A little rain doesn't need to cause worry, it's a valuable resource to keep your garden in bloom. A lot of rain, however, can cause a lot of worry. Extreme weather conditions can cause serious damage to your home and in turn create unexpected costs and hassle. We're here to help with simple steps that can be taken to avoid problems like these.
Protecting the outside of your home from the elements is the first step in preparing for bad weather. Consider the condition of your roof and gutters to evaluate whether any repairs need to be made, and store away garden furniture and tools.
Secure your roof
Don't wait until water is unexpectedly pouring into your home by way of a leaky roof. Start protecting your home by using some simple observation skills.
Make sure your roof is in good condition - walk around your home's exterior, inspecting the roof from the ground for signs of damage, sagging, and aging. Take notes of any possible problem areas or areas in need of closer inspection. Check particularly for loose or missing tiles and for any cracks in the chimney. Missing roof tiles means your roof is directly exposed to adverse weather conditions.
Hire a professional roofing contractor to patch up any gaps you might find.
Guttering
Gutters are an essential part of your roofing system. The purpose of the gutter is to collect and funnel away any water that lands on the roof, taking water away from the building's foundations, protecting your exterior surfaces and stopping water from entering the home.
If water penetrates your home, woodwork can perish, mould will begin to grow, condensation forms and brickwork will erode. Damp patches quickly spread and health problems can become an issue.
Check the guttering outside your home isn't broken or leaking and clear out any leaves or other debris. This will reduce the risk of blockages during heavy rain, which can cause your guttering to overflow and create all sorts of problems for your home.
To reduce the risk of blockages there are preventative steps you can take. Tight-fitting wire mesh or plastic caps are available to fit most types of downpipe. They allow water through but trap leaves and dirt.
Safety first
Do not use ladders during adverse weather conditions and when you are using a ladder always secure it or have someone holding the ladder at the bottom.
Top tip
You might want to consider cutting back any over-hanging trees as the autumn fall of leaves will most likely cause blockages and guttering problems every year.
If your guttering is broken, or new guttering needs to be installed, we can help with our handy guide to installing guttering.
Sheds & storage
Garden equipment and power tools can be seriously damaged by wet weather. To keep your furniture looking its very best for longer, store it in dry conditions and ensure that all pieces are fully dry before putting away.
If you've already invested in a shed but are concerned about weatherproofing, it's worth checking the condition of felting on the roof. If it looks tired or damaged, consider replacing the felt to help keep garden equipment, tools and other appliances dry.
We can help you get started with our video guide to felting a shed roof.
Garden furniture & barbecues
Garden furniture is often subject to sharp showers and heavy downfalls, which can cause damage over time. Look to apply a waterproofing treatment to wooden garden furniture - which will keep the beautiful look of your wood while also giving it the protection it needs. It will protect your furniture from the liquids outside, in order to avoid splitting, rotting, and warping.
Barbecue covers
If your barbecue often sits outside on the patio, rather than tucked away in the shed, consider a waterproof cover. For the best protection, safely store your barbecue, once cool, in a shed or garage to prevent rust occurring.