Rain is important, it helps our gardens grow and keeps our grass looking greener. We need the rain and are often thankful for when it comes especially if you can stay indoors safe and dry watching the clouds roll in. Sometimes, however, the rain can cause issues with your home and that is what we want to spend a bit of time discussing today. Below you will find our thoughts on some of the sneaky ways rain can cause issues with your home and will have you singing…”Rain, Rain Go Away…come again another day!”
- Decks are all fun in the sun until it rains. Here are two things to consider before the rain sets in:
- Cushioned Furniture – If you love spending time on your deck, relaxing in your outdoor living space on comfy furniture, you may not love it so much after a rainstorm… no one likes to stand up and realize their pants are wet. Those tie back straps are not your friend! Our advice, make sure you bring your cushions in daily or put them in some sort of deck box that will keep them dry.
- Umbrellas – Deck umbrellas are great to protect you from direct sunlight and provide some shade. They are not great, however, during rainstorms. Rain and a deck umbrella are not a good combination. The type of winds that occur during a rainstorm can bend your umbrella, ruining it. It can move a table which could end up slamming into your home, or become an airborne weapon of mass destruction!
- Gutters – Don’t just collect water, they can also collect (and grow) trees. Be sure you keep your gutters clear of debris!
- Skylights – There are different types of skylights…the kind that isn’t likely to give you trouble in wet weather – skylights that are sealed – and the kind that just might catch you singing in the rain. A skylight that can be opened either manually or automatically is a skylight that can be forgotten about and left open, allowing the rain to pour in. If you have a skylight that you love to open, make sure you close it up at the first sign of wet weather or be sure you invest in skylights available now with rain sensors.
- Your Roof – What is there to talk about? A roof is your protection against the elements, don’t think this is normal!
- Windows – There is nothing like opening your windows to allow the fresh air inside. The issue begins when you forget to close one window and a puddle forms. Casement and Double Hung windows will allow rain to come in. If you want protection from forgetfulness, you’ll need awning style windows and even then in the right angle is not totally safe!
- Your Home’s Siding – Don’t think that a summer rain shower is going to clean your house! Rain can cause dander and dust to stick to the outside of your home. You’ll need to have it pressure washed, and for this heavy-duty job, we think it’s best to bring in a little professional help.
While some of these tips may seem pretty simple, we’ve found little reminders never hurt! Rain can certainly be a blessing, but it can also cause a few headaches if you aren’t mindful.
