The monsoon season in Pakistan starts in July and lasts all the way to the beginning of September. Some areas of the country receive more rainfall than others. People enjoy the cool rainy weather as it brings temperatures down and gives a refreshing break from the hot and dry spell of the summer season.
Besides a pleasant seasonal shift, the proportion of moisture in the atmosphere also significantly increases during the rainy season. This could cause damage to the exterior as well as the interior of your property if you haven’t taken the necessary measures to prevent seepage and wall dampness issues.
So, if you are also looking for ways to protect your property during the wet season, then we’re here to help. In this post, we have rounded up the 10 best tips to help you prepare your home for monsoon
Tips To Prepare Your Home for Monsoon
Check Your Walls
Cracks in the walls of your home can cause the water to seep in, which leads to fungal growth. Not only is this detrimental to your health, but it can also damage your walls and foundation. It is crucial to get your house checked for any kinds of cracks. If you can’t do it yourself, hire some help. This is one of the best home care tips for the monsoon to weather-proof your home.
Inspect the Outlets
You should also inspect the pipes in your home to check if they are clogged. This is important because closed pipes lead to the formation of puddles. These water puddles soon become a breeding ground for all kinds of insects including mosquitoes. Remember to remove all dirt or debris and unclog all pipes to protect your home during rain. Moreover, you should also seal any pipe leakages to avoid any inconvenience later.
Check Your Roof
The roof is responsible for protecting you and your home from all harsh weather elements. But sometimes, a broken roof is pretty expensive to repair. Homeowners should keep inspecting their roof (at least twice a year) to identify any problems which can become bigger later. Make sure you check your ceiling from the inside as well.
If your roof has any cracks, incessant dripping is inevitable in the monsoon season. Hire professional help to analyze all cracks and leaks in your home roof. You can also apply a waterproof coating to your roof for ensuring that no problems arise during the harsh rainy season. Here are a few tips to know if you need to repair your home roof.
Take Care of Clogged Gutters
Another important tip to prepare your home for monsoon is to clean your gutters. Make sure you remove all dirt, debris, leaves or anything that obstructs the flow of water. Clogged gutters lead to the pooling and overflowing of water, causing a significant amount of damage. Gradually, some part of this water is going to seep into your home’s walls. If you fail to address this problem on time, you will face property damage and bear heavy maintenance charges later.
Create Sloping Effects
Ideally, there should be no flat surfaces in your house, where rainwater is likely to accumulate and stagnate. Nobody wants to see their little ones or old parents slip and hurt themselves. You must create a temporary slope in all those areas where water tends to collect.
Check Electrical Fittings
It’s always good to hire an electrician for checking all electrical fittings, before the onset of the rainy season. That’s because loose wires or broken switches can trigger an unfortunate incident during the rainy season. Make sure you cover up all exposed wires so as to avoid any nasty shocks, especially if you have children at home.
Check the Doors and Windows
We usually overlook the doors and windows of our home. However, both of these are common points where rainwater can enter your house. Make sure that your doors, as well as windows, are opening and closing properly. Use a good quality sealant to protect your home during rain and weatherproof all entry points. In fact, weather-proofing these two components of your home will also help you lower your energy bills during the hot season.
While these home care tips for monsoon seem costly, little things like these go a long way to save you from expensive maintenance bills later. You can also install new windows or repair broken doors for increasing the security of your home.
Keep your Safety Gear Ready
A safety kit for the monsoon season is not your regular box of first-aid supplies. Your safety gear for the monsoon should comprise water cans, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, a portable generator, and other utilities. You will need these things in case the monsoon rains are heavier than expected or when you need to survive a power breakdown.
If you have young children at home, keep a supply of mosquito repellents, wet wipes, and a working mobile phone. It is best to have a phone with solid battery life to call for emergency help in case your landline isn’t working.
Get rid of Unpleasant Smells
Homeowners are familiar with a moisture-laden smell in their homes during the rainy season. One of the most common home care tips for monsoon is to make a mixture of vinegar and lemon juice. Store it in a bottle and spray it around your home to remove any foul smells. You can also keep neem leaves or camphor balls in your cupboard to save your clothes from any bad odour or fungal growth, during the rainy season.
Keep your Carpets and Wooden Furniture Safe
The monsoon season can wreak havoc on your expensive carpets. The fine fabric of your rug easily attracts moisture. It’s best to roll your carpets and keep them in a safe place. Likewise, you should also protect your home during rain by locking expensive outdoor furniture inside.
Be Prepared for Surprises
Keep your appliances and electronics high from the floor. You should also keep your laptops and gadgets safe and away from the window. Moreover, trim and prune your trees to avoid an accident. No matter how strong the foundation or structure of your home is, expect the monsoon season to bring in a few surprises.
There are some elements of your home which are beyond your control. But, if you follow these home care tips for monsoon, you can protect your home during rain or thunderstorms.
Found this piece informative? Don’t forget to share it with your friends and family to also let them know about these easy-to-follow home care tips for the wet season in Pakistan. If you have any queries or feedback, please feel free to reach out to us at blog@zameen.com. Stay tuned to Zameen Blog for more informative lifestyle guides.