How to waterproof your house ahead of heatwave rain
One of the great certainties in life – apart from death and taxes – is the great British summer washout.
Be it gloomy days with endless rain, or – as has been the case – thunderous downpours that bring a catastrophic end to a scorching heat wave.
All of this already poses an occupational hazard to the five million properties in England that are at risk of flooding due to their location.
But even if you don’t live in a so-called ‘flood zone’, heavy rainfall can still cause major damage to your property.
So, is it possible to take preventive action and “waterproof” your home?
Water damage: Recent UK heat waves have ended with heavy downpours, which can cause serious damage to property
Look around you
Examine your home inside and out to look for possible openings such as cracks in the lintels above the doors and windows, external coatings or faulty joints that could allow water to enter.
For example, if you go into your attic and you see daylight, it means there is a way for the rain to get in.
“The old adage ‘fix your roof – or even part of your property – when the sun is shining’ is as true now as it has always been,” says Jonathan Rolande, real estate expert at housebuyfast.co.uk. “Sometimes a small repair solves a big problem.”
Empty gutters
We need gutters to collect the water on the roof and direct it away from the property. Therefore, it is vital to keep them free of moss, leaves and other debris.
If your gutters are sagging or water is running over the edge, this is a sign that they may be clogged.
“Blocked gutters cause the water to overflow,” says Chris Lawson, general manager of CK Architectural.
“This can then fall off the masonry, which is more vulnerable to penetration and staining, and once in the ground can saturate and damage the foundation.”
Cleaning gutters every two to three months is, he says, “an essential part of long-term home maintenance.”
To prevent clogging in the first place, Chris Ross, director of Direct Building Products, suggests regular pruning of trees around gutters.
“Or install gutter screens to keep leaves, pine needles, and other debris or wildlife from clogging your gutters and downspouts.”
After your gutters are cleared, Charlie Avara, general manager of All Done Design, suggests another helpful tip to install a brush known as a “gutter tile” held in place with zip ties. “This prevents the newly cleared gutter from filling up with debris again.”
Start at the top…
Roofs should be checked regularly for problems such as loose or missing tiles. Older roofs don’t have the benefit of a felt liner and so a cracked roof tile can quickly lead to water ingress and rot in the wooden rafters before you even notice it in the room below.
“Modern tile roofs have a lifespan of 30 to 35 years, but the thatch can decay more quickly and needs to be checked regularly,” says Chris Lawson.
Be aware that a hipped roof — where all sides slope down to the walls — can have valleys, where leaves and moss can build up, creating blockages that can force water through your home’s protective membranes.
As for flat roofs, Chris Ross points out that they are more prone to leaks than pitched roofs because they don’t have a slope for water to drain.
Check: To keep a home watertight, the roof should be assessed for loose or missing tiles
Another important aspect of making your home rainproof is keeping chimneys under control.
“Sometimes chimney pots can be open to the elements, allowing rain to seep in,” says architect Peregrine Mears. He proposes to intervene preventively by fitting the chimney with a hood that prevents rain from entering.
If you can’t get up on the roof to look, or don’t feel confident, get professional help. Or even rent a drone to take pictures for you. (Also useful for inspecting gutters).
…and finish at the bottom
Basement waterproofing is vital to prevent water from heavy rain from seeping in through the walls or floor.
“Check the wells, vents, and any exterior openings that can let rainwater in,” says Suzy Tiffany, director of home claims at More Than.
The most common way to waterproof your basement is a method known as “tanking,” which involves applying special waterproof coatings to the walls.
Fill those holes
If you have an old or wooden door, they sometimes have a gap underneath that allows rainwater to enter more easily than PVC doors. Investing in a waterproof draft excluder can help keep the water out.
Paint all wood windows every seven years, which protects the wood from the weather, says Charlie Avara.
“This also gives you the opportunity to assess and repair, render and grout the silicon.
Applying sealant or weatherstripping to openings helps keep rain out.
If there are any gaps between the window frame and where the caulk begins, you can use weatherstripping to fill these spaces.
