Homes in the Philippines are constantly subjected to two extremes of weather: torrential downpours and sweltering heat. According to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), an average of 20 typhoons hit the country every year, five of which are considered destructive.
Over time, even buildings constructed sturdily will suffer from cracks, water leaks, mildew, mold, and rotting when left uncared for. Homes that are not weatherproofed will be unable to keep their dwellers safe from the elements, especially during the monsoon and typhoon season.
Here are a few steps that can make a difference in safeguarding your home.
Check Your Roof
The roof is the first line of defense against heavy rains, so it should be checked at least twice a year. Inspect the roof for rust and holes and replace or repair any cracked shingles or roof ridges that need to be done. If no one in the household can conduct this, it is recommended to hire a professional.
Moreover, gutter cleaning is essential in ensuring that rainwater is correctly channeled away to keep leaves from clogging gutters and avoid large branches falling on your home. Be sure also to cut down any tree branches hanging over the roof. Removing any potentially unstable constructions is a good idea in the event of high winds.
Water might also leak into the walls if the eaves are damaged. If the eaves display yellow or brown patches or indicate sagging, it is time to replace them.
Weatherproof the inside of your home
Do a quick assessment of the ceilings, walls, and floors. Any discoloration, paint bubbles, or dark stains on the walls or ceilings indicate that water has already entered the home. Moisture not only affects the beauty of the house's interior but may also affect appliances, furniture, other home items, and even people's health.
External leak-starting points should be sealed if at all possible. Another option is to use the asbestos-free and lightweight HardieFlex products as flooring, ceiling, and wall replacement for damaged or broken portions. These goods are all resistant to moisture damage.
Inspect Your Electrical Wirings
Working on electrical wiring is extremely dangerous in the rainy season, so it's best to check for any problems with your home's wiring before it begins. Because the possibility of electrocution is so high during the rainy season, you must follow these guidelines for electrical safety:
Ensure that all electrical equipment, wires, and cables adhere to FCC guidelines.
Keep an eye out for any electrical damage to your gadgets and equipment.
Switch the power off before plugging in or plugging out an appliance.
Immediate replacement of worn-out electrical components is required.
When not in use, always turn off any appliances.
Avoid using high-voltage equipment during storms.
Most importantly, we would advise against inspecting and maintaining your electrical wiring by yourself. We understand that you might want to minimize the cost of simple maintenance work, but it is always not the best idea to do a complex job unassisted.
Prepare for floods
If you live in a low-lying neighborhood, you're at risk of experiencing flooding this year, just like last year and the year before.
If flooding is a regular occurrence, start by raising delicate and valuable appliances. Put vital documents in waterproof cases and relocate them to higher grounds. It would be better if you relocated electrical cords off the floor to prevent possible electrocution.
Building on stilts or higher ground are the obvious housing choices for flood-prone areas.
Another approach to prevent floodwater from entering a property is ensuring that the structure is significantly watertight or at least its walls, up until the projected floodwater level, are impermeable. Ways to do this include coating the walls with a waterproofing compound, sealing the walls with plastic sheeting or impermeable membranes, adding an extra layer of brickwork, and securing them with watertight shields.
Additionally, sandbagging and building barriers are quick and easy ways to keep water out of our homes. Floodwaters can be kept out of a specific location using flood barriers, such as clay, sandbag, concrete, or steel.
The rainy season doesn’t have to imply floods and destroyed homes! If we foresee the probable damages caused by rain and actively plan our homes for the monsoon season, we will be amazed at the rewards of our hard work.
Worry less about the passing elements by keeping your residence prepared to weather the torrential rains or the very warm summers.
At JCVA, we help ensure you preserve your home and maintain your family’s safety. We create various solutions to avoid future costly repairs, replacements, and damages. Need to build a more resilient home? Contact us at info@jcvassociates.ph and visit www.jcvassociates.ph to know more about our service offerings.
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