddressed, so it is very important to keep your gutters clear.

2. Check Your Drainage

Poorly constructed drainage systems may lead to water pooling or backing up onto your property. This can result in the flooding of your home and the erosion of its infrastructure. Also, the trapped rainwater can saturate the soil surrounding your home, weaken its foundation or even lead to the slippage of properties on slopes.

Hence, invest in a proper drainage system and maintain it regularly. That way, rainwater runoff can flow easily away from your home.

3. Seal Windows, Doors, and Openings

Rainwater can seep through unattended cracks and openings in your home. Over time, it can cause serious damage, such as rot, household mold, electrical problems, and erosion.

Weather strips and sealants can be used to cover any holes, cracks or openings that leave the interior of your home exposed to the elements. You can also protect doors by applying a fresh coating of oil paint as a resistant barrier to moisture and rain.

4. Clean your Septic Tanks

Underground septic tanks are at particular risk during the rainy season. Heavy rainfall causes the saturation of the soil absorption area of your septic tank, leaving it impossible for water to flow out. This is made worse if the septic tank is near to or at full capacity as the rainwater creates overflow, thus resulting in backup into your drainage system and toilets.

Avoid this issue by having your septic tanks cleaned ahead of the rainy season.

5. Painting the Exterior of Your Home

Rainwater has the effect of weakening your home’s exterior over time. The water and high winds increase the porosity of exposed concrete materials, which leads to the erosion of walls and fixtures. Although there is no way to completely prevent this breakdown, you can slow this process by coating the exterior of your home with paints specifically formulated for protection from the elements.

Protecting your home does not end there! Insure your property with Guardian General’s HomeGuard Insurance so that you will have peace of mind no matter what comes your way this hurricane season. Get a quote today!