The monsoons, however welcome, are not something that treat our homes kindly. The transition between hot and cold weather causes buildings to contract and expand, and this may bring some damage. Humidity, dampness and constant moisture can bring fungus, rot, seepage and wood expansion. Protecting your home from the monsoon should be a preplanned exercise and can help bring down the damage.
Here are some tips to help you protect your home this monsoon.
1. Making The Roof And Walls Waterproof
Do a thorough check of your roof and walls for cracks from which the rainwater can seep through. These cracks should be remedied immediately and a waterproof coating should be applied in order to seal these cracks. Unsure if you have cracks? Check your paint – peeling paint is a sure shot sign of dampness and water seeping through.
If you are looking for a more permanent solution for your leakage issues consider investing in tiles.Elevation tiles, roof tiles, andwall tiles can not only help protect your exterior walls, roof, and walls from water related damage, but also provide you with a look you will love and cherish. Tiles are manufactured using materials like ceramic, porcelain, and vitrified. These materials have low porosity and absorb minimal water, preventing water seepage and water damage.
2. Repair The Pipes, Remove Stagnant water
Check your house and the surrounding area for any likely stagnation. Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes and also weakens the structure of the building. It is best to remove all kinds of debris from the drainage and rainwater pipes so that water does not back up and accumulate water. Checking pipes, both internal and external, for cracks and breaks can help reduce leakage, water seepage, and dampness.
Adding rubber gaskets at the base of doors, especially on doors leading to the balcony or the entrance door can be highly beneficial in stopping rain water from entering into your home. This is especially useful if you live in an area where flooding is common. Silicon and foam sealants should be employed to fill the gap between doors, walls, and windows to seal all possible gaps. An inexpensive way to seal windows is by using weather strips.
4. Check Your Wiring For Exposed Wires
Get an electrician to check the wiring in your home to ensure there are no exposed wires. Make sure that your wires, doorbells, and other switchboards do not come into direct contact with water to prevent getting an electric shock. It is best to unplug all electronics and appliances when not in use during monsoons to prevent them from getting shorted.
5. Protect Your Upholstery, Carpets, Linens, And Other Clothing Items
Carpets can prove to be a breeding ground for mildew, mould and all sorts of germs during the wet season. If you have a removable carpet or rug in your home, it is best to roll it up and store it in a cool and dry place for the duration of the rainy season. Make sure you do not place wet items (including wet or damp clothed people) on your sofa or armchairs to prevent your upholstery from getting damp and musty.
Place plenty of moisture absorbers, such as silica gel packets, in the cupboards and almirahs used to store your linen and clothes. This will help prevent dampness from seeping through your cupboards and keep your belongings from developing a musty smell.
6. Switch Out Your Heavy Drapes
Rainy days bring in some gloom with the sun playing hide and seek. Change your heavy curtains to something more light. Opt for light and sheer curtains that will help bring in more natural light into your home. The entrance of natural light can help kill microbes and acts as a disinfectant. It also helps refresh your home and get rid of the musty smell that may persist.
7. Add An Awning To Your Open Spaces
If you live in an area that experiences very heavy bouts of rainfall, there is a high probability of the water entering your home through the porch area, terrace, or balcony. Adding awnings over your verandah or balcony can help prevent the water from entering these spaces in the first place. These awnings can be temporary or permanent, depending upon your need. The addition of an awning can also help protect your outdoor furniture.
Monsoons are a yearly ritual and protecting your home needs to be too. Keep the above points in mind while readying your home for the monsoon and reduce the post-monsoon maintenance and repair.
At Orientbell Tiles, we manufacture high-quality tiles to suit every part of your home – be it indoors or outdoors. Looking for tiles for your home? Check out our entire range of tiles on our website or visit a store near you. While on the website be sure to check TraiLook, the revolutionary tile visualisation tool that makes tile selection and tile buying a breeze.
Mannika Mitra brings a wealth of experience to her role as Digital Content and Marketing Manager at Orientbell Tiles, having been associated with the company for the past 5 years. With a total of 12 years in the industry, Mannika holds an Arts degree from Delhi University and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication. Her journey has seen her excel as a digital producer at esteemed news agencies like ANI, NDTV, and Hindustan Times.
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