Rain, Rain, Go Away, Let Me Protect My Property
Rain is nothing new for us here in the UK, where raincoats and umbrellas tend to be a standard part of our winter attire, but there’s no denying that the situation is getting worse. In fact, six of the wettest years on record have happened in recent memory, while it had rained for around forty consecutive days by mid-February this year.
Thankfully, the sun is now back out, but homeowners everywhere are dealing with damage that includes increased dampness, structural issues, and general deterioration of materials that simply weren’t built for these kinds of downpours. Unsurprisingly, then, many of us are wondering how to protect against rain while we have the chance to actually tackle outside tasks without getting soaked.
Luckily, there are some clear steps you can take this summer to keep your home drier next year. Let’s look into them.
# 1 – Get those gutters in shape
Gutters are an obvious place to begin with rain protection, as there’s really no hope for your property to stay dry if rain is constantly pouring down the sides.
To get started here, it’s worth simply clearing your gutters. You should aim to remove any debris here in March/April and October/November, as this ensures that water never overflows and causes unnecessary damage.
It’s also worth looking out for any visible issues with your guttering, such as notable leaks or sagging. In this instance, repair or replacement is always best before the bad weather comes. Otherwise, don’t be surprised if damp quickly makes its way into your home next winter.
# 2 – Make your walls water repellant
Our next step is perhaps the most important of all – you need to make your walls water-repellent! Standard exterior paints are simply no good for this, and they could see your walls absorbing excess moisture like a crumbly, mould-speckled sponge.
That’s why countless UK homeowners are now choosing to replace external paint jobs with professional wall coatings that serve as a weather-resistant barrier, which is also fully breathable to ensure no moisture ends up trapped where it shouldn’t be.
This is a simple, low-maintenance step, and it could also end up improving your home’s aesthetic thanks to coatings that come in all different colours and finishes.
# 3 – Spare a thought for your roof
Our roofs typically take the brunt of bad weather, but they’re also an area that we often forget to protect until it’s already too late. Hence, our last tip is to always spare a thought or two for your roof.
Roofing inspections are an essential first step here, as they’ll give you a true idea of whether you’re dealing with any existing leaks that could make heavy rainfall a nightmare. If you do notice any issues, you’ll then be able to replace any missing or cracked roof tiles without the worry of more rain on the way.
Rain may well be the bane of your life, but you can improve your home’s kerb appeal and rainy day functionality using these top tips.
Top photo by Håkon Grimstad on Unsplash
