Beat the Rain: Expert Strategies and Must-Have Tools for Waterproofing Your Home

Water damage is one of the most destructive forces that can jeopardize your home. Temporary exposure to rain or water leaks can damage drywall, upholsteries, and wood finishes. Slow leaks that you don’t catch can ruin your home’s insulation, start to soften the structural beams within your walls, and lead to outbreaks of hazardous mold and mildew. The best defense is proactively waterproofing your home. Use this guide to keep rainy weather completely out of your home. We cover how to inspect your home for potential leaks, how to repair the exterior of your home, and easy maintenance tips for all-weather protection.

Assess Your Home for Water Risks

Water can find its way into your home through virtually any gap in the roof, walls, entryways, and windows. Inspect your home with these simple tips:

• Check the edges of your foundation for pooling water, which can seep into the basement or crawlspace.
• Visually inspect your doorways and windows for moisture. See if water drops are getting past the seal, and feel along the edges for soft or damp wood.
• Look inside your attic during the day. If you see spots of sunlight, that may be a gap that rain can get through.

You can also look for signs of moisture already in your home. These include darkened or soft patches of wood, discolored drywall, water spots, and mold.

Essential Waterproofing Strategies

Even if you don’t have any leaks or gaps in your home’s building envelope, it’s important to proactively waterproof the entire structure. Regularly clean out and inspect your gutters and downspouts to make sure they can send water away from your home’s foundation. Also, replace any missing or broken shingles and flashing on your home’s roof before the start of the rainy season so water doesn’t have a chance to get through. 

Next, check the weatherstripping around your windows and exterior doors. Stripping can wear down or rip over time. Replace any that is worn down, ragged, or missing. This will help keep moisture—and pests—from getting through. You can also replace the caulking on windowsills and door frames if you notice any gaps or holes. Caulk stops moisture from getting inside your exterior walls.

Whenever you make repairs or updates to your foundation or exterior walls, also be sure to refresh the sealants and moisture barrier products as needed.

Must-Have Tools and Products for Waterproofing Your Home

Waterproofing supplies are built to be water-resistant and long-lasting. Ensure you have everything you need at your home so you can easily make repairs and complete maintenance projects. Some of the supplies that will always be useful to keep ready in your garage include:

• Silicone sealant and caulk, as well as a caulk gun for easy application
• Sealants and waterproof paint, as well as painter’s tape for crisp lines and a paint roller
• Extra weather stripping for quick repairs
• Water detectors near potential leaks so you don’t have to worry about not noticing long-term water damage
• Safety gear, such as gloves and masks, for more in-depth jobs
• Emergency patches for sealing up holes on your roof, especially if your region gets hail storms

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Home Dry

Along with making repairs once you notice damage or wear, maintain a schedule of routine touchups and assessments to keep your home dry. This can include:

• Walking the perimeter of your home to check for damage
• Cleaning the gutters and downspouts
• Inspecting past leaks to make sure repairs held

Protect Your Home From Rainy Weather and Leaks at Clarks Ace Hardware

Waterproofing your home now can prevent costly damage later. At Clarks Ace Hardware, we have the tools and materials you need to protect your home before every rainy season, and emergency supplies for a sudden leak. Visit our hardware store for advice from our friendly expert team, and get everything you need for a dry, safe home.