Prepare your home and garden for heavy rain with these 8 steps

Be proactive and protect your home before the storm arrives.

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Spring and summer promise sunny days, but these warmer seasons can also bring storms with strong winds and heavy rain. Without the proper precautions, heavy rain can seep through the roof, overflow gutters, flood the yard, and even seep through a home’s foundation. Use this guide to prepare your home and yard before excessive rain and gusty winds strike.

1. Clean the gutter system

The gutter system collects rain from the roof and redirects it to appropriate drainage areas outside the home. If the gutters or downspouts are clogged, heavy rain can quickly collect and flow under the eaves into the roof cavity and onto the ground, where the excess moisture can leak through cracks in the foundation.

Before a big storm hits, be sure to check your gutters and downspouts. Remove any branches, leaves, or other debris that has built up there, then flush the gutter with a garden hose to make sure it is clear and has no leaks. Adjust the direction of the downspouts to avoid draining water near the house, where it could collect in the ground and seep through the foundation.

Related: 6 Gutter Cleaning Mistakes That Can Lead to Disaster

2. Inspect the roof

Roof inspections should be performed about once a year or after any major storm. The purpose of this inspection is to look for signs of damage, make repairs, and replace any broken or displaced tiles or shingles. It’s also a good idea to remove any debris that has built up on the roof and check the gutter to make sure it’s properly sealed. If these steps seem like too much to do on your own, hire a roofing contractor to perform the inspection, identify any problems, and make repairs.

3. Store or secure garden furniture and equipment

While some patio furniture is designed to withstand heavy rain, the strong gusts of wind that often accompany a heavy rainstorm can pose a greater danger. Before a storm hits your home, store all movable patio furniture and equipment in a shed or garage. Items that cannot be stored should be tied down and covered to prevent them from being blown away or damaged. It is also important to clear away any fallen branches, sticks or other items that could otherwise be blown into your patio furniture by the wind.

Related: Outdoor cushions blowing away? How to secure them

4. Close and secure windows and doors

Even light rain at the right angle can cause significant damage inside the home if the windows or doors are left open, so close the windows and doors around your home before rain. Inspect windows, doors, and frames for leaks or gaps, and consider sealing them with caulk or installing weather stripping to prevent water from entering during the storm.

Depending on the strength of the storm, you may also need to install temporary protection for sensitive surfaces such as windows or glass doors. Install hurricane shutters or mount plywood over these sensitive areas to create a barrier against high winds and rain. Hire a professional to install these protective solutions if you are unsure how to do them yourself.

5. Test the sump pump

Sump pumps keep a basement or crawl space from flooding. However, if the sump pump doesn’t work properly during a heavy rain, you may have major water damage by the time the storm is over. Before a rainstorm, test the sump pump by pouring water into it. If the pump doesn’t start, you may need to have it repaired or replaced.

Additionally, the pump’s drain lines can become clogged with sand, dirt, and other debris, so if the pump starts but can’t pump water out, you’ll need to clear the drain lines before the next storm hits. To be extra cautious, check the pump for signs of wear and tear, and consider installing a battery backup to keep the pump running even if the power goes out.

Related: How to safely use a generator during a power outage

Dean Schöppner

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6. Prune trees and remove dead branches

Falling and broken branches can shatter windows, tear siding and rip tiles off roofs. Check your trees regularly to reduce the risk of damage to your home or nearby vehicles during a storm. Before heavy rain, take the time to prune your trees and remove any loose and dead branches.

7. Protect the garden

Strong winds and heavy rains can devastate a home garden, but with a few precautions, even small plants can be protected. Cover plants with glass or plastic domes, called cloches, to protect individual plants. After covering the plants, place a brick or heavy rock on top to keep the cloches from blowing away.

Next, spread a tarp over ground cover and low-growing plants. Drive stakes through the corners and edges of the tarp to help it stay in place during the storm. Stakes can also support weaker plants that might otherwise break or be ripped out of the ground by strong winds. If the garden is lower than the rest of the yard, you may also need to build a barrier or dig a trench to direct excess rain away from the garden.

Related: How to Create a Simple Rain Garden to Solve Stormwater Problems

8. Prepare an emergency plan and an emergency kit for your home

The weather won’t wait until everyone is home and safe. Make a plan in advance to know where you’re going, how to contact loved ones, and who to get extra support from if needed. Also, put together an emergency kit that includes flashlights, batteries, at least 1 gallon of water per person, an emergency supply of food, a can opener, and a first aid kit. Keep important documents like your mortgage information, the deed to your home, birth certificates, or other important items in a sturdy, fireproof safe or lockbox.

Related: How to prepare for a flood to minimize damage to your home

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