Not many other parts of the country prepare for a prolonged rainy season like we do here in the NW. Anyone who has lived here more than 2 years sees the benefits of preparing their property for the wet months to come. There are tasks we can do now which will help in 2 ways: we won’t have unnecessary repairs due to water intrusion or damage; and we won’t have to do those repairs in the rain! The dry heat of August and early September is the cue to get ready for the moister months ahead:

• Check windows for leaks with a garden hose. Re-caulk seals on doors and windows. This can help increase your home’s energy efficiency, also.
• Inspect fencing and play sets. Reinforce and re-finish as needed.
• Power wash and reseal your deck. This will help identify areas to repair, and make the deck less slippery when wet.
• Check your faucets. We use them here in the NW in the summer, then forget about them until April. See if they need servicing now.
• Clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct. Though rare, clogged lint and dust in your dryer vents could cause a house fire. Vacuum out the duct and have a look at the vent on the outside of the house. A broken vent door is a good place for rodents to enter.
• Early one weekend morning, check in your crawlspace and attic for insulation issues. Damaged/wet insulation should be checked out more closely. Missing insulation should be added prior to the cold nights of late September.
• Clean out gutters and downspouts. Use a ladder and toss the debris into a compost bucket as you go.
• Fill cracks on cement patio, walkway or driveway with flexible concrete caulk. More water in there isn’t going to make the slab any stronger.