8 Things to Consider Replacing after the Rainy Season

Rain season varies depending on where you live, but most places get at least one each year. This deluge often occurs in early or late spring. After a period of heavy rain, take a look around your home to see if you need any maintenance for the seasons ahead.

Go through this checklist to see what damage has been done and what you should consider replacing.

Landscaping

Take a good look at your trees, bushes, garden areas, and all landscaping. Heavy rains can potentially damage these areas. If you don’t do a thorough inspection of these areas, you may not notice that damage has been done until later in the spring or even until the summer.

If any of your growing things have ee damaged, it’s better to find that out now. Trees, bushes, and woody plants can become a target for various pests once they've been damaged.

Foundations

Check for low areas near the foundation of your home. Any dips or gaps should be filled in. You don't want the water to pool up near the foundation, as this can cause serious damage that leads to huge problems.

Tightly pack new dirt into these low areas, let the dirt settle, and then pack more in. You can also add some sand to the dirt if you wish. Re-seed these areas with grass, a natural defense against water, and keep checking these areas every year.

Sump Pumps

Do you have a sump pump? Do you need a sump pump? If you have a basement and you have water problems in the basement, you should definitely consider getting one of these pumps and/or having your existing pump checked.

The sump pump will protect your basement from leaks and flooding that can occur during heavy spring rains.

Gutters

Always look over your gutters to see how they're draining. Make sure they're free of leaves and other debris that may prevent the water from draining properly.

Storm Drainage

If you get a lot of standing water in your yard, you want to think about addressing this issue. Standing water can actually do damage and even cause future problems like sinkholes. Consider simple DIY storm drainage solutions, such as rain barrels.

Lawn Damage

Check your lawn for low areas, little holes, dips, and curves. Places where water pools or where holes and bare patches have appeared should be filled in with dirt and re-seeded. Grow grass or other plants to fill in these bare areas and serve as a natural defense against drainage problems.

Roofing

You should always get a good look at your roof to check for loose and missing shingles and other areas of damage. If you find parts of the roof that are damaged, consult with a professional to have these areas fixed.

Inspect Wood

Check for loose wood and cracks in wood surfaces, such as all decking, fences, outdoor seating, window frames, and any other wood elements.

Carpenter ants love wet conditions and they will eat a great deal of wood. Small cracks, holes, and chips provide perfect nesting grounds. Seal up all cracks, fill up holes and chips and re-seal all wood as needed to keep it weather-resistant.

After the Rainy Season

Heavy rains can lead to a lot of work you have to do around your property. But once you get that maintenance done and make the necessary replacements and repairs, your home will be ready for summer. And in the long run, it'll cost you a lot less time, energy, and money to get home maintenance tasks and replacements done after the rains hit, instead of after rot or pests set in.

Get in the habit of performing regular maintenance every year after the rainy season to keep your property more trouble-free year round.