How to Prepare Your Home for Wet Weather
The weather in the UK
is renowned for being unpredictable, and regardless of the season, we can
always expect a downpour! Come summer or winter; it’s likely that we’ll get a
shower or two. Before the rain comes down, it’s a good idea to prepare your
home for the wet weather. There are a few simple checks and updates which can
be carried out to ensure it remains in top condition and is protected from the
elements.
Clear Your Gutters
During wet weather,
gutting redirects any rainfall away from your home. As the raindrops hit your
roof, it slopes down and is collected; therefore limiting the volume of water
seeping into the walls or foundations of the building. By regularly checking
your gutting for any blockages and clearing obstructions such as leaf mulch or
moss, you will ensure optimum function. To limit any build up in the future,
you can cover the gutters with wire mesh. It is advised that you also check for
any damage, such as cracks or holes and replace when necessary.
Treat Wooden Doors and Window Frames
To both maintain and protect any wooden doors or window frames, it is vital that you regularly treat these areas. Without this protection, water can seep into the grain, and if left exposed to the elements, can result in rot. Remove any existing paint on the wood by sanding back to the sound surface, then apply your treatment with a brush or roller.
Seal Windows and Doors
Ensuring your windows
and doors are properly sealed will not only prevent water from coming in, but
it will also help to keep your home warm. Check that each can properly close and
then inspect for any gaps where air or water could enter.
Check Your Roof
During harsh weather,
it’s often the roof that takes the brunt of the elements. Regularly checking
for any weak spots and repairing the damage will promote its longevity and help
protect your home from the rain.
- Check
the attic and inspect for any signs of damage; this could be sunlight seeping
through, water patches or rot.
- Inspect
the roof tiles. Are there any which have slipped, are cracked or appear to be
loose?
- Remove
moss and debris, and clean the area if required.
When carrying out roof inspections, your safety should always come first. Ensure you have the correct equipment and are comfortable completing the work. If in doubt, contact a professional.
Inspect Outdoor Buildings
Garden sheds and
sunrooms often get overlooked when the wet weather sets in. If your outdoor
buildings house any important equipment or it is a space that you would like to
maintain, check for areas where the wet weather could cause damage to avoid
future disappointment. Apply a waterproofing treatment and ensure that the roof
is leak-free.
Wet Weather Proof
Your Decking
One of the most
common causes for needing to replace decking is the damage caused by exposure
to water. To protect and promote its lifespan, decking maintenance is key. We
have a selection of wood preservatives which will treat decay, as well as
prevent further damage. The range includes those which repel the water and
those which preserve. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss with our
team which products are most suitable for your decking.
Masonry and Brickwork
Water can penetrate
brickwork and masonry and cause damage to your home. Cracks and faults in the
mortar or the bricks are areas where the water can seep in, and in the worse
case, this can affect the structural integrity of the building. Inspect your
home for any areas where the water may collect, or driving rain could enter; this
could be cracks or loose and crumbling mortar.
Clear the Surrounding Area
Wet weather often
comes with strong winds and to protect your home further from the elements, you
must remove any potential hazards. Clearing large trees or branches and removing
any other debris within 10 meters of your property will reduce the risk during
a storm.