HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOUSE FOR RAINY SEASON
The rainy season is here again and as expected, it’s coming with a lot of mixed feelings for many Nigerians. For one, it is a much-anticipated period that brings relief from the scorching heat of the dry season that has been experienced since the beginning of the year. You will agree that the weather has not been friendly in most parts of the country over the last few months. Many Nigerians just cannot wait for the rains to come. That is why it is important to prepare your house for rainy season.
However, as the rainy season comes, it comes with its own peculiar challenges, particularly for homeowners. Heavy rains can cause flooding, leaks, and other damage to homes if things are not properly put in place to guide against such. The rainy season occurs between April and October and is characterized by heavy rainfall, which often leads to flooding in many areas of the city.
Because of the aquatic nature of Lagos, flooding is a common occurrence in some parts of the city during the rainy season. This phenomenon is particularly disruptive making roads impassable and causing destruction to properties.
The city’s sub-optimal drainage system exacerbates this problem, as water is not able to flow properly and often accumulates on the streets and in neighbourhoods. This results in some roads becoming impassable, causing traffic congestion and making it difficult for residents to travel to work, school, or other important destinations.
However, apart from flooding, the rainy season also brings another threat in the form of windstorms that can cause significant damage to buildings and properties. Hence the need to prepare your house for rainy season
In many areas, the rainy season is often accompanied by strong winds that can reach high speeds and cause havoc in their wake. These windstorms can uproot trees, damage roofs, and even bring down power lines, posing a significant risk to homes and buildings in the affected areas. The combination of heavy rain and powerful winds can weaken the structures of buildings, making them vulnerable to collapse or other forms of damage.
As a result, many homeowners live in fear of the rainy season, dreading the potential damage that it can cause to their properties. The uncertainty and unpredictability of the weather during this time of year only serve to heighten their anxiety, leading many to take precautionary measures as the season comes in.
The fear of damage from windstorms during the rainy season is not unfounded, as history has shown the devastating effects that these natural disasters can have on communities. Buildings that are not properly constructed or maintained are especially at risk, as they may not be able to withstand the force of the winds and rain. Inadequate drainage systems can also exacerbate the problem, leading to flooding and further damage to homes and properties.
To prepare your house for rainy season to withstand the elements of the impending rainy season, therefore, here are things you must immediately do:
First, fix damages in your roof: The roof of a house is the first line of defence against the elements, so it is important to check for any leaks or damages in the roof, especially before the rainy season. One of the most effective ways to prepare your home for the rainy season is to conduct a thorough inspection of the roof. This can help identify any potential issues that could lead to water leaks and damage to the interior of the house.
During the inspection, it is important to look for missing or damaged shingles, as well as any signs of wear and tear. This includes checking for cracks, holes, or any other visible damage to the roof surface. Depending on your roof type, you may also need to inspect the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights, if your house has any of these, as these are common areas for leaks to occur. If any issues are identified, it is important to address them promptly to prevent further damage.
In addition to prepare your house for rainy season to checking for visible damage, it is also important to ensure that the gutters and downspouts, should you have one, are clear of any debris that could cause water to accumulate on the roof. Clogged gutters can prevent water from properly draining off the roof, leading to potential leaks and water damage. By taking the time to inspect and maintain the roof before the rainy season, you can help protect your homes from water damage and ensure that the roof continues to provide reliable protection for years to come.
Second, when it comes to protecting your home from potential water damage, it is important to inspect the drainage system around your house. Proper drainage is crucial in preventing water from pooling around the foundation of your home, which can lead to costly and damaging issues such as flooding, mould growth, and structural damage. To ensure that the ground slopes away from your house, you may need to make some improvements to the landscaping around your property. This can involve regrading the soil or even adding gutters and downspouts to channel water away from the foundation.
In addition to ensuring that the ground slopes away from your house, you may also want to consider installing a trench drain or other drainage system to help redirect water away from your property. Trench drains are a popular choice for homeowners looking to improve their drainage system around the house as they can effectively channel surface water away from the foundation and prevent it from accumulating around the house.
In essence, it is essential to prioritize proper drainage around your home to protect it from potential water damage during the rainy season. By inspecting the drainage system, ensuring that the ground slopes away from your house, and considering the installation of trench drains or other drainage systems, you can significantly reduce the risk of water pooling around your foundation and causing costly issues.
Third, seal openings in windows and doors: Windows and doors are essential components of a house, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. However, over time, they can develop leaks or drafts that can compromise the integrity of your home. As the rainy season emerges, it is crucial to inspect these openings to ensure they are properly sealed to prevent water intrusion.
By sealing up any gaps or cracks, you can prevent water from entering your home and causing damage. Leaking windows and doors can cause a variety of issues within your home. Water entering through gaps or cracks can lead to mould and mildew growth, which can be harmful to your health. In addition, water intrusion can damage your walls, floors, and furniture, resulting in costly repairs. By inspecting your windows and doors for leaks and addressing them promptly, you can prevent these issues and protect your home from potential damage during and after the rainy season.
Next, trim trees and shrubs around the house: When it comes to protecting your home from potential damage during severe weather conditions, one of the most important precautionary measures to take is trimming trees and shrubs that are near your house. Overhanging branches and bushes can pose a serious threat during strong winds or heavy rainfall, as they can fall and cause significant damage to your roof or windows. By proactively trimming these plants, you can prevent potential risks and ensure the safety and integrity of your home.
Trimming trees and shrubs near your house not only helps to prevent damage during extreme weather events, but it also promotes the overall health and vitality of the plants themselves. Regular pruning and trimming can encourage proper growth and development and improve the aesthetic appeal of your landscaping. By maintaining a well-groomed and properly trimmed outdoor space, you can enhance your home’s curb appeal and create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere for both residents and visitors.
Next, elevate electrical appliances: This is very important if you live in flood-prone areas of the State. Electrical appliances such as washing machines, dryers, and wall sockets found in low-lying areas of a home are susceptible to damage from flooding, as water can quickly infiltrate their electrical components and cause them to malfunction or short circuit. In addition to the risk of electrical damage, flooding can also pose a safety hazard, as water and electricity do not mix.
By raising electrical appliances off the ground, you can help minimize the risk of damage in the event of a flood. Elevating appliances can prevent them from coming into direct contact with floodwater, reducing the likelihood of electrical damage and increasing their chances of survival. In the case of a flood, elevated appliances are less likely to sustain significant damage, saving you the cost and hassle of repairing or replacing them.
You can elevate electrical appliances in your home by installing them on wall-mounted shelves or brackets. By mounting appliances on the wall, you can ensure that they are safely out of reach of floodwaters. Wall-mounted appliances are also less likely to suffer damage from other sources, such as leaks or spills, making them a practical and versatile solution for flood protection.
It’s important to secure your home from the hazards of the rainy season by promptly taking action as identified above. Remember, prevention is better than cure. So, prepare your house for rainy season.
