7 Quick Things You Can Do to Prepare Your Home for the Rainy Season

They’ve always said that “April showers bring May flowers,” but June is actually the wettest month in the United States.

I wonder if the expression came about to mollify our dismay at having to endure wet, gray weather as we’re on the cusp of warmth and sunshine.

In any case, I personally am used to rain nearly every day in the summer in Florida. Afternoon thunderstorms, though they wreak havoc on swim lesson schedules and summer plans in general (hello, rained out beach week), are also a relief from the heat, water our gardens, and are downright cozy when enjoyed on the back porch.

Wherever you are in the country (or maybe the world?), and however you feel about rain, it’s going to affect you — and it’s going to affect your house. Putting in some preparation work before the wet season comes prevents the inconvenience of rain from becoming a bigger problem.

Pausing to realize rainy season is approaching may prompt you to make sure your umbrellas are in the car and that your rain gear is ready. This weekend, you’re also going to pick one thing you can do to make your home ready to get rained on.

Here are some options to choose from:

• Clean out your gutters and downspouts, or schedule an appointment to have it done. Also make sure to route downspout water to where you want it to go.
• Check your roof and, if you have them, check your skylights to address potential leaks.
• Inspect weatherstripping on your doors and windows. Leaking water can lead to mold and wood rot.
• Clear debris from your street grates so that water can flow where it’s supposed to.
• Protect your outdoor furniture, grills, tools, firewood, etc. Your teak table may need to be resealed, or you may want to invest in a waterproof grill cover or outdoor storage bench for stowing outdoor cushions away from the rain. A weighted-down tarp is perfect for keeping firewood dry.
• Prepare for flooding in vulnerable areas of your home. If your basement has flooded in the past, for example, make sure all your items are off the floor on risers or on shelving.
• Check your insurance coverage. I know, boring, but it’ll give you peace of mind.

You can catch up with weekend projects right here. Share your progress with us and others by posting updates and photos on Instagram and Twitter with the hashtag #atweekendproject.

Remember: This is about improvement, not perfection. Each week you can either choose to work on the assignment we’ve sent you, or tackle another project you’ve been meaning to get to. It’s also completely okay to skip a weekend if you’re busy or not feeling the assignment.