How to Protect Your Home in Monsoon
Every year, the summers in Pakistan bring a monsoon season which lasts from June to September. Rainfall does not fall evenly across the country; some areas receive more precipitation than others.
The monsoon season can be beneficial or detrimental depending on a variety of factors, but one thing is certain: consistent rainfall reduces the hot temperatures that summer brings.
A positive fact about the monsoon season is that we get some time off the extremely dry weather as the amount of moisture in the air rises. However, this may prove to be unfavourable if you haven’t taken the necessary steps to stop seepage and wall dampness.
To avoid damage to your home’s exterior and interior, Agency21 International, the largest estate network in Pakistan, is going to highlight some ways you can protect your home in the monsoon season.
How Do We Protect Our Homes in Monsoon?
We are going to list down a few ways you can protect your home in Monsoon:
Waterproof your Walls
One of the most effective ways to waterproof your home’s walls is to check for any type of cracks and crevices. These are the places where water could seep in, which in turn leads to fungal growth. Another way to point out dampness in your walls/roof is by looking out for peeling paint and seepage.
If you do not have the time to search for cracks and crevices, let someone else do the job for you. These problems should be solved immediately as they can be harmful to your home’s interior and exterior. Once you fix these cracks and seepages, you can protect your home effectively in the monsoon season.
Unclog Pipes
One of the most effective ways to protect your home in the monsoon is by identifying clogged pipes. Static water is a perfect place for mosquitoes to breed.
It is recommended that you need to clear all debris from drains and water pipes to prevent water build-up. Cracks found in internal and external pipelines indicate continuous moisture infiltration from water. To prevent future inconveniences, you should also block any sort of pipe leaks.
Look Out for House Wiring
Before the rainy season arrives, it’s a good idea to hire an electrician to inspect all electrical fittings because damaged switches or loose wires could result in a tragic event during the monsoon season.
Particularly if you have kids at home, make sure to cover up any exposed wires to prevent unpleasant shocks. It is also important to ensure that water does not touch any electric wire, switchboard, or even doorbell. It is also recommended that one should unplug all kitchen appliances when not in use, especially in Pakistan, as the power goes out quite often during the monsoon season.
Pay Attention to Your Roof
Needless to say, rainwater drops hit the roof of your home at first, which is charge of shielding you from all dangerous weather conditions. Monsoon tends to add moisture and dampen rooftops, which may completely damage the quality of your roof.
You may consider repairing the entire roof, but that would cost a fortune! Consider it your duty to check for cracks and crevices in your roof to avoid potential damage. You can spectate from the outside and the inside as well i.e. check your ceiling to ensure there is no damage.
It is recommended that you hire professionals to inspect all roof leaks and cracks inside and outside of your home. To ensure that there are no problems during the intense rainy season, your roof can also be coated with a waterproof material to avoid any potential damage.
Plan Your Furnishings Carefully
Carpets are a haven for mould and mildew as they absorb moisture. It is best to place your carpets and rugs in dry places during the monsoon season so that they do not catch moisture. If you live in a region where monsoon rainfalls are heavy, then you need to store your furnishings accordingly.
If you can’t do anything about removing your home’s furnishings, then it is best to bring in as much sunlight as you can. Sunlight serves as a natural disinfectant and gets rid of any sort of dampness of anything exposed to the monsoon’s moisture. It is advisable to keep larger windows in mind while building your home and replace heavy curtains with light ones so that more sunlight can get through.
Expose your carpets and furniture to sunlight often. Furthermore, change your bed sheets and towels regularly. Moisture absorbers are also available easily which prevents your clothes, or any other item in your cupboard from getting damp. Your clothes, linen, and books can avoid becoming musty and damp by being stored in cabinets and wardrobes with moisture absorbers like gel packets.
Fill the Gaps Between Doors
To keep rainwater from entering the house, fill rubber seals at the bottom of the entrance door and balcony doors. Use silicone or foam sealants to fill in any gaps between doors and windows.
Weather strips are also an affordable alternative for sealing windows. This will help you a lot if you are trying to prevent rain from entering your home.
Protect Your Home From Getting Damp!
If your house has ever survived monsoon rains, you must be aware of how damp carpets and furniture can get. This dampness results in unpleasant smells which are difficult to get rid of.
One of the most common monsoon tips is to make a vinegar and lemon juice solution. Here is how you do it: put the mixture in a spray bottle and use it to spray the damp areas to completely get rid of the odour.
Furthermore, you can also store neem leaves in your closet during the rainy season to shield your clothing and books from unpleasant odours. If your house has started getting the slightest damp smells, it is a sign that you need to start working on getting rid of the smell as soon as possible!
What Else Can You Do To Protect Your Home From Monsoons?
You can temporarily move your furniture and carpets away from windows and doors at your home so they are safe from rainwater. Furthermore, you must keep your electronic devices in a higher place, and make sure to keep your valuables i.e. laptops, mobile phones, etc. away from windows and doors to avoid any potential damage.
Although some damage may be uncontrollable and will inevitably cause harmless damage, you need to take precautions especially if you reside in a region where monsoons are regular. Preparing for monsoons comes hand in hand with summer preparations if you are residing in Pakistan!
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