As the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers, but too much rain can mean flooded basements and home water damage. A basement flood can cost a homeowner upwards of $10,000 in repair bills. Weatherproofing your home now can protect you from costly damage when the rainy season sets in.
Take the following six steps to make sure your home is adequately weatherproofed and ready for anything this spring.
1. Secure your windows
You don’t have to invest in an expensive set of storm windows to ensure that your windows are properly sealed. You can weatherproof your current windows simply by using caulking to fill any gaps along the perimeter.
2. Fix any and all leaks
This time of year is the perfect opportunity to take a tour around your home hunting carefully for any leaks around windows and doors. One way to scout out small leaks is to light a candle and move it in front of windows and doors. If the flame flickers, you know a draft is coming in. Caulk the gaps to seal the leak.
3. Seal drafty doors
Seal the gap between the bottom of your door and the threshold with a draft stopper, available at most home hardware stores. You can also make your own out of old towels or clothing. Stopping the door gap can reduce heating and cooling costs and keep out drafts in addition to weatherproofing your home against spring showers.
4. Apply adhesive foam
Apply adhesive foam to the perimeter of doors and windows that are particularly vulnerable to leaks, such as exposed basement windows. The thick adhesive foam is a more impenetrable sealant than caulk, without adding cost. However, the bright yellow hue of the foam is rather unsightly, so this isn’t a great solution for windows in public areas such as your living room.
5. Ready your roof for rain
Your roof is your home’s primary line of defense against the onslaught of spring showers—you want to make sure it’s prepared. When you’re up on the ladder clearing your gutters of leftover debris from winter, take the opportunity to examine the ridge of your roof for cracks, inspect valleys for any rusty areas, and assess the condition of your shingles to verify that none are loose, missing, or curled. If you discover any problem areas, it will be up to you whether you feel confident performing the repairs, or whether you would be more comfortable calling a professional.
6. Test your sump pump
If your roof is your first line of defense, your sump pump is the final line of defense your home has against water damage. It’s responsible for pumping out any water that manages to make its way into your basement to prevent water levels from rising to a dangerous degree. If your sump pump isn’t operational, you could have a real problem on your hands. Better to find out ahead of time before it’s too late.
If you do experience a basement flood this spring, Bonfe provides 24/7 emergency service.
