Summer days are officially here and temperatures are definitely reflecting its arrival! While chilly weather and flurries are a thing of the past, we are expected to receive quite a bit of precipitation over the course of the next few months as we enter the rainy season.
While we typically receive copious amounts of snow from November-February, July and August are notorious for heavy rainfalls and more than average precipitation. In fact, the Chicago region is predicted to receive more rainfall than normal this summer, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
While flowers, trees and lawns are welcoming rainfall this summer, is your home prepared? Do you know if your gutters and roof are equipped to handle all the rain that we are about to get? If not, then your home may be in danger of foundation damage, mold build up, a leaking roof, etc.
From inspecting your home’s interior and exterior to making sure you have a proper drainage system, we will help you prepare for the upcoming rainy season – just take a look at our tips below.
Ensure your Gutters are Working Properly
The gutter system to a home is as major of a component as the foundation itself; it is an exterior component that is crucial to a home any time of year but especially during the rainy season. Since gutter systems are designed to drain stormwater away from a home, it is important that your gutter system is working properly to keep up with the rainy season.
We could go on and on when it comes to explaining the role of a gutter system and how they function, but long story short, gutters work by collecting rainfall from your home’s roof and directing that rainfall to downspouts that then carry the water down and ultimately direct it away from your home. If you’d like to learn more about how downspouts work, click here to learn all about them and the role they play in a gutter system.
You could imagine that when your gutter system fails to work properly a lot of things can go wrong: structural damage, mold and mildew, interior leaks, etc. These things pose a risk year- round if a gutter system isn’t working well, but more so during the rainy season.
To keep your home safe from heavy rainfall this spring and summer, ensure your gutters are working properly. Better yet, install a K-Guard Gutter System to better protect your home from heavy rain. Our gutter systems come with a lifetime warranty and protect your home from water damage to your roof and foundation.
Check the Seals around Windows & Doors
Imagine if homes did not have windows and doors – they would be flooded with pests and other dangers. They also wouldn’t be kept dry, something everyone appreciates. If windows and doors aren’t properly sealed, then water and air leaks can occur which can result in damage throughout your home.
A window or door that is not properly sealed lacks a barrier between the inside and outside. As a result, moisture finds its way into your home, allowing for warm and cool air to enter your home. Not only can this damage the material surrounding your windows and doors but it can also cause an increase in energy bill costs.
Notice cracks in the sealant around your windows and doors? Use some caulk to seal any cracks to ensure you’re keeping rainfall and moisture out during the upcoming rainy season.
Consider a Dehumidifier for your Home
Another thing that can help protect your home from the rainy season? Adding a dehumidifier to your home. It’s simple: rainy weather means high humidity and moisture levels. When humidity and moisture levels are high in your home it can cause all sorts of issues like mold, allergies, poor air quality, increased energy bills, etc.
Dehumidifiers are a cost-effective way to remove excess moisture from your entire home. They work to maintain a comfortable humidity level inside your home, resulting in a drier and more comfortable atmosphere. A drier home means less allergies, better air quality and a decreased risk of having mold build up in your home.
Look for Signs of Leaks
Now is the time to search the interior and exterior of your home for leaks before the rainy season arrives. Do not wait until the rainy season has begun to notice a sign of leaks on your roof, walls, and in your basement.
Not entirely sure what you should be looking for? Search your home’s ceilings, attic and walls and look for any signs of leaks like sagging, discoloration, or musty smelling rooms.
The rainy season will only worsen leaks so now is the time to get them fixed. Consider contacting a roofing specialist or contractor to inspect potential leaks and get them repaired immediately.
Think your home is ready to handle the upcoming rainy season? If you are unsure whether your gutter system is equipped to handle the heavy rainfall we’re about to get in the coming months, contact the professionals at K-Guard Chicago. We would be happy to discuss installing a new gutter system on your home or answer any questions you may have.
Now is the perfect time to get your gutter system ready for the upcoming rainy season. Call (224) 808-3078 or schedule an estimate online.